The Michigan Wolverines sit at 3-1 and 1-0 in Big Ten play at the first bye week of the year. Each position group has contributed in a positive way at times, but some units have been clearly better than
others.
Here are our grades for each position group with eight games remaining in the regular season.
Quarterbacks: B+
Bryce Underwood hasn’t been perfect but he’s been solid in the first four games of his career, completing 58-of-102 passes for 733 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. In addition to elevating the passing attack, the freshman has made a major impact in the running game — racking up 169 yards, three touchdowns and one fumble lost on 7.7 yards per carry.
Underwood has to improve his accuracy and avoid turnovers, but he’s already one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the Big Ten. Imagine where he’ll be towards the end of the year.
Running backs: A-
Justice Haynes has been even better than advertised, becoming the first running back in program history to start with three consecutive 100-yard performances — and he’s done it in four straight games now. He ranks first in the Big Ten and third in the country in rushing yards (537) and is tied for the nation’s most 50-yard runs (four).
There isn’t much room for improvement here, but it would help if Jordan Marshall could continue his recent momentum (132 rushing yards and three touchdowns in the last two games) following a slow start.
Wide receivers: B-
The wide receivers have been subpar so far this season, and they need to produce at a higher level to balance out the offense. Donaven McCulley’s blend of athleticism and length have been a nice addition, leading the team with 13 receptions for 197 yards. Semaj Morgan (11 catches for 143 yards) and Channing Goodwin (team-best 16 yards per catch) have also contributed, but they lead the team with four drops each. Meanwhile, Andrew Marsh has gotten into the mix lately and we could see his usage increase as the season progresses.
Tight ends: B-
Marlin Klein exploded for a career-high six catches for 93 yards and a touchdown in the season opener, but a lower-body injury has set him back since then. The bye week should help Klein continue to recover and potentially get back to 100 percent, which will be key for the passing and running game going forward.
Max Bredeson and Zack Marshall have made a real impact as blockers, while Hogan Hansen has three catches for 43 yards in limited action. The tight ends have been fine, but it’s important to be even more productive as the Big Ten schedule ramps up, and Klein’s status will be pivotal to the success of the unit.
Offensive line: C
The offensive line is fresh off its most impressive showing at Nebraska, which is certainly a good sign for the future following a poor start to the season. Michigan ranks 22nd in pass blocking (77.7 grade) and 30th in run blocking (69.4) in the country, according to Pro Football Focus. Greg Crippen and Andrew Sprague have performed like All-Big Ten players at center and right tackle, respectively, but the rest of the unit has been a mixed bag. Giovanni El-Hadi and Brady Norton getting hurt forced Nathan Efobi and Jake Guarnera into the lineup sooner than expected, and Evan Link has been inconsistent at left tackle.
Defensive line: B+
The defensive line room came into the season with lofty expectations and have been good, not great so far. Michigan has the 14th-best rush defense (91.5 grade), which is nothing to complain about, but the 58th-best pass rush (72.0) is a slight cause for concern. With the likes of Derrick Moore, TJ Guy, Cameron Brant, and Jaishawn Barham now seemingly a full-time edge rusher, the Wolverines were expected to have a much more effective pass rush. It appears the run defense is the strong suit of the unit this season, as Rayshaun Benny (nine tackles and 1.5 sacks), Damon Payne Jr., Trey Pierce and Tre Williams create a scary interior defense.
Linebackers: A
The linebackers have been simply dominant this season and are the undisputed best unit on the team. Ernest Hausmann leads Michigan in tackles (28), Jaishawn Barham leads the team in sacks (three), and Cole Sullivan leads the Wolverines in interceptions (two). Jimmy Rolder has been solid as well as is second on the team in tackles with 21.
Putting Barham at edge has completely altered the ceiling of the defense — creating more pressure without having to blitz and allowing an extra linebacker to get on the field. The recent move paid off, as Barham has three sacks in the last two games, while Sullivan’s earned a more consistent role.
Secondary: B
The secondary has definitely been the weakest link of the defense thus far, but there have been glimpses of upside, as the unit has an 89.2 pass coverage grade (22nd in the nation).
Jyaire Hill (team-high three pass breakups) has cemented himself as the premier cornerback, while Jayden Sanders has emerged as a starter just four weeks into his true freshman season. The trio of Brandyn Hillman, TJ Metcalf and Jaden Mangham have asserted themselves atop the safety rotation. And with Rod Moore finally back as well, the secondary should only continue to make positive strides.
Special teams: B-
Dominic Zvada failed to find a rhythm in the early stages of the season — missing two field goal attempts from less than 50 yards — but his performance against Nebraska (3-of-3 on field goals, including a 56-yarder) should help boost some confidence.
Semaj Morgan is the primary punt returner and he hasn’t made an impact whatsoever, with seven returns going for just seven total yards. He also muffed a punt in the season opener — although it was recovered by Michigan — so perhaps this is an area the Wolverines could look to address and have somebody else return punts after the bye week.
Lastly, Hudson Hollenbeck (41.6 yards per punt) has been inconsistent so far in 2025, so there’s plenty of room for growth going forward.
