In the last few years, the Michigan football team had a few occasions where they needed to make a quick call. Fortunately, the Wolverines’ corners often picked up the phone.
From Rod Moore’s clincher in The Game in 2023 to Mike Sainristil’s dagger in the National Championship to Will Johnson’s 42-yard pick six against USC in 2024, Michigan’s cornerbacks have more often than not delivered when the Wolverines needed a big play. And with Michigan retaining some experience in 2026, while also having to patch
the hole in the ship left by some departures, more of the same will be expected this year.
The starters: Jyaire Hill, Zeke Berry, Smith Snowden
There isn’t much to be said about Hill and Berry that hasn’t already been said. The two are retaining their starting jobs from the last couple years and will join defensive lineman Trey Pierce as the leaders on this young, retooled defense. Berry was Michigan’s Defensive Skill Player of the Year in 2024, and Hill took home that nod in 2025 — as far as starting cornerbacks go, Michigan could do a lot worse.
The only “unknown” quantity among the starters is Snowden, but he himself is hardly a nobody. Spending three years at Utah, he started all 13 games for the Utes last season and put up 37 tackles, 11 pass breakups and two interceptions. He even played snaps on offense. A highly versatile cornerback with the ideal frame to man the nickel spot, Snowden rounds out this starting group nicely.
The rotation: Shamari Earls
As opposed to the high-end talent at the top, there isn’t a considerable pool of depth for the Wolverines to call from at corner, but one player looks to be a substantial part of the rotation. Earls was a true freshman and played in six games last season, and he flashed some promise despite being limited by an injury. Though not a starter, he will likely play a big role on defense this year as the first corner off the bench. I wouldn’t be shocked to see him play in most, if not all, of the games in 2026.
Other names to know
Here is where it gets a little murkier, with not a considerable amount of experience after the top four. Jo’Ziah Edmond is a redshirt sophomore who could be a candidate for more playing time. Jamarion Vincent is a true freshman who’s gotten some buzz in camp. Former wide receiver I’Marion Stewart is now playing cornerback, so it’ll be interesting to see if he cracks the rotation at all. Others include junior Jeremiah Lowe and graduate student Josh Nichols.
Verdict
I think it’s reasonable to be concerned about the relative shallowness of this room. But on the flip side, the starters are just so good — potentially best-in-the-Big-Ten good — that I’m willing to overlook it and be generous with my grading.
