Michigan’s 2025 season isn’t one we’ll necessarily look back on with fond memories. However, there are still some good things that happened this season, including some impressive sophomores that made big
strides from their freshman year.
Here are the five players who made the biggest leaps in 2025.
RB Jordan Marshall
Running back Jordan Marshall ended the year as Michigan’s highest-graded offensive player, according to Pro Football Focus. He was on the field for 314 snaps in 2025 compared to just 57 in 2024. Marshall earned All-Big Ten accolades, including a second-team media selection and third-team coaches selection. He just missed the 1,000-yard mark in the regular season, rushing for 932 yards and 10 touchdowns on 150 carries. He also had nine catches for 92 yards. That’s certainly an impressive leap from his performance in the bowl game in 2024, even after having to sit behind Justice Haynes for part of the year.
RT Andrew Sprague
It’s pretty wild that Andrew Sprague went from playing 73 snaps in 2024 to 740 in 2025. He improved his PFF grade from 63.9 to 69.4, and his performance earned him an All-Big Ten Selection (honorable mention from the coaches and media). The offensive line improved throughout the season, and Sprague was pretty consistent from start to finish. Michigan’s offense has always been so dependent on winning in the trenches, and while you could tell he’s a young player at times, he still made a huge leap forward and will play a pivotal role again next year.
RG Jake Guarnera
Jake Guarnerra also received an All-Big Ten honorable mention from coaches and media this season, which is pretty impressive for a sophomore who only appeared in five games last season. He ended the year with slightly less impressive grades on PFF, at 68.7, but he still took a major step forward in how many snaps (624) he played. He got better as the season went on, and it’ll be interesting to see if he makes an even bigger leap next season.
LB Cole Sullivan
Cole Sullivan made a huge leap from year one to year two. While PFF wasn’t exactly kind to him in its grading, there’s no denying Sullivan had a major impact when he was on the field. He came away with 37 tackles, including five tackles for loss, and also had three interceptions and a fumble recovery. Sullivan went from playing primarily special teams as a freshman to having a crucial role on defense in 2025. He’s one of those players that could take another major step forward if he’s back for year three.
DB Mason Curtis
Mason Curtis was one of Michigan’s highest-graded defensive players this season, as he ended the season with a 77.6 grade and a 78.8 grade in coverage. He went from 100 snaps in 2024 to 369 this season. He had 34 tackles, one interception, one pass breakup and one sack. Michigan will need him to continue taking steps forward given the Big Ten’s strong passing offenses and schedule next season.
