When Michigan announced its spring captains earlier this month, the inclusion of defensive tackle Trey Pierce quietly stood out as one of the more surprising — yet, in hindsight, obvious — selections.
Under new head coach Kyle Whittingham, Michigan is reshaping its identity on both sides of the ball. On defense, however, one reality stands out: the interior defensive line is thin, and proven production is limited. That reality instantly elevates Pierce into a role that requires him to be a foundational
piece in 2026. Michigan can scheme around youth in the secondary, but what it cannot afford is instability in the middle of the front.
That’s where Pierce becomes essential. In 2025, he was one of the anchors of a run defense that finished among the nation’s top units, holding opponents to less than 112 rushing yards per game. Like any good interior lineman, Pierce won’t light up the stat sheet, but he consistently holds the point of attack and prevents offensive lines from climbing cleanly to the second level — the kind of work that’s invisible until it’s missing.
And heading into 2026, Michigan cannot afford for one of its longest-tenured strengths to go missing.
Pierce’s 2025 tape shows exactly why Michigan will be so dependent on him in 2026. He has started 13 straight games and has appeared in 39 games during his career. His overall run defense grade is the best among all returning Michigan defenders, and notably higher than Michigan’s lone interior transfer addition this offseason in Jonah Lea’ea. Additionally, Pierce tallied more than 400 defensive snaps last season and grades out as one of Michigan’s highest-rated returning defenders overall. In fact, only Rayshaun Benny posted higher marks at the position in 2025.
That distinction matters even more when you look at the roster behind him. Right now, Michigan’s interior depth projects to lean on Enow Etta, Manuel Biegel, Chibi Anwunah and Deyvid Palepale. All are developmental players, and none have proven they can carry starter-level volume. Unless another defensive lineman is added before the fall, Pierce is far and away the most experienced option in the room.
With turnover across multiple defensive position groups, Michigan needs at least one rock-solid, plug-and-play presence in the middle. Pierce is the closest thing the Wolverines have to that, and now is his time to grasp the opportunity in front of him.
