Michigan could be deep at edge rusher during the 2026 season. John Henry Daley transferred to Michigan via Utah; Dominic Nichols is poised to make an impact; Cameron Brandt brings a veteran presence to the unit; Lugard Edopayi is ascending; and then there are up-and-comers like Carter Meadows and Tariq Boney, who will be receiving snaps. However, it could be Nate Marshall who’s the best of the bunch, according to Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham.
“He has really grown up in the last eight months,”
Whittingham said. “Knock on wood. Hopefully, he can stay on that trajectory. He’s one of the best pass rushers on the team, if not the best pure pass rusher. He’s got a real talent for bending the edge and getting his hips turned, and getting to the QB.”
A top 50 recruit in the class of 2025, the 6-foot-3, 248-pound defensive end could be one of Michigan’s best surprises this season if he’s at the ability level that Whittingham believes. Whittingham saying he’s one of the best pass rushers on the team, if not the best, is all the more interesting considering John Henry Daley had 11.5 sacks. Daley could be Michigan’s best pass rusher since Aidan Hutchinson.
For Marshall, it sounds like the mental side of the game is what he needed to improve upon the most this offseason, something Whittngham applauded him for.
“He’s a very emotional guy, but he’s really harnessed that and really become a really good teammate,” Whittingham said. “He needs to be commended. Because the first few months were kind of rocky with Nate, but he’s really settled in and proud of how far he’s come. If he can stay on the track he’s on right now, he’s got a very bright future.”
