From Jake Butt and Sean McKeon to Luke Schoonmaker and Colston Loveland, the Michigan Wolverines have become accustomed to having great play from the tight end position in recent years. Even though the current roster doesn’t appear to have a star tight end just yet — and also lost starting tight end Marlin Klein to the NFL Draft this offseason — there is plenty of depth and versatility at the position for the offense to succeed in 2026.
The group is expected to be led by Zack Marshall, Deakon Tonielli
and Hogan Hansen. Marshall and Tonielli are seniors that burst onto the scene last season and should carry that momentum into this year. Meanwhile, Hansen had a very promising start to his college career back in 2024, but has struggled with injuries ever since.
Marshall appeared in all 13 games a season ago, recording 16 receptions for 199 yards and one touchdown. His breakout performance was a five-catch, 72-yard day at The Big House vs Washington. Despite not having eye-popping statistics, the 6-foot-4, 245-pounder improved a lot throughout the season and could develop into the go-to guy this fall.
Tonielli also played in every game last season, and even though he wasn’t as productive as Marshall — only recording eight receptions and 72 yards — he has the potential to be a starting-caliber player. The 6-foot-5, 246-pounder has the length, strength and size to be a real difference-maker, and he will likely be a more consistent contributor this fall.
Meanwhile, Hansen appeared in just four games last season due to injuries, compiling six catches for 74 yards. The 6-foot-5, 240-pounder totaled seven receptions for 78 yards and one touchdown as a freshman in 2024, so he has been a legitimate threat in the past. Remaining healthy will be key for Hansen this year.
“I’m just excited to be healthy, and go out and play healthy without any limitations,” Hansen told the media during spring ball last month. “I’m excited to get back to it and build off my freshman year. Last year maybe wasn’t the greatest, how I saw it play out for myself, so just scratch all that with a new offense, new staff, and go out and get it this year.”
No matter who ends up being the starter, Michigan’s tight end room is certainly in good hands heading into the fall. There may not be a true lead man at the position as of now, but Marshall, Tonielli and Hansen should provide the Wolverines with enough explosiveness in the passing game and physicality in the rushing attack to be among the Big Ten’s best tight end units.
