Following the spring game on Saturday, the Michigan Wolverines have now completed their first spring session under new head coach Kyle Whittingham. Over the last few weeks, we’ve been able to get a better idea of who might be making the biggest impact for the Wolverines on the defensive side of the ball. With that said, here’s a look at how we think the depth chart might be looking based on what we’ve heard and observed this spring.
* Asterisk denotes players that will be joining the team in the summer
Depth: Jonah Lea’ea, Deyvid Palepale, Travis Moten, Chibi Anwunah, Alister Vallejo*, Titan Davis*, Bobby Kanka, Ted Hammond
The defensive tackle spot is one of the thinner ones on the roster this season, but Trey Pierce and Enow Etta at the top offer some encouragement. This position kind of has a similar feel to how it did entering 2024, and while Pierce and Etta might not be as talented as Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant, they’ll likely be relied on for some really heavy workloads.
Fortunately, Michigan did get Jonah Lea’ea from Utah out of the transfer portal, and he should play a meaningful role up the middle of the defense. Later this summer, Michigan will get freshmen Alister Vallejo and Titan Davis on campus, which should help the situation. Vallejo especially has gotten some Graham comparisons during his recruiting process, and although he wasn’t with the program this spring, he could be someone that ascends the depth chart quickly.
Starters: John Henry Daley (returning from injury), Cameron Brandt
Depth: Dominic Nichols, Nate Marshall, Lugard Edokpayi, Benny Patterson, Carter Meadows*, Julius Holly, McHale Blade
Michigan’s edge rusher group was another one that faced some attrition this offseason, but it looks to be in decent shape coming out of the spring. John Henry Daley is going to be the X-factor for the group once he is fully recovered from his Achilles injury. He should be ready to go by the start of the season.
Behind Daley, Cameron Brandt, Dominic Nichols and Nate Marshall all figure to get plenty of opportunities in 2026. 6-foot-7 Lugard Edokpayi also impressed in the spring game and could be a name to watch.
If there’s another X-factor in the group, it could be five-star freshman Carter Meadows, who will join the program this summer. Like Vallejo, Meadows could climb the depth chart fast thanks to his freakish athleticism and pedigree. He could drastically raise the ceiling of the rotation if he plays a big role this season.
Depth: Chase Taylor, Nathaniel Staehling, Aisea Moa, Max Alford, Markel Dabney, Kaden Catchings
Earlier this spring, Whittingham mentioned Troy Bowles, Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng and Chase Taylor as the top three linebackers right now, and there’s little reason to deviate from that for this prediction. Bowles is the most experienced of the group, while Owusu-Boateng and Taylor are both young with plenty of potential.
The group is light on experience this year, which makes Nathaniel Staehling’s presence so important. Even though he might not have the upside other guys in the room have, his experience at North Dakota State the last four years could be beneficial, especially early on. Further down the depth chart are transfers Aisea Moa and Max Alford, who could see snaps in spot duty.
True freshman Markel Dabney could be a name to watch in fall camp, as he had an impressive spring and made his presence felt on Saturday with a big hit on a goal-line stand in the fourth quarter.
Starters: Jyaire Hill, Zeke Berry, Smith Snowden (Nickel)
Depth: Shamari Earls, Jo’Ziah Edmond, Jamarion Vincent, Jeremiah Lowe, Joshua Nichols
Cornerback is probably the strongest position on paper for the Wolverines’ defense entering the summer thanks to some high-upside players and experience. Jyaire Hill and Zeke Berry are the unquestioned starters on the outside, with Utah transfer Smith Snowden stepping into the nickel spot.
One player who could force his way into the rotation is sophomore Shamari Earls. He came to Michigan as a highly regarded recruit, but had a ways to go in his development and didn’t play a role for last year’s defense. His physical tools and size were never a question, so perhaps another offseason of seasoning should have him ready to make some contributions.
Another name to watch in fall camp will be true freshman Jamarion Vincent. He was one of the team’s standouts during the spring and while he faces an uphill battle for playing time, he could factor in if he stays on track this offseason.
Starters: Chris Bracy, Rod Moore (returning from injury)