Spring ball gave Michigan Football fans a glimpse into the future, but as always, some questions remain unanswered. While a few positions look locked in, others are trending in a direction, and a handful are still very much up for grabs. As we head into the summer months before fall camp, here’s where every key position battle stands for the Wolverines.
Quarterback: Underwood is the man, but QB2 is up for grabs
There’s no drama at the top: Bryce Underwood is QB1, and head coach Kyle Whittingham has made that crystal clear. Even with true freshman Tommy Carr impressing in the spring game with smart decision-making and poise, the job belongs to Underwood. The real intrigue lies in the battle for the backup spot. Carr took all the second-team reps this spring and looks to have the inside track, but keep an eye on Colorado State transfer Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi once he arrives on campus this summer. This one could heat up quickly.
Running Back: Marshall leads, Hiter arrives, and depth is solid
The backfield is taking shape nicely. Jordan Marshall is the clear RB1, and freshman Savion Hiter is already turning heads. Whittingham has been open about Hiter’s immediate role, saying, “His future is very, very bright, and it starts now. He’ll be getting carries from game one.” Behind them, Bryson Kuzdzal has proven he can handle a heavy workload, locking him in as the No. 3 option. With Micah Ka’apana out for the season, the next man up could be Jonathan Brown or Tomas O’Meara, but that fourth spot may still shift before the season kicks off.
Wide Receiver: Top four are set, but the rotation needs depth
The receiver room is starting to tighten up. According to Whittingham, Andrew Marsh, J.J. Buchanan, Salesi Moa, and Jaime Ffrench are the top four options right now. That’s a solid core, but everything after that remains a work in progress. Players like Channing Goodwin, Kendrick Bell, Travis Johnson, and Jamar Browder are all in the mix for playing time. There’s plenty of time to solidify the rotation this summer, but it’s encouraging to see some clarity emerging after spring ball.
As the Wolverines head into summer workouts, these battles will only intensify. For fans and gear lovers alike, it’s the perfect time to stock up on Michigan Football apparel and get ready for what promises to be an exciting season.