Andrew Marsh enters 2026 as one of Michigan’s most important pieces, and the expectations around him are only getting bigger after what he already showed as a true freshman.
The Wolverines’ top receiving threat a season ago lands at No. 6 in the Michigan on SI staff ranking of the program’s 25 most impactful players for 2026, and the case is pretty clear: Marsh was already the most reliable option in the passing game, and now he’s positioned to be even more central to what Michigan does offensively.
His freshman season gave the staff plenty to work with. Marsh finished with 45 catches for 651 yards, both team highs, and he saved his biggest performance for Nov. 15 against Northwestern, when he piled up 12 receptions for 189 yards and earned Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors. By the end of the year, he had added college freshman All-American recognition and an Honorable Mention All-Conference nod.
That production matters even more now because Michigan’s receiver room is still taking shape around him. Marsh brings the one thing every young quarterback wants: familiarity. He already has an established connection with Bryce Underwood, and that relationship should give Underwood a steadier target as he looks to find his rhythm early in the season.
Underwood had his ups and downs as a true freshman, and the Wolverines will need dependable pass catchers around him. Marsh has already shown he can be that guy.
Michigan has long leaned on its run game, but the modern game demands more balance, and Marsh is set to be a major part of that shift. With a receiving core full of newcomers, he stands as the clear anchor of the passing attack.
Head coach Kyle Whittingham made that obvious in the spring when he discussed the depth chart at wide receiver.
“Andrew Marsh, he’s a tremendous talent,” Whittingham said. “That’s very evident.
And Jamie Ffrench, that we brought in from Texas, has done a really nice job. Salesi Moa, our true freshman, has really looked sharp in the workouts.
JJ Buchanan, transfer from Utah. Those are probably the top four.
If Underwood starts clicking and Whittingham, along with new offensive coordinator Jason Beck, opens things up through the air, Marsh has the kind of ceiling that can change the shape of Michigan’s offense.
A repeat as the team’s receiving leader looks well within reach, and the expectation here is that he pushes past 1,000 receiving yards.
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