Michigan football’s fall camp has already given the spotlight to the obvious names, and Bryce Underwood is getting the attention that comes with being Bryce Underwood. But inside the program, there are a couple of players drawing praise who still aren’t getting much love from the fan base.
The first is wide receiver Channing Goodwin. The former three-star receiver, and the son of a Michigan football offensive lineman, has become the forgotten man in the receiver room for fans, even if that’s not the case with the people around the team.
Goodwin didn’t record a catch in 2024, then finished with 12 receptions for 148 yards. Most of that production came early, before his role tapered off as the season moved along. Now, though, he’s been putting together a strong camp, and offensive lineman Andrew Sprague made it clear he thinks Goodwin is flying under the radar.
“#Michigan OT Andrew Sprague says WR Channing Goodwin might be the most overlooked player by fans when it comes to the offense right now, but will make an impact this season.
He ended practice with a long TD catch yesterday. .
On defense, he says his pick is DL Jonah Lea’lea.
- Brice Marich (@BriceMarich) August 13, 2026”
Sprague, who is expected to start at right tackle, said Goodwin will have a role this season. That’s easy to miss when the receiver room also includes Andrew Marsh and J.J. Buchanan, along with freshmen like Salesi Moa and Travis Johnson who have been turning heads.
Still, Goodwin brings something that matters. He’s one of the best blocking receivers on the roster, and maybe one of the best in the conference.
That kind of work doesn’t always show up in the box score, but it shows up in the run game and the screen game, where perimeter blocking can turn a routine play into something bigger. It’s the kind of edge Cornelius Johnson never got enough credit for.
That’s why Goodwin could end up playing more than people expect. Receivers who block well help create explosive runs, and that skill can keep a player on the field even when the catches aren’t piling up.
Sprague also pointed to a defensive player who deserves more attention: Utah transfer Jonah Lea’lea. The defensive tackle played in all 13 games for Utah last season and was credited with 38 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and one sack.
Lea’lea hasn’t been talked about nearly enough either, but he’s in position to matter right away for the Wolverines. Trey Pierce and Enow Etta are viewed as the top two at defensive tackle, yet Lea’lea isn’t far behind and should either start or play starting-level snaps.
The praise for Michigan’s defensive line has been strong from players and from Michigan football head coach Kyle Whittingham, who said it would be a strength of the team. Lea’lea’s development could be part of why.
Goodwin and Lea’lea are two names Michigan fans should get familiar with.
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