Breaking Down Michigan’s 2026 Defensive Depth Chart: New Faces, Big Opportunities
It’s been a busy stretch in Ann Arbor, and Michigan’s defense is entering a new era. With a fresh coordinator in Jay Hill taking over for Wink Martindale and a wave of roster turnover, the Wolverines are reshaping their identity on that side of the ball. Let’s dive into how the depth chart is shaping up heading into spring ball - position by position - and where the biggest questions, and opportunities, lie.
Defensive Tackle: A Room in Transition, But with Breakout Potential
Depth: Jonah Lea’ea, Manuel Beigel, Deyvid Palepale, Chibi Anwunah, Travis Moten, Bobby Kanka
Michigan’s interior defensive line is thin on proven depth, but don’t let that fool you - there’s real upside here. The return of Trey Pierce and Enow Etta gives the Wolverines two potential breakout candidates.
Both have spent the past two seasons buried in deep rotations, but the previous staff spoke highly of their talent and motor. With more snaps available, this could be their time to shine.
The headline addition is Jonah Lea’ea from Utah. He’s coming off a strong season where he tallied 38 tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble. He may not lead the group in total snaps, but expect him to be a key piece in the rotation - especially in passing situations where his quickness can be a factor.
Behind that top group, there’s a collection of young, largely untested talent. Manuel Beigel and Deyvid Palepale both saw limited action last year, while redshirt freshmen Travis Moten and Bobby Kanka are still developing. This is a group that will benefit from every rep in spring ball.
Help is on the way too. Michigan will welcome four-star prospects Alister Vallejo and Titan Davis this summer, adding more size and athleticism to the interior.
Defensive End: Star Power at the Top, Youth Behind It
Starters: John Henry Daley, Cam Brandt
Depth: Nate Marshall, Dominic Nichols, Lugard Edokpayi, McHale Blade, Benny Patterson, Julius Holly
The edge room isn’t deep, but the top-end talent is legit. John Henry Daley arrives from Utah after a monster season - 11.5 sacks and first-team All-American honors.
He’s a game-changer off the edge and instantly becomes one of the most important players on this defense. There’s some concern about a potential offseason injury, but if he’s healthy by fall, he’ll anchor the pass rush.
Opposite Daley, Cam Brandt is in line for a starting role after being a rotational player the past few seasons. He made one start in 2025 and notched 22 tackles, but the year before he flashed with three sacks. He’s got the experience and now the opportunity.
Nate Marshall is the name to watch here. He’s got big-time upside and could push Brandt for a starting job with a strong offseason. Dominic Nichols is another young player with tools, and working with defensive ends coach Lewis Powell could help unlock his next level.
Further down the chart, Lugard Edokpayi, Benny Patterson, and Julius Holly are still waiting for their moment. Freshman McHale Blade could be a spring standout if he adjusts quickly.
And don’t forget - five-star Carter Meadows and three-star Tariq Boney are set to arrive this summer. Jonah Lea’ea could also flex out to the edge if needed.
Linebacker: A Wide-Open Race with Intriguing Talent
Starters: Troy Bowles, Nathaniel Staehling
Depth: Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng, Chase Taylor, Max Alford, Aisea Moa, Christian Pierce, Kaden Catchings, Markel Dabney, Aden Reeder
If there’s one position that feels like a true toss-up, it’s linebacker. There’s no shortage of bodies, but the competition is wide open.
For now, Troy Bowles and Nathaniel Staehling look like the early favorites. Staehling comes in from North Dakota State after racking up 74 tackles and three picks - he’s got the instincts and production.
Bowles saw real playing time last year and held his own when injuries hit the starters.
But this room is full of high-upside players waiting to break through. Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng is a twitchy athlete who may be undersized but brings speed and energy. Chase Taylor earned praise during fall camp and could take a big step in year two.
Transfers Max Alford, Aisea Moa, and Christian Pierce add more competition and experience. And three early enrollees - Kaden Catchings, Markel Dabney, and Aden Reeder - will get their first taste of college football this spring. Expect this battle to go deep into fall camp.
Cornerback: Proven Starters, Promising Depth
Depth: Shamari Earls, Jo’Ziah Edmond, Salesi Moa, Jeremiah Lowe, Jamarion Vincent
Despite some offseason departures, Michigan’s cornerback room is in solid shape. The addition of Smith Snowden from Utah was a huge win - he’s coming off a second-team All-Big 12 season and immediately slides into the starting nickel role.
Returning starters Jyaire Hill and Zeke Berry bring stability and experience. Both are entering their third year as starters and give Michigan a strong foundation in the secondary.
Behind them, there’s a mix of potential and inexperience. Shamari Earls was a big-time recruit last year and could take a leap under new cornerbacks coach Jernaro Gilford. Jo’Ziah Edmond didn’t see much action in 2025 but has the tools to develop into a contributor.
Freshman Salesi Moa is an interesting case - depending on how the staff decides to use him, he could factor in on either side of the ball. Jeremiah Lowe and early enrollee Jamarion Vincent will be in the mix as well.
Safety: Veteran Leadership and a Newcomer to Watch
Starters: Chris Bracy, Rod Moore
Depth: Jordan Young, Mason Curtis, Kainoa Winston, Jacob Oden, Taylor Tatum, Jordan Deck
There’s been some turnover at safety, but Michigan has done a solid job reloading. Chris Bracy comes in from Memphis after an 81-tackle season that included 9.5 tackles for loss. He brings physicality and production, and he should start right away alongside Rod Moore - who returns for a sixth season and is looking to bounce back from a knee injury.
Jordan Young showed flashes as a true freshman and should see the field plenty, even if he’s not starting. Mason Curtis is another name to watch as he continues to grow into a bigger role.
Further down the depth chart, Jacob Oden and Kainoa Winston are next in line, though they’re still developing. One of the more intriguing moves is the reported position switch of Oklahoma running back transfer Taylor Tatum to safety - a sign the staff is looking for athleticism and versatility on the back end. Freshman Jordan Deck, an early enrollee, will also get a head start on competing for snaps.
Final Thoughts: A Defense in Flux, But with Plenty of Talent
This is not the same Michigan defense we saw during the last two seasons. With a new coordinator, new coaches, and a wave of new players, there are a lot of unknowns - but also a lot of reasons to be optimistic.
The front seven needs to build depth, and the linebacker room in particular feels like a blank canvas. But the secondary has a strong foundation, and the additions of players like Daley, Snowden, and Bracy give the Wolverines immediate-impact talent at all three levels.
Spring ball will be crucial for sorting out rotations and identifying breakout candidates. There’s work to be done, but the pieces are there for Michigan to build another tough, fast, and disruptive defense in 2026.