The Michigan Wolverines are starting to get some serious clarity on their 2026 roster, and Thursday brought a wave of good news for fans in Ann Arbor. Several key defensive players - including some with NFL-level upside - announced they’ll be back for another season, giving Michigan a major boost as it looks to reload, not rebuild, after another strong campaign.
Let’s start with Rod Moore. The veteran safety is returning, and that’s a big deal.
Moore missed almost all of the 2024 season after suffering a significant knee injury in the spring. He worked his way back and managed to get on the field for three games in 2025 - and even in limited action, he reminded everyone why he’s such a difference-maker.
He picked off a pass against Wisconsin, broke up a key throw, and made a touchdown-saving tackle on a trick play. That’s impact in a small sample size.
If Moore can stay healthy and return to full strength, Michigan’s secondary gets a huge lift - not just in terms of talent, but in leadership and experience. He plays with the kind of instincts and intelligence that anchor a defense.
A fully healthy Moore in 2026? That’s like adding a pro-ready safety to the back end of the Wolverines’ defense.
But Moore isn’t the only one running it back.
Defensive tackle Trey Pierce is also returning, which is big for the interior of the defensive line. Pierce showed flashes last season and has the kind of size and strength that can clog up running lanes and collapse pockets. Getting him back shores up the middle of the defense and gives Michigan a reliable presence up front.
Then there’s Nate Marshall. The freshman EDGE was a top-50 recruit in the 2025 class and is already turning heads.
He’s explosive off the edge, and with a year of experience under his belt, he’s a prime candidate for a breakout season in 2026. Michigan has a long history of developing pass rushers, and Marshall could be the next in line.
The linebacker room also got a boost with the return of Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng. A former five-star recruit, Owusu-Boateng has all the tools - speed, range, and a nose for the football.
With Michigan needing a playmaker at linebacker, this could be the year he steps into a starring role. He’s got the upside to be one of the most important pieces on the defense.
Add in Dominic Nichols, another EDGE who contributed in a rotation role last season, and cornerback Shamari Earls, a former top-100 recruit who adds valuable depth to the secondary, and the Wolverines are starting to look loaded on defense once again.
At this point, outside of possibly adding another linebacker, the roster feels just about set. Michigan’s defense is bringing back talent, experience, and potential across all three levels - and that’s the kind of foundation that keeps a program in the national conversation.