Bryson Kuzdzal is staying in Ann Arbor - and that’s big news for a Michigan backfield that’s quietly shaping up to be one of the most balanced in the Big Ten.
After entering the transfer portal following the 2025 season, Kuzdzal has officially withdrawn his name and will return to the Wolverines for another year. The move comes just weeks after the coaching transition from Sherrone Moore to Kyle Whittingham, and it gives Michigan a much-needed boost in backfield depth behind rising star Jordan Marshall.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t just about retaining a depth piece. Kuzdzal showed last season that he’s more than capable of stepping into a larger role when called upon.
Despite being third on the depth chart behind Marshall and Justice Haynes, Kuzdzal still managed to rack up 326 rushing yards and four touchdowns - and that’s without a full season of lead-back carries. He also added a few receiving yards, but his real value came when injuries hit and Michigan needed someone to take the reins.
When both Marshall and Haynes missed time, Kuzdzal didn’t just fill in - he carried the load. His ability to step in without a drop-off in production speaks to his vision, physicality, and understanding of the offense. With Haynes now off to Georgia Tech, Kuzdzal slides into the clear RB2 role, and that’s a spot where he can thrive.
This return is also a win for new head coach Kyle Whittingham, who inherits a team with high expectations and a young quarterback in Bryce Underwood who’s already proven he can make plays with both his arm and his legs. Underwood rushed for 392 yards and six touchdowns last season, complementing Marshall’s 932 yards and 10 scores on the ground. That kind of dual-threat dynamic opens up even more opportunities for a versatile back like Kuzdzal to make an impact.
Kuzdzal’s journey with Michigan started back in 2023 when he redshirted and didn’t see the field. In 2024, he made his mark on special teams, picking up a couple of tackles but still waiting for his shot in the backfield. That chance finally came in 2025, and he made the most of it - enough to draw interest from other programs when he hit the portal.
So yes, his decision to explore other options made sense. He’d proven he could play, and there’s always the temptation to seek a bigger role elsewhere. But his return signals that he believes in what Michigan is building - and that he sees a path forward in this offense under Whittingham.
With Marshall leading the way, Kuzdzal ready to contribute, and Underwood continuing to develop, Michigan’s ground game isn’t just in good hands - it’s in experienced, battle-tested hands. And that’s exactly what the Wolverines need as they enter a new era.