Michigan’s Backfield Gets a Boost as Kuzdzal Returns, Marsh Stays, and New Talent Joins the Fold
In college football, the running back room is all about depth, versatility, and having the right guy ready when the moment calls. Michigan just got a little closer to that ideal with the return of a familiar name who stepped up big when the Wolverines needed him most.
Bryson Kuzdzal, a former walk-on turned late-season starter, is staying in Ann Arbor after briefly entering the transfer portal. Two sources confirmed that Kuzdzal has withdrawn his name and will return to Michigan, giving the Wolverines a valuable piece of experience and reliability in their backfield heading into 2026.
Kuzdzal’s rise last season wasn’t scripted, but it was significant. Thrust into a larger role after injuries to Jordan Marshall and Justice Haynes, he appeared in nine games and started two - including the regular-season finale at Maryland and the bowl matchup against Texas. In both, he showed the kind of toughness and burst that make coaches trust a back in high-pressure spots.
When Marshall went down with a shoulder injury against Northwestern, it was Kuzdzal who helped steady the offense in a comeback win, finishing with 53 yards on 15 carries. On the season, he totaled 326 yards on 76 carries and found the end zone four times. Not eye-popping numbers, but the context matters - he ran with urgency and grit when the team needed stability.
Looking ahead, Michigan’s ground game will still be driven by Jordan Marshall, who led the team last year with 932 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. He’s the clear RB1, but with Haynes transferring to Georgia Tech after suffering a season-ending foot injury against Michigan State, the depth behind Marshall was a question mark. Kuzdzal’s return helps answer that.
The Wolverines also added some serious talent to the mix. Five-star recruit Savion Hiter is in the fold, and Taylor Tatum - the top-rated back in the 2024 class - transferred from Oklahoma earlier this month.
Tatum, a two-sport athlete who will also play baseball at Michigan, told reporters he’s even open to helping out in the defensive secondary if needed. That kind of versatility could prove huge for a team looking to reload across the board.
Marsh Back in the Mix After Some Uncertainty
While the running back room is finding its shape, another key piece of Michigan’s offense quietly confirmed his return - without ever officially announcing it.
Wide receiver Andrew Marsh was visible in Michigan’s first team workout on Tuesday, as seen in a team social media post. That might not sound like news, but Marsh hadn’t posted the usual “I’m back” graphic that many of his teammates shared after the season, leading to some anxious speculation among fans.
Turns out, no need to worry. Marsh is back, and that’s big.
The freshman emerged as Michigan’s most productive receiver last season, starting the final nine games and leading the team with 651 receiving yards on 45 catches - good for a 14.5-yard average - and four touchdowns. His breakout performance came in October against USC, where he racked up 138 yards and a touchdown on eight catches. But perhaps his most clutch moment came at Wrigley Field against Northwestern, where he hauled in 12 passes for 189 yards, including a crucial third-down grab that kept Michigan’s game-winning drive alive.
Marsh’s return gives the Wolverines a proven playmaker on the outside - a go-to target with the ability to stretch the field and move the chains.
More Help Incoming: Michigan Adds Ka’aha’aina and Nunley
Michigan also made two additions official on Wednesday, bolstering both sides of the ball.
Offensive lineman Houston Ka’aha’aina and defensive back Ernest Nunley are now officially part of the program. Nunley had previously signed with Cal in December but is now part of Michigan’s 2026 freshman class. These moves might not grab headlines, but they’re the kind of foundational pieces that help build depth and competition in key position groups.
The Bottom Line
With Kuzdzal returning, Marsh staying put, and new talent arriving, Michigan is quietly but steadily reloading. The Wolverines may have lost some key contributors this offseason, but they’re not starting from scratch. There’s experience, there’s young talent, and there’s competition - and that’s exactly what you want when building a contender.
Michigan’s offseason work is just beginning, but the early signs are promising. And with players like Kuzdzal and Marsh back in the mix, the Wolverines are setting the tone for another strong run.