Michigan’s returning talent for 2026 is stacked with a little bit of everything - edge rushers, linemen, a receiver who turned into Bryce Underwood’s favorite target, and a backfield headliner who looks ready to carry the offense. Using Pro Football Focus grades, here’s a look at the Wolverines’ top 10 returning players from last season’s group, with each one needing at least four games to qualify.
- Lugard Edokpayi
Edokpayi only appeared in five games, but the flashes were real. He logged 15 pass-rushing snaps, and in that small sample he produced four quarterback hurries and one quarterback hit.
That kind of burst showed up in his 80.5 pass-rushing grade, which ranked third on the team. With John Henry Daley, Cameron Brandt, Dominic Nichols, and Nate Marshall ahead of him, Edokpayi still looks like a player Michigan can use when it wants someone to pin his ears back and attack the quarterback.
- Bryson Kuzdzal
The former walk-on became a real part of Michigan’s offense over the final five games. When Justice Haynes went down, Kuzdzal moved into the RB2 spot right away, and when Jordan Marshall was banged up, he even picked up two starts.
He wasn’t one of the team’s better pass-blockers, but he brought value as a change-of-pace runner and as a receiver out of the backfield. In 2026, he projects as RB3 behind Marshall and Savion Hiter.
- Jake Guarnera
Listed here as a center, Guarnera actually played right guard last season and started every game except the opener. He was one of Michigan’s best run blockers and held up reasonably well in pass protection.
PFF charged him with two sacks allowed and 10 quarterback hurries, the third-most among Michigan offensive linemen. Moving more inside in 2026 should give him more help in protection, while still letting him do what he does best: clear lanes for the backs.
- Dominic Nichols
Nichols played in 12 games and logged 198 snaps in a rotational role, but the expectation is that he takes a noticeable step forward in 2026. He’s in line to be the first edge rusher off the bench. Last season, Nichols posted nine total pressures and was one of Michigan’s better tacklers, earning an 85.2 tackling grade that ranked third on the team behind Jimmy Rolder and Troy Bowles.
- Andrew Sprague
Michigan’s starting right tackle had a solid 2025 season, and there’s reason to think the line as a whole can be better with Jim Harding coaching it in 2026. Sprague was Michigan’s second-best run-blocking offensive lineman behind Jake Guarnera.
In pass protection, he posted a 71 grade at tackle, behind Nate Efobi and Greg Crippen. He allowed 17 pressures, most on the team, but only gave up one sack, according to PFF.
That pressure total should come down.
- Trey Pierce
Pierce started all 13 games next to Rayshaun Benny and was one of Michigan’s most dependable run stoppers. His 80.5 run-defense grade ranked fourth overall on the team and second among linemen.
He didn’t record a sack, but he did get to the quarterback for eight hurries, tied for eighth on the roster. With Benny, Tre Williams, and Damon Payne gone, Pierce is set for a much bigger job in 2026.
- Andrew Marsh
It took a few weeks, but once Sherrone Moore gave Marsh a longer look, he became Michigan’s best receiver. His 78.1 receiving grade led the team by nine points.
Even more impressive, he did it without a drop, despite Michigan dropping 28 passes as a team. Marsh quickly became the reliable option in the passing game, and he’s set to be Bryce Underwood’s top target again in 2026.
- Mason Curtis
Curtis played in 11 games and started three at safety, and he made his presence felt all over the secondary. The former four-star linebacker graded out as Michigan’s best coverage player, with a 76.6 coverage grade that led the team.
He was steady across the board, landing in the 74-76 range in defense, tackling, and run defense. In 2026, he’ll likely be in a rotational role behind Rod Moore and Chris Bracy.
- Jyaire Hill
Hill is Michigan’s top returning defender. He finished second behind Curtis in coverage with a 76.0 grade, but his overall mark took a hit because of tackling.
PFF gave him a 45.2 tackling grade, and he missed 11 tackles, second-most on the roster. Michigan is working on the smaller details, and if Hill cleans up that part of his game, his cover skills should play even better.
- Jordan Marshall
Marshall was Michigan’s top offensive player last season and the second-best overall graded player behind Derrick Moore. His 88.6 run grade was the best on the roster, topping Justice Haynes.
He also posted a 65.7 pass-blocking grade, best among Michigan running backs, with Micah Ka’apana ahead only in a limited sample. Marshall enters 2026 as the clear No. 1 back and should be viewed as one of the top 10 running backs in college football.
Jason Beck’s offense should only give him more chances to show it.
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