Kyle Whittingham is no stranger to building powerhouse programs, and now he's bringing his expertise to Ann Arbor. With spring ball kicking off on March 17, Whittingham gets his first real chance to mold this Michigan team. The Wolverines have a roster brimming with potential at the top, but there are some question marks as you dig deeper.
At quarterback, Bryce Underwood is the undisputed leader. He's stepping into his sophomore year with a bolstered supporting cast.
Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi comes from Colorado State with an impressive track record, boasting nearly 7,000 yards and 38 touchdowns. Colin Hurley, a raw talent from LSU, adds depth without threatening Underwood's starting role.
This kind of competition and depth at quarterback is something Michigan hasn't seen in a while.
The running back room may have lost Justice Haynes, but it remains formidable. Jordan Marshall proved himself as a reliable lead back last season, while Bryson Kuzdzal showed he could step up when needed.
Freshman Savion Hiter, drawing comparisons to Bijan Robinson, adds another layer of excitement. With Tony Alford coaching, this group could be the driving force of the offense in 2026.
Michigan's wide receiver corps is youthful but promising. Five of the top six contributors are expected to be freshmen or sophomores, growing alongside Underwood.
Andrew Marsh is set to make significant strides, while J.J. Buchanan aims to replicate Donaven McCulley's production from last year.
Freshmen Salesi Moa and Travis Johnson bring early-game skills that could be key.
The offensive line is where Michigan's season could be won or lost. Blake Frazier, Andrew Sprague, and Jake Guarnera gained valuable experience last year, which should pay off now.
With Jim Harding coaching-who's had success sending tackles to the NFL-this group has potential. Five-star Andrew Babalola's return from injury adds depth to an already competitive unit.
On defense, the cornerbacks are Michigan's strong suit heading into 2026. Jyaire Hill and Zeke Berry lead the charge, with Shamari Earls adding youthful depth.
Utah transfer Smith Snowden, who earned All-Big 12 honors, is projected as the starting nickel. This group looks ready to shoulder the defensive load.
Safety play will heavily depend on Rod Moore's return to form. If he can replicate his 2025 performance, the defense could shift significantly.
Mason Curtis and Jordan Young are developing well, and Chris Bracy from Memphis adds depth. Kainoa Winston, a sophomore, has the talent to make an impact.
Taylor Tatum's move from running back to safety is a storyline to watch this spring.
The EDGE position isn't quite there yet, but the potential is undeniable. John Henry Daley, who posted 11.5 sacks at Utah before an injury, could be a game-changer if he returns to form. Nate Marshall and freshman Carter Meadows add promising upside.
Linebacker remains a concern. With four transfers coming in, including Nathaniel Staehling from North Dakota State, there's a lot to prove. Sophomores Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng and Chase Taylor are vying for spots, and spring practice will be crucial in sorting out this group.
Special teams saw a remarkable turnaround under Kerry Coombs before the Citrus Bowl, and Whittingham wisely retained him for 2026. Coombs revamped the kicking and punting units, and the addition of All-ACC kicker Trey Butkowski is a big win.
As Michigan heads into spring practice, there's a blend of excitement and uncertainty. Whittingham's track record suggests he's the right man to steer this ship, and fans will be eager to see how the pieces come together.