Michigan football is gearing up for the 2026 season with some familiar faces, and at the forefront is running back Jordan Marshall. After sharing the backfield with Justice Haynes last season, Marshall is poised to take on a leading role for the Wolverines. With a fresh coaching staff in place, he'll need to adapt to new strategies and prove himself once again during the offseason.
Running backs coach Tony Alford shared insights on the "In the Trenches" podcast, emphasizing a fresh start. "We're starting from ground zero," Alford stated, highlighting the plan to let Marshall play freely while focusing on areas for improvement.
Despite nearly hitting the 1,000-yard mark last season, there's no plan to ease up on him. Instead, the focus is on honing his skills and maintaining consistency.
Marshall's performance as a redshirt freshman in 2025 was impressive. Even with a shoulder injury sidelining him late in the season, he ranked among the Big Ten's best: seventh in carries, fifth in rushing yards, and fifth in yards per carry. His ability to gain yards after contact and force missed tackles made him a formidable force on the field.
Injuries to both Marshall and Haynes, who was sidelined with a foot injury after a strong start, impacted Michigan's rushing game towards the end of the season. This opened the door for former walk-on Bryson Kuzdzal, who stepped up against Ohio State and in the Citrus Bowl.
With coaching changes, both Haynes and Kuzdzal entered the Transfer Portal, though Kuzdzal has since returned, adding depth to Michigan's ground game, which remains a key strength.
Alford sees Marshall as a natural leader, both on and off the field, and believes he has the potential to be a future team captain. "The more he played, the more his confidence and leadership emerged," Alford noted. Marshall's toughness and dedication are invaluable assets to the team, making him a crucial presence in the locker room and on the offense.
As the Wolverines prepare for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Marshall to lead the charge and elevate Michigan's running game to new heights.