Leadership Taking Shape in Ann Arbor: Michigan Names Spring Captains and Leadership Council for 2026
ANN ARBOR, Mich. - With spring ball just around the corner, the Michigan Wolverines have taken a key step in setting the tone for the 2026 season. On Monday, head coach Kyle Whittingham announced the team’s spring captains and leadership council - a group chosen by the players themselves. It’s a clear sign that the culture in Ann Arbor remains player-driven, with the locker room identifying its own leaders ahead of what’s expected to be another high-stakes campaign.
Offensive Leaders: A New Era Begins
On offense, the Wolverines will be led this spring by junior running back Jordan Marshall and sophomore quarterback Bryce Underwood.
Marshall, now entering his third season, has been a steady presence in Michigan’s backfield and continues to earn the respect of his teammates with his work ethic and consistent production. He’s the kind of player who leads by example - tough between the tackles, reliable in pass protection, and never one to shy away from the grind.
Then there’s Underwood. The sophomore quarterback is stepping into a leadership role early in his college career, and that speaks volumes.
When a young signal-caller earns captain status this quickly, it usually means two things: the talent is real, and the locker room believes in him. Underwood’s presence under center will be one of the biggest storylines to watch this spring, and his early captaincy suggests he’s already commanding the huddle like a veteran.
Defensive Captains: Veteran Voices Guiding the Way
On the defensive side, it’s experience and toughness leading the charge. Fifth-year senior safety Rod Moore and senior defensive tackle Trey Pierce have been tapped as spring captains, and both bring a wealth of experience and leadership to the table.
Moore is a tone-setter in the secondary - a cerebral player with a nose for the ball and a knack for showing up in big moments. He’s seen just about everything during his time in Ann Arbor and will be instrumental in helping younger players adjust to Whittingham’s system.
Pierce, anchoring the defensive front, brings physicality and leadership in the trenches. He’s been a steady force in the middle and continues to be one of the most respected voices on the team. With both Moore and Pierce leading the defense, Michigan has a strong foundation to build on as they transition into spring practices.
Leadership Council: A Cross-Section of Talent and Experience
Beyond the captains, the team also voted in 11 players to form the 2026 Leadership Council - a group that reflects the depth and diversity of Michigan’s roster. Here’s the full list, in alphabetical order:
- Nico Andrighetto, Fifth-Year Senior Safety
- Zeke Berry, Fifth-Year Senior Cornerback
- Cameron Brandt, Senior Defensive End
- Mason Curtis, Junior Safety
- Enow Etta, Junior Defensive Tackle
- Blake Frazier, Junior Offensive Lineman
- Jake Guarnera, Junior Offensive Lineman
- Jyaire Hill, Senior Cornerback
- Andrew Marsh, Sophomore Wide Receiver
- Zack Marshall, Senior Tight End
- Andrew Sprague, Junior Offensive Lineman
This group spans all three phases of the game and includes a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging stars. From the secondary to the offensive line, each player brings a unique perspective and leadership style to the table. The presence of underclassmen like Marsh and Curtis alongside fifth-year seniors like Andrighetto and Berry shows that this team values leadership at every level - not just by age or experience, but by impact.
What’s Next: Spring Ball on the Horizon
The Wolverines are set to kick off spring practice on Tuesday, March 17. Over the course of 15 sessions, this leadership group will play a critical role in shaping the team’s identity, setting standards, and building chemistry.
It all leads up to the annual Spring Game, presented by Original Roofing Company, on Saturday, April 18. Details on the event are still being finalized, but expect it to be a key checkpoint as Michigan continues preparing for a pivotal 2026 season.
With new voices emerging and veteran leaders returning, the foundation for Team 147 is already being laid. And if early leadership is any indication, the Wolverines are in good hands.