Michigan Football’s Offseason Overhaul: What Ohio State Fans Need to Know Heading into 2026
When Ohio State walked out of Michigan Stadium last November, they did so with a sense of momentum that had been missing in recent years. The Buckeyes had just snapped a four-game losing streak to Michigan, capped off a perfect 12-0 regular season, and had a national title from the previous year still fresh in memory. With Ryan Day steady at the helm and a Heisman finalist in Julian Sayin under center, Ohio State looked every bit the powerhouse it was built to be.
On the other side of the rivalry, Michigan was facing a very different reality.
The Wolverines were coming off a 9-3 season - respectable, sure, but not up to the standard for a program that considers itself a College Football Playoff regular. They had a talented but inconsistent freshman quarterback in Bryce Underwood, and a head coach in Sherrone Moore whose tenure ended abruptly and controversially. It was a season that raised more questions than it answered in Ann Arbor.
Fast forward a few months, and Michigan is almost unrecognizable. A new coaching staff, key departures, and a handful of strategic transfer portal additions have reshaped the roster. So, as Ohio State turns its attention to another title run in 2026, here’s a breakdown of what’s changed up north - and why it matters.
A New Era: Kyle Whittingham Takes the Reins
Michigan made a bold move in December, parting ways with Moore after the university determined he had engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. That decision opened the door for one of the most experienced coaches in college football: Kyle Whittingham.
Whittingham brings with him 21 seasons of head coaching experience at Utah, where he went 177-88 and guided the Utes through multiple conference transitions - from the Mountain West to the Pac-12 and finally the Big 12. He’s won three conference titles and built a reputation for tough, disciplined football - especially on the defensive side.
And he didn’t come alone. Michigan’s new staff is heavily influenced by Whittingham’s Utah roots:
- Jason Beck takes over as offensive coordinator.
- Jim Harding handles the offensive line.
- Micah Simon coaches the receivers.
- Freddie Whittingham (yes, Kyle’s brother) oversees the tight ends.
- Koy Detmer works with the quarterbacks.
- Lewis Powell coaches the defensive ends.
Whittingham also retained a few familiar faces, including running backs coach Tony Alford and defensive line coach Lou Esposito. He brought in former BYU defensive coordinator Jay Hill to lead the defense and added Jernaro Gilford (cornerbacks), Alex Whittingham (linebackers), and Tyler Stockton (safeties). Former Ohio State assistant Kerry Coombs is now in charge of special teams.
That’s a lot of turnover - but it’s also a clear statement. Michigan is leaning into Whittingham’s identity, and that means a more physical, defense-first brand of football.
Bryce Underwood: Michigan’s QB1, Year Two
If Michigan’s coaching change brought uncertainty, the decision to keep Bryce Underwood in the fold brought some much-needed stability.
Underwood, a former five-star recruit, was a Day 1 starter as a true freshman last season. He finished the year with 2,428 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. Not eye-popping numbers, but solid considering the circumstances - new system, first-year head coach, and a lot of pressure.
What stood out, though, was how Underwood responded under interim coach Biff Poggi, who stepped in for three games late in the season. In that stretch - wins over Central Michigan and Nebraska, and a Citrus Bowl loss to Texas - Underwood rushed for 294 of his 392 total yards on the ground. He looked more decisive, more confident, and more dangerous.
Now, with Whittingham and a new offensive staff in place, Michigan is hoping to unlock the full potential of its young quarterback. If they can do that, Underwood could be the foundation for a quick turnaround.
Offensive Outlook: Reloading, Not Rebuilding
Underwood won’t be doing it alone. Michigan returns key weapons on offense, including running back Jordan Marshall and wide receiver Andrew Marsh. The offensive line loses some experience with Giovanni El-Hadi and Greg Crippen moving on, but there’s still plenty of talent up front.
One of the biggest surprises of the offseason? Star running back Justice Haynes didn’t head to the NFL - but he didn’t stay in Ann Arbor either. He transferred to Georgia Tech, leaving a hole in Michigan’s backfield rotation.
At receiver, Donaven McCulley declared for the NFL, and tight end Marlin Klein is also gone. Michigan used the portal to reload, adding:
- Jaime Ffrench (transfer from Texas)
- Salesi Moa (a Utah signee)
- JJ Buchanan (former Utah tight end, who could be a matchup nightmare in the slot)
They’ll pair with returner Hogan Hansen to give Underwood more options in the passing game.
Defensive Identity: Whittingham’s Calling Card
If there’s one thing we know about Kyle Whittingham, it’s that he builds defenses that hit hard and don’t back down. That ethos should fit right in at Michigan, which has long prided itself on physical, fundamentally sound defensive play.
But the Wolverines have some holes to fill. They lost a handful of key contributors up front, including edge rushers Derrick Moore and Jaishawn Barham, and interior linemen Rayshaun Benny, Tré Williams, and Damon Payne.
To help plug those gaps, Michigan brought in Utah transfers John Henry Daley (edge) and Jonah Lea’ea (defensive tackle). Expect them to compete for starting roles alongside returners like Enow Etta, Trey Pierce, Cameron Brandt, Dominic Nichols, and Nathaniel Marshall.
At linebacker, the Wolverines are banking on Nathaniel Staehling, a seasoned transfer from North Dakota State, to bring leadership and production.
In the secondary, it’s a blend of experience and new blood. Jyaire Hill and Zeke Berry return at corner, while sixth-year safety Rod Moore provides veteran leadership. Transfers Smith Snowden (Utah) and Chris Bracy (Memphis) are expected to fill roles at safety and nickel.
The Bottom Line
Ohio State fans should take note: while Michigan is clearly in transition, this isn’t a rebuild - it’s a reboot. Whittingham brings a proven track record, and while the roster has seen some churn, there’s still plenty of talent in Ann Arbor.
The rivalry won’t be any less fierce in 2026. Michigan may have stumbled last year, but with a new coaching staff, a maturing quarterback, and a defense that’s being reshaped in Whittingham’s image, the Wolverines could be a very different team come November.
The Buckeyes may still have the upper hand - but they’d be wise not to look past a Michigan program that’s been quietly reloading all offseason.