Key Michigan Football Defender Elects To Stay In College

Looking back, it’s hard not to be impressed by the 2023 transfer portal class that Jim Harbaugh and his coaching staff assembled — it was a huge reason that the Maize and Blue went 15-0 last season, claiming the program’s first national title since 1997. While a number of players from the 2023 team are heading to the NFL, a key Michigan football defender will be staying put for another year: edge rusher Josaiah Stewart.

Michigan football defender Josaiah Stewart will return in 2024

Coming from Coastal Carolina, Josaiah Stewart had a main goal when he got to Michigan football in the spring: prove that he belonged in a conference like the Big Ten. He did exactly that in 2023, appearing in 13 games for the Wolverines and earning All-Big Ten honorable mention status.

During Stewart’s lone season as a Wolverine, he recorded 38 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks — impressive numbers, to say the least. On Monday morning, Stewart made his decision to return to Michigan football for one more season official with a social media announcement (below).

☝️ pic.twitter.com/C1cuWis40O

— Josaiah🔮 (@josaiah_stewart) January 15, 2024

Stewart’s NFL decision comes soon after other Michigan edge rushers — like Braiden McGregor and Jaylen Harrell — announced their intentions to enter the draft, making Stewart’s return vital for the Wolverines’ defense heading into the 2024 season.

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