Projecting the Michigan Football Depth Chart vs Fresno State

Ushering in a new era in Ann Arbor, Sherrone Moore’s tenure as head coach begins this Saturday against Fresno State.

Who will start for the Wolverines this season? Take a look at the projected Michigan football depth chart for Week 1. 👇

Michigan Football Projected Depth Chart (Week 1)

Offense

We break down the starters at each position on offense in the section below.

Quarterback

Starter: Alex Orji

Reserves: Davis Warren, Jadyn Davis, Jack Tuttle, Jayden Denegal

Based on the latest update from Coach Moore, it appears to be down to Alex Orji and Davis Warren. The projection is that the former gets the first opportunity to start as he offers more upside. Additionally, his ability as a dual-threat option will be useful on a team that will likely lean on their running game and elite defense early on.

➡️ Latest QB News: Moore Comments on Michigan Quarterback Battle

Running Back

Starter: Donovan Edwards

RB2: Kalel Mullings

Reserves: Ben Hall, Jordan Marshall, Tavierre Dunlap, Cole Cabana, Micah Ka’apana

Donovan Edwards is projected to be among the best running backs in the nation this season. Kalel Mullings will serve as the power back, while the rest of the room will look to contribute when called upon, with Ben Hall leading the pack.

➡️ Latest RB News: Edwards Signs Massive NIL Deal

Fullback

Starter: Max Bredeson

Reserves: Noah Howes, Brandon Mann

Max Bredeson established himself as a vital piece in the Michigan running game when lined up at fullback last season. He will be backed up by two veterans, including former Detroit Country Day quarterback recruit and current U-M baseball player, Brandon Mann.

Wide Receiver

X Starter: Frederick Moore OR Peyton O’Leary

Z Starter: Tyler Morris

Slot Starter: Semaj Morgan

Reserves: Kendrick Bell, Amorion Walker, C.J. Charleston, I’Marion Stewart, Channing Goodwin, Dale Chesson

Michigan will look to replace their top two receivers from the 2023 national title team. Semaj Morgan & Tyler Morris are both projected as potential breakout players and look locked in at the No. 1 and 2 spots, but neither possess the frame needed to play the X position. Anticipate the X position to be a mix of Fred Moore & Peyton O’Leary, while Kendrick Bell could soon find his way into the group.

➡️ Latest WR News: Why We’re Watching the Wide Receivers in Week 1

Tight End

Starter: Colston Loveland

TE2: Marlin Klein

Reserves: Deakon Tonielli, Zach Marshall, Brady Prieskorn, Hogan Hansen

Colston Loveland is a preseason All-American and a popular choice to lead the Wolverines in receiving yards. Of course, this program runs a lot of two-tight-end sets, so expect Marlin Klein to get involved as the TE2. The German native has exciting athletic traits and looks to be the future at the position once Loveland exits for the draft.

➡️ Latest TE News: Will A Tight End Lead Michigan in Receiving in 2024?

Offensive Line

Left Tackle Myles Hinton

Left Guard: Josh Priebe

Center: Greg Crippen

Rotational C: Dominick Giudice

Right Guard: Giovanni El-Hadi

Right Tackle: Andrew Gentry

Rotational RT: Evan Link

Reserves: Raheem Anderson, Nate Efobi, Connor Jones, Blake Frazier, Jake Guarnera, Luke Hamilton, Tristan Bounds, Andrew Sprague, Ben Roebuck

Michigan has three starting spots on their offensive line determined as Myles Hinton, Josh Priebe and Giovanni El-Hadi will start at their respective positions. We’re projecting Greg Crippen beats out Dominick Guidice for the starting center role, while Andrew Gentry claims the right tackle spot over Evan Link. However, expect Moore to rotate at C & RT as those battles will likely continue into the season.

➡️ Latest OL News: Where Michigan’s Offensive Line Stands Before Week 1

Defensive Depth Chart

We break down the defensive starters at each position in the section below. 👇

Defensive Line

EDGE (Strong Side): Derrick Moore

Defensive Tackle: Mason Graham

Nose Tackle: Kenneth Grant

Defensive End: Rayshaun Benny

EDGE (Weak Side): Josaiah Stewart

Rotational Subs: Enow Etta, TJ Guy, Trey Pierce, Ike Iwunnah

Reserves: Alessandro Lorenzetti, Aymeric Koumba, Deyvid Palepale, Owen Wafle, Manuel Beigel

Michigan’s defensive line will once again be among the best units in the nation. They are led by returning starters Mason Graham & Kenneth Grant, who are both projected to be selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Don’t overlook their edge defenders, as Derrick Moore & Josiah Stewart have future pros written all over them. Meanwhile, Rayshaun Benny will specialize in playing end as a run-stopper.

➡️ Latest DL News: Mason Graham Reflects on Rise to Stardom

Linebackers

MIKE: Ernest Hausmann

WILL: Jaishawn Barham

Rotational Backups: Cole Sullivan, Micah Pollard, Jimmy Rolder, Jaydon Hood

Reserves: Jason Hewlett, Christian Bolvin, Mason Curtis, Zach Ludwig

There is zero doubt at the linebacker position. Jaishawn Barham was the No. 1 linebacker in the transfer portal this offseason, adding fuel to the fire that is Michigan’s defense. He is expected to team with returning starter and fellow transfer, Ernest Hausmann, who will step into Junior Colson’s role from a season ago. Meanwhile, freshman Cole Sullivan is on the cusp of playing meaningful snaps, with Micah Pollard & Jimmy Rolder equally pushing for time.

Defensive Backs

CB1: Will Johnson

CB2: Jyaire Hill

Nickel: Zeke Berry

Free Safety: Makari Paige

Rotating: Quinten Johnson

Strong Safety: Jaden Mangham

Rotating: Wesley Walker, Brandyn Hillman

Reserves: Ja’Den McBurrows, Aamir Hall, Myles Pollard, Jacob Oden, Brandyn Hillman, Kody Jones, Keshaun Harris, Jo’Ziah Edmond, Max Reyes

Injured: Rod Moore

Michigan’s defensive back unit is led by future top-10 pick, Will Johnson. Opposite of him, redshirt freshman Jyaire Hill beat out a deep group of competition, including experienced transfer Aamir Hall & the talented Ja’Den McBurrows.

At safety, Makari Page returns as one of the most solid defenders in the Big Ten, alongside Quinten Johnson, who grabbed a pivotal interception against Ohio State last season. While All-Conference senior Rod Moore would be one of the top safeties in the country, he suffered a torn ACL during spring practice. That leaves Michigan State transfer Jaden Mangham to rotate at his position with Wesley Walker & Brandyn Hillman.

➡️ Latest DB News: Freshman Named Starting Cornerback

Special Teams

We break down the starters at special teams in the section below. 👇

Kicker

Starter: Dominic Zvada

Reserves: Adam Samaha, Hudson Hollenbeck

Dominic Zvada takes over the kicking duties after joining Michigan via the transfer portal from Arkansas State, where he was 17-of-22 last season and 34-of-40 in his two-year career.

Punter

Starter: Tommy Doman

Tommy Doman will resume his punting duties after an excellent season a year ago that ended with All Conference honors. He’s anticipated to be First or Second Team All-Big Ten this season.

Returners

Starters: Semaj Morgan, Tyler Morris

Reserves: I’Marion Stewart

Tommy Doman will resume his punting duties after an excellent season a year ago. And Semaj Morgan will return kicks and punts again with Tyler Morris rotating in.

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