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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