Offense
The quarterback position clearly belongs to Bryce Underwood. His true talent will be on full display as new Offensive Coordinator Jason Beck will unlock his full potential. Look for Underwood to utilize his legs more this season. Underwood will be one of the best quarterbacks in the Big 10 this season. He is a taller, stronger version of Jayden Daniels.
The running back room returns experience in Jordan Marshall, Bryson Kuzdzal, and Tomas O’Meara. Marshall rushed for 932 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. 5-star true freshman Savion Hiter looked like a future superstar in the spring. He is a special special talent.
The wide receiver room returns experience in Andrew Marsh, Channing Goodwin, Jamar Browder, and tight end Zack Marshall. Marsh showed star potential as a true freshman. The additions of JJ Buchanan (Utah), Jaime Ffrench (Texas), and 5-star true freshman Salesi Moa are crucial to the success of this offense.
The offensive line room returns four starters in Jake Guarnera, Evan Link, Andrew Sprague, and Blake Fraizer. Brady Norton and Nathan Efobi also have experience. Redshirt freshman Andrew Babalola is one to watch. The addition of Houston Ka’aha’aina Torres (Nebraska) provides even more depth.
Defense
The defensive line room returns experience in Trey Pierce, Enow Etta, Dominic Nichols, Cameron Brandt, and Nate Marshall. The additions of John Henry Daley (Utah, All-American), Jonah Lea’ea (Utah), and Randy Keumogne (South Dakota State), are massive. Especially Daley, a future top NFL Draft pick.
The linebacker room is a little thin. Chase Taylor and Troy Bowles have the most returning experience. The additions of Nathaniel Staehling (North Dakota State), Max Alford (BYU), Aisea Moa (Michigan State), and Christian Pierce (Western Illinois) provide depth to a unit that really needs it.
The secondary returns experience in Jyaire Hill, Zeke Berry, Rob Moore, Jordan Young, Ja’Ziah Edmond, and Mason Curtis. The additions of Smith Snowden (Utah), Taylor Tatum (Oklahoma), and Chris Bracy (Memphis) are key to this unit’s development into being one of the best secondaries in the country.
Specialists
New faces take over roles here. Pittsburgh transfer Troy Butkowski was lights out as a freshman, making 20/23 field goals last season. The punting role will belong to UNLV transfer Cameron Brown. Andrew Marsh is also very dangerous as a return man.
2026 Schedule
- 9/5 Western Michigan
- 9/12 Oklahoma
- 9/19 UTEP
- 9/26 Iowa
- 10/3 at Minnesota
- 10/17 Penn State
- 10/24 Indiana
- 10/31 at Rutgers
- 11/7 Michigan State
- 11/14 at Oregon
- 11/21 UCLA
- 11/28 at Ohio State
Final Analysis
Kyle Whittingham was the head coach at Utah for 21 years. He is as good as it gets in the profession and has so much respect. He brought in some high-level talent and will continue to fill out this roster. The schedule is difficult and could lead to some bumps along the way. Although, with this talented roster, Michigan can win the Big 10.
