Fall camp is coming close to the end with Week 1 around the corner, the biggest questions surrounding Michigan Football are less about who will play and more about how the pieces fit together. Sherrone Moore has been consistent in his messaging — depth matters, competition never stops — but it’s clear certain jobs have been won. Here’s where I see the final battles shaking out.
Fall camp is coming close to the end with Week 1 around the corner, the biggest questions surrounding Michigan Football are less about who will play and more about how the pieces fit together. Sherrone Moore has been consistent in his messaging — depth matters, competition never stops — but it’s clear certain jobs have been won. Here’s where I see the final battles shaking out.
Quarterback – Bryce Underwood
Was it ever really a competition? From the moment he stepped on campus, Bryce Underwood looked and carried himself like Michigan’s QB1. Sherrone Moore has praised his poise repeatedly, saying he “just has a maturity about him” even at 17, days from 18.
Mikey Keene, the veteran transfer, might have pushed things if he’d stayed healthy through the offseason, but the reality is Underwood is the future of the program. His arm talent, leadership, and ability to extend plays make him the face of Michigan Football for the next few years. This was always going to be his team.
Left Tackle – Evan Link
The buzz around freshman Andrew Babalola was real and deserved — his size and movement skills had coaches raving throughout camp. But in the end, experience won out.
Evan Link, who started on the right side last year and battled through growing pains, looked far more comfortable when moved back to left tackle. Moore called him “steady and dependable” during camp, which is exactly what Michigan needs to protect a freshman quarterback.
Link finished 2024 strong, and while Babalola is the future of the position, likely as soon as 2026, the Wolverines are betting on Link’s consistency now. Still, expect Babalola to keep pushing — if Link falters, that leash may be shorter than some think.
Right Guard – Nate Efobi
This is the one battle that might not be over.
Ferris State transfer Lawrence Hattar earned praise for how quickly he adapted after arriving in the summer, and coaches have hinted he’ll factor into the rotation. But for now, the edge goes to redshirt sophomore Nate Efobi.
He has the benefit of time in the system and impressed with his physicality. Moore described the competition as “iron sharpening iron,” and it wouldn’t surprise anyone if this one bled into September. Still, Efobi gets the first crack at it, and his upside is too high to ignore.
Secondary – Zeke Berry, Jyaire Hill, TJ Metcalf (nickel), Brandyn Hillman, Mason Curtis
No position group on this roster gives Wink Martindale more flexibility than the secondary.
Zeke Berry and Jyaire Hill have locked down the outside corner spots, and both have earned strong reviews — Berry for his toughness and versatility, Hill for his length and development. Arkansas transfer TJ Metcalf has been my pick at nickel since spring. He was one of the stories of camp, grabbing the nickel job with instincts and physicality.
At safety, Brandyn Hillman and Mason Curtis bring range and physicality, but their ability to move around is what makes this group special. Curtis has repped as a big nickel, Berry spent last year in the slot, and Hill has rotated inside as well. With Rod Moore working his way back from injury, Michigan will be able to mix coverages and disguise looks as well as any defense in the country.
Expect plenty of rotation, but this is the starting five to open the year.
Category: General Sports
