'24-'25 Michigan Football Depth Chart
QB: Jack Tuttle / Alex Orji
3. Jayden Denegal
4. Davis Warren / Jadyn Davis
RB: Donovan Edwards
2. Kalel Mullings
3. Benjamin Hall / Jordan Marshall
5. Cole Cabana
6. Micah Kaapana
7. Tavierre Dunlap
RB/WR: Donovan Edwards
2. Cole Cabana
WR: Tyler Morris
2. Karmello English
3. I'Marion Stewart
WR: Peyton O'Leary
2. Channing Goodwin
3. Kendrick Bell
SLOT: Semaj Morgan
2. Fredrick Moore
3. Eamonn Dennis
H-BACK: Max Bredeson
2. Josh Beethum
3. Zach Ludwig
TE: Colston Loveland
2. Marlin Klein
3. Zack Marshall / Brady Prieskorn
5. Hogan Hansen
6. Deakon Tonielli
LT: Myles Hinton
2. Jeffrey Persi
3. Evan Link
4. Andrew Sprague
5. Connor Jones
LG: Giovanni El-Hadi
2. Nathan Efobi / Luke Hamilton
C: Greg Crippen
2. Raheem Anderson
3. Jake Guarnera
RG: Josh Priebe
2. Andrew Gentry
3. Amir Herring
4. Ben Roebuck
5. Dominick Guidice
RT: Trente Jones
2. Andrew Gentry / Jeffrey Persi
4. Tristan Bounds
5. Blake Frazier
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DT: Mason Graham
2. Rayshaun Benny
3. Trey Pierce
4. Reece Atteberry
5. Owen Wafle / Deyvid Palepale
7. Alessandro Lorenzetti / Ted Hammond
9. Manuel Beigel
10. Ike Iwunnah
DT: Kenneth Grant
2. Rayshaun Benny
3. Trey Pierce
4. Reece Atteberry
5. Owen Wafle / Deyvid Palepale
7. Alessandro Lorenzetti / Ted Hammond
9. Manuel Beigel
10. Ike Iwunnah
DT/DE: Enow Etta
2. Cameron Brandt
3. Brooks Bahr
EDGE: Derrick Moore
2. TJ Guy
3. Aymeric Koumba / Chibi Anwunah
5. Dominic Nichols / Devon Baxter
ILB: Ernest Hausmann
2. Jaydon Hood / Jimmy Rolder
4. Micah Pollard
5. Semaj Bridgeman / Jason Hewlett
7. Jeremiah Beasley / Mason Curtis
9. Cole Sullivan
10. Hayden Moore
ILB: Jaishawn Barham
2. Jaydon Hood / Jimmy Rolder
4. Micah Pollard
5. Semaj Bridgeman / Jason Hewlett
7. Jeremiah Beasley / Mason Curtis
9. Cole Sullivan
10. Hayden Moore
EDGE/OLB: Josaiah Stewart
2. Kechaun Bennett
3. Tyler McLaurin
4. Breeon Ishmail
5. Jaden Smith
CB: Will Johnson
2. Keshaun Harris / Jyaire Hill
4. Myles Pollard
5. Jo'Ziah Edmond
6. Jeremiah Lowe
CB: DJ Waller
2. Keshaun Harris / Jyaire Hill
4. Myles Pollard
5. Jo'Ziah Edmond
6. Jeremiah Lowe
NB: Ja'Den McBurrows
2. Kody Jones
3. Zeke Berry
4. Jacob Oden
S: Rod Moore
2. Quinten Johnson
3. Zeke Berry
4. Cristian Dixon
S: Makari Paige
2. Keon Sabb
3. Brandyn Hillman
K: James Turner
2. Adam Samaha
P: Tommy Doman
Notes:
• Tuttle can get a medical (he's said that he will return to coach if it is denied - presumably as a GA), and Quinten Johnson has a Michael Barrett 6th year available to him.
• Getting Edwards back is a MUST.
• Trente Jones still has a decision to make, if he's gone, Gentry and Persi battle for the RT spot (or Hinton plays RT and Michigan tries to land a big time LT).
• Rod Moore and Makari Paige both have decisions, hopefully they both come back.
• Must-Have Transfers: QB, WR, CB
• Transfers to Consider: WR #2 or #3, TE #2, EDGE #2, EDGE/OLB #2, NB
...alright, now tear it apart. 😃
January 14th, 2024 at 5:20 PM ^
Grad transfers can enter at any time. Also the spring portal and all the head coach openings open up portals at those schools.
If we can take a CB from Umass and turn him into a contributor and draft pick then we should be able to find some solid guys still
January 14th, 2024 at 5:29 PM ^
You're not wrong, but as the CC chugs along, more and more guys get a new 30 day window to leave (Wash, Zona, Bama, etc)
January 14th, 2024 at 5:44 PM ^
Michigan will have a shot at 15-20 guys still at positions they want to look at. They’ll get a couple.
January 14th, 2024 at 5:30 PM ^
I mean, OP has been doing this consistently for quite a while. It's just like a snapshot of things at the current moment.
January 14th, 2024 at 4:55 PM ^
I do not think getting Edward's back is a must but obviously preferred. Mullings, Hall, Marshall et cetera should be enough.
January 14th, 2024 at 4:58 PM ^
OP, I see too many instances where incoming first-year players are "seeded" above incumbents, some of whom have been around for at least a couple of years. Unless we're talking about a five-star where early impact is possible (RB, CB), that doesn't seem reasonable.
January 14th, 2024 at 5:17 PM ^
Examples?
If you're talking about guys buried on the depth chart... I'm not sure what you expect. Do you think freshman don't play?
Kaapana over Dunlap isn't a stretch. Neither is Goodwin over Bell.
Prieskorn and Hogan over Tonielli? Roebuck over Guidice? The DTs over Iwunnah?
I'm so confused by this comment.
If you're a 3rd year+ guy and you've never seen the field...even in mop-up duty, a freshman playing over you isn't a reach, IMO.
I mean we had a senior heavy team this year and we still played guys like Hall, English, Morgan, Pierce, Brandt, Waller, Hill, Hillman, etc.
January 14th, 2024 at 6:16 PM ^
A couple I definitely noticed:
- Tonielli was a first-year player this past year. It's understandable that he didn't see the field and he's had a year in the program. If you're putting Hansen in front of him, you're banking almost entirely on HS recruiting rankings. Same with Bell & Goodwin, though at least with Bell a position change was involved.
- Regarding Roebuck, how many times has a first-year O-lineman played? Ben Bredeson, Mason Cole, and Zinter are the only ones that come to mind over several years. I believe Roebuck is destined for a redshirt. Sure, Guidice is buried, but I can at least see him getting in for a few blow-outs.
January 14th, 2024 at 4:59 PM ^
That offensive depth chart is not confidence-inspiring in any way. Need quite a lot of transfer business to get done on that end. Primarily should be looking for a QB1 and an outside WR or two. Could do with another TE in the Barner mold and potentially another OL to compete with and possibly supplant Hinton. Defense should be nails again though.
January 14th, 2024 at 5:12 PM ^
Go get Taulia Tagovailoa! Dude can sling it.
January 14th, 2024 at 5:48 PM ^
He’s the exact opposite of a QB that Harbaugh will go with. Takes way too many risks and loses games. Harbaugh will never even consider him nor should he.
January 14th, 2024 at 6:30 PM ^
If Sherrone would sit him for the 40% of the plays in which he is "bad Taulia", he would be great.
January 14th, 2024 at 7:26 PM ^
I agree.
But our other option is a running back throwing passes or a true freshman who will be obliterated. No good options when you miss on every QB you want ex Davis for 3 years.
January 14th, 2024 at 7:35 PM ^
Running back throwing the ball? What a thing to say. Orji can easily become sophomore year Young. Or Anthony Richardson or Milroe. Michigan learned a lot from Weiss and will utilize a lot of the Jackson offense.
January 14th, 2024 at 5:49 PM ^
Orji will likely be the starter and they’ll run a ton of RPO. With the tight ends and run game that offense will be enough to be 9/10 teams Michigan will face.
January 14th, 2024 at 6:52 PM ^
If Orji is the starter going into the season then we're in trouble. Will need to rely heavily on the defense to win games against a much much tougher schedule. Could see us losing 3-4 games if Orji starts.
January 14th, 2024 at 7:23 PM ^
Is Orji capable of making an RPO read? We heard all about the RPOs with Shea and yet they almost never actually called one.
Color me skeptical on this prediction lol
January 14th, 2024 at 7:27 PM ^
Orji makes Denard look like Dan Marino. If you don't like those 7 guy boxes UM faced all year wait until Mullings and Hall run into 9 man boxes.
January 14th, 2024 at 7:45 PM ^
That won't beat osu, nor Texas, and probably not Oregon. That's a 9-3 ceiling without dropping another one here or there (like Washington).
(Replying to MJ claiming Orji rpo game beats 9 of 10 teams UM plays next year.)
January 14th, 2024 at 8:32 PM ^
Why won’t it? You do realize JJ was 10/18 for 140 yards in the national championship right? With zero touchdowns? He ran for 31 yards. You’re telling me after watching Orji that he can’t average 150 yards passing and let’s go low and say 75 yards rushing a game? To the tune of a couple touchdowns? Orji has only come in for gadget plays, but he’ll have the entire spring to get ready to actually run the offense. Also if you want to say 140 yards passing and 75 yards rushing won’t win games then idk what to say. Because Michigan just won a championship like that out of their QB, against an elite offense.
January 14th, 2024 at 9:23 PM ^
Yes, I realize how many yards JJ threw for. UM also had over 300 rushing yards, which I'm sure you realize is a record for the championship game. How many 300+ yard rushing games has UM had recently? Plus the line will be worse for sure.
UM had one of the best defenses this century in 2023. They will still have a top defense, but are losing a lot of leaders and a lot of experience.
You really think UM can average 150 pass yards in 2024 and win?
And yes, I'm saying after watching Orji not complete a single pass that I'm not sure he can throw for 150.
January 14th, 2024 at 11:30 PM ^
Here’s a good one for you. How many times did JJ throw for over 150 yards? I’ll list some game he did not throw for over 150 just this year: Iowa, Ohio State, Maryland, Washington, Penn State, (Nebraska was like 156)
2022: A couple he went 15 yards or less over 150 but let’s name these games - Nebraska, Michigan State, Rutgers, Penn State and Iowa.
In 2021(Cade) under 175: OSU, IU, Northwestern, Rutgers, and Washington. JJ didn’t throw a pass against Washington that year. Cade threw for 44 yards. Michigan won 31-10.
In fact, in the last 3 years, the two times either Cade or JJ threw for over 300 yards Michigan lost to MSU once and beat Purdue once.
Again I am not talking about winning another national championship. You don’t need to run for 300 yards every game, even if you’re only passing for 150. Michigan won 3 big ten titles and a national championship and almost all of those games they passed for around 150 yards on about 15-20 attempts. Orji will be in year 3. He’ll be fine. If not Michigan will bring Davis in.
And you are heavily discounting how much Orji being mobile conflicts a defense. Michigan will run for more yards per game next year if Orji starts. Right that down wherever you want.
Edit: Oh and I get the defense was great this year. But Michigan has won 3 big ten titles leaning on the running game and barely throwing the ball. While making their mobile QB sit in the pocket and not properly run zone reads. That won’t be the case with Orji. They’ll use him in the ground game a ton.
January 15th, 2024 at 12:11 PM ^
The 2023 o line was not as good as 2022/2022 (defense carried them more), and the 2024 will be a step back as well. Maybe Orji running will offset that, or maybe teams key on the run more.
Those 150 yards that JJ threw for were to a large extent, excellent nfl level throws on the run on obvious pass downs. I'm not sure what you've seen to be so confident in Orji, but it seems more like the hype and hope of quaterbacks of yesteryear that were ok at best.
UM is losing a first round talent, one of the winning est qbs ever. Assuming that orji will come in (with a worse o line and less weapons) and be successful enough to beat 9/10 teams is, uh, optimistic.
January 14th, 2024 at 4:59 PM ^
Mullings should definitely be the starter next year. Donovan is very impatient and gets tackled way to easily. His first touchdown in the NC game he ran right into a wall, he just got lucky he was able to bounce outside.
January 14th, 2024 at 4:59 PM ^
Does Tuttle have eligibility? Looked pretty solid and has good mobility
On the other hand, I do wonder if they just lean fully into throwing the ball 10-15 times per game. The O-Line should be awesome again, and adding Orji to Mullings, Hall, and Cabana could make for a truly unstoppable rushing attack.
Still, is Orji reliable enough as a passer? Many people called JJ a game manager, but what many people miss is that when you run as often as we do on early downs, when JJ (and Cade tbh) did have to throw, it was often in obvious passing situations. Can Orji be as consistent on those throws as Cade at least? If so the idea of that running attack is very enticing.
January 14th, 2024 at 5:03 PM ^
Here are some Google-collected draft projections--caveat emptor
- Rod Moore--late 2nd
- Donovan Edwards--4th (*they've got him at a 4.55 40--haha)
- Josaiah Stewart--UDFA #458 (I think he moved up in the playoffs)
- Trente Jones--#26 OG (I think this is stale)
- Makari Paige--Unrated (I think this is stale)
January 14th, 2024 at 5:04 PM ^
• Getting Edwards back is a MUST.
Not really. I'd like to have him but I think the QB spot is the only significant concern at the moment.
January 14th, 2024 at 5:13 PM ^
A lot of youth on offense. Talented, but youthful. QB is my main concern.
January 14th, 2024 at 5:15 PM ^
I wouldn't discount Denegal's chances. He has been the most relaxed among QBs when his name is called and very impressive in the time he has been in (only UM QB with yards per pass avg in double figures).....plus, he seemed to be getting the #2 spot coming in the game over the course of the season.
January 14th, 2024 at 7:44 PM ^
I have liked Denegal too, but I think he was in the #2 spot because Orji was injured.
January 14th, 2024 at 5:16 PM ^
I am not sleeping on Jayden Davis . Got great experience coming in early and can see him getting the start as true freshman after a great spring and fall camp
January 14th, 2024 at 7:31 PM ^
Name the best true freshman QB in CFB last 50 years?
Dante Moore got eaten to bits in a conference with trash defenses. But yeah Davis gonna rip up B10 defenses.
January 14th, 2024 at 11:44 PM ^
Josh Rosen, RGIII, Chad Henne, Phillip Rivers, Sam Bradford, Colt McCoy, Jake Fromm, and Landry Jones. Landry came in for an injured Sam Bradford in like the second game of the year. Rivers was ranked as a 3 star. Josh Rosen was ranked top 20 in his class. Landry was ranked right outside the top 100, almost right where Davis ended up. Davis was dropped because of his size, but game play wise he’s elite. He should be ranked higher.
Dante Moore and Underwood were/are overrated. They played poor competition in Michigan and were over ranked accordingly. You can disagree if you want, but it’s not surprise Moore struggled this season. He’s clearly got the talent to be a top QB, but he needed to sit and learn. I think Underwood will end up OK because he won’t start as a freshman. It’ll do Moore some good to sit behind Gabriel this season.
January 14th, 2024 at 5:21 PM ^
Did realize this board was so down on Edwards. Kinda strange.
But then again, not really...because there were several folks talking about how they wished Corum left after last year because Edwards was better or just as good and they didn't want to lose him.
A home run hitting RB, who can catch, who doesn't need 25 carries a game to make an impact...and we're just like, "meh...if he comes back, he comes back."
Mindblowing.
January 14th, 2024 at 5:30 PM ^
One more thing...unless JJ changes his mind, I don't see us throwing the ball 25+ times a game.
If we're going to be a run heavy offense...why would we not thing Edwards is a must?
Did we forget that part of the reason Mullings is playing RB is because we didn't have enough depth at the position?
If this is our offense, we ABSOLUTELY need two "starting" RBs.
January 14th, 2024 at 5:47 PM ^
Everyone wants Edward's back but Mullings has looked excellent, Hall looked good in spring, Marshall is going to get snaps as a freshman. That position group is going to be productive as long as the next flight of OL is ready/the passing attack exists.
January 14th, 2024 at 5:54 PM ^
Mullings is a much better fit for the way Michigan wants to run the ball than Edwards is. Not discounting Edwards but Mullings is a legit #1 back in the Big Ten and numerous schools wanted him as a RB. Plus Marshall is going to be legit. Freshman can make at impact at RB. Edwards would be awesome to have back next year but it would be similar to Corum/Edwards this year. Just Mullings instead of Corum.
January 14th, 2024 at 7:00 PM ^
I was reacting to the all caps MUST. Keeping JJ was a MUST. And that didn't happen. What are you picturing with Edwards, 20 carries a game and Heisman year?
January 14th, 2024 at 7:32 PM ^
DE has bad vision and unless a portal THROWING QB shows up, Michigan will be running into 9 man boxes next year which calls for Hall and Mullings hammering. Which will be a struggle. There will be no holes for defenses who will dare Michigan to pass the ball 60 minutes a game. Have to look at that Wisconsin 2004 game film and I guess have 6 OL every play.
January 14th, 2024 at 5:33 PM ^
All the Edwards negative comments are postings trying to sound cool or being overly reactionary.
He would be immense to have next season. There is no real playmaker on that offense otherwise.
January 14th, 2024 at 5:22 PM ^
The lines are going to be just fine. Another year with Coach Herbert and another conference championship.
January 14th, 2024 at 5:27 PM ^
Pfft…if Fisch leaves go get the Arizona QB. That guy is next up!
January 14th, 2024 at 5:33 PM ^
That kid is for sure going with Jedd
January 14th, 2024 at 7:07 PM ^
Fifita, sure, but what about Jayden de Laura?
January 14th, 2024 at 5:30 PM ^
Take a deep breath everyone- it’s been less than a week since the National Championship and we’re in full offseason panic mode. Enjoy the ride.
January 14th, 2024 at 5:32 PM ^
I have a feeling Tuttle could really end up being a pleasant surprise for us next year.
The potential of Orji is exciting, though. Spend the off-season working on throwing mechanics, accuracy, reading defense (*whatever is was that led the coaching staff not to trust him to throw*) and he could be incredible.
Still gonna have a really good team next year.
January 14th, 2024 at 5:33 PM ^
The surprise would be him getting another year of eligibility
January 14th, 2024 at 6:37 PM ^
like freshman Denard vs sophomore Denard.
January 14th, 2024 at 7:41 PM ^
Those things aren't easily fixed. The potential is great because he can run, but hasn't shown anything at all wrt throwing. Expecting that he will be a train running + Brady throwing isn't realistic. Qbs usually show flashes beyond a wildcat package after a year. But happy to be wrong.
January 14th, 2024 at 8:02 PM ^
I don't recall saying those things were easily fixed or that he had to be a Brady level thrower.
We don't know what he can do throwing because we haven't seen him throw. JJ (understandably) threw all the balls and we never really needed to pull anything out of the bag with Orji's arm.
We know he's a ++ athlete at the position though, so if he can throw, watch out.