The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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Michigan has plenty of good young talent, and many players will get a chance to show what they can do in 2026. Here are the top five to keep an eye on: 1. Sophomore WR JJ Buchanan — By the end of the year, it's possible we're saying, "Why wasn't he on the top five list?" He was impressive as a freshman tight end at Utah, catching 26 passes for 427 yards with 5 touchdowns, and they'll move him all around to create mismatches. "He's a stud," spring observers told us. 2. Sophomore OT Andrew Babalola — The 6-6, 315-pound Babalola was slated to play last year be- fore suffering a season-ending knee injury in August, but he's healing and should be good to go this fall. Whittingham mentioned not having some of his best linemen available for spring ball — Babalola is No. 1 on that list. He was a top-five priority to re-sign after last year even with the injury, which should tell you all you need to know about his perceived value. 3. Sophomore LB Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng —Owusu-Boateng joins senior Troy Bowles and fellow sophomore Chase Taylor as likely starters, and all of them are players to watch. Each earned praise from the defensive coaches this spring, and they'll all need to step up and play beyond their experience. Owusu-Boateng is an outstanding athlete who will only get better. 4. Sophomore S Jordan Young — The 6-0, 195-pounder emerged on the scene with a big game at Northwestern in which he shared Defensive Player of the Week honors, breaking up a big third-down pass late in the game. He played in 10 games on defense last year but should have a much bigger role this season. 5. Junior DE Lugard Edokpayi — Sophomore Nate Marshall had his moments at edge last year, but Edokpayi's raw natural ability made him a problem for the Michigan offense this spring. The 6-7, 250-pounder has the potential to be an outstanding pass rusher, and he's made big strides. Michigan didn't have a first-round NFL Draft pick for the first time since 2018, but the Wolverines still lost some good players, including edges Derrick Moore and Jaishawn Barham. Here's a look at U-M's best returning talents: 1. Junior RB Jordan Marshall — Marshall took a backseat to Justice Haynes a year ago, but when Haynes went down with injury, the Ohio native showed what he could do. He ripped off four consecutive 100-yard games from Oct. 18 to Nov. 15, showing off great power and speed, and finished with a team-high 932 yards and 10 touchdowns. He should be the bell cow in the backfield if he can stay healthy. He's a downhill runner with great feet and more than adequate speed. 2. Sophomore WR Andrew Marsh — Marsh might have had the most impressive season for a true freshman receiver since Mario Manningham in 2005, showing elite ability with 179 yards in a win over Northwestern and finishing the season with 651 yards and 4 touchdowns. He's a solid No. 1 on the depth chart this spring, Whittingham said, and was a priority to re-sign in the offseason. 3. Senior CB Jyaire Hill — Hill has all the physical skills, but can he be con- sistent and reliable? We believe he can with the proper coaching, which he'll now have with the new staff. Hill was the Wolverines' Defensive Skill Player of the Year and an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection a year ago. He only notched 1 pick but was in position for several others — the expectation is those pass break-ups become interceptions this year. 4. Senior DT Trey Pierce — The 6-2, 310-pound honorable mention All-Big Ten selection is just scratching the surface of his potential after being named the team's co-Most Improved Player on Defense last year. He had an out- standing spring as the best player on a position group Whittingham called one of their most impressive. 5. Senior DE John Henry Daley — The Utah transfer is coming off a signifi- cant leg injury suffered late last season, but he's back near full strength this summer and could be a force on the edge. He notched 17.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks a year ago and earned first-team All-America honors from the Walter Camp Football Foundation. Top Five Players Senior cornerback Jyaire Hill was an hon- orable mention All-Big Ten pick a year ago as well as the Wolverines' Defensive Skill Player of the Year. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL Top Five Players To Watch Sophomore safety Jordan Young appears ready for a larger role in the defensive secondary after flashes of brilliance a year ago. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL THE WOLVERINE 2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW ■ 29