The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1546232
34 THE WOLVERINE ❱ SEPTEMBER 2026 BY CLAYTON SAYFIE H ighlighted by the late additions, including that of five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood, Michigan pulled in the No. 6 recruiting class in the nation under second-year head coach Sherrone Moore in 2025. The coaching staff has mostly departed, but the majority of the players have re- mained with the program through the transition to Kyle Whittingham — and there's a lot of high-end talent. Underwood, wide receiver Andrew Marsh, offensive lineman Andrew Ba- balola, cornerback Shamari Earls, line- backers Chase Taylor and Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng, safety Jordan Young and more are all expected to make big impacts this season. Recruiting Name Pos. Stars ANDREW BABALOLA OL ★★★★★ Missed the entire 2025 season with an ACL injury sustained in August. Before the injury, Ba- balola was competing for the starting left tackle job, a position he hopes to win this month. JAMAR BROWDER WR ★★★ Appeared in seven games as a fresh- man, logging 55 offensive snaps. Browder was barely on the outside of the rotation throughout the season but was thrust into action when others were injured in a 21-16 win against Purdue. ELIJAH DOTSON CB ★★★★ Earned playing time in 12 contests, includ- ing eight on defense, recording 11 tackles with an interception against Central Michi- gan. A Detroit native, Dotson transferred to Missouri this offseason. SHAMARI EARLS CB ★★★★ Dealt with an injury early in the season but saw time in six games as a freshman, tallying 72 defensive snaps — with his most activity coming against Washington. AVERY GACH OL ★★★★ Competed in five games as a freshman — all on special teams — and is in the mix for playing time at guard in 2026. 2025 CLASS REVIEW TIME TO SHINE Michigan Sophomores Stepping Into Bigger Roles Wide receiver Andrew Marsh set a Michigan freshman record with 651 receiving yards in 2025. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL