Michigan Wolverines Football

Two seasons ago, Michigan went 15-0 capped by the team's first national championship since 1997.

Thirteen Michigan players were then selected in the 2024 draft, making the school the most well-represented institution last year.

That probably won't be the case this season, but you'll still hear Michigan called early and often in 2025.

Entering Thursday, this year's Wolverine class had four potential first-round prospects in defensive lineman Mason Graham, cornerback Will Johnson and tight end Colston Loveland and defensive lineman Kenneth Grant.

Graham is the No. 3 overall player on the B/R NFL Scouting Department big board. He is also just one of three players (alongside Colorado two-way star Travis Hujnter and Penn State edge-rusher Abdul Carter) to receive a grade of 9.0 or better on the 10-point scale.

Graham is a force to be reckoned with in the trenches, someone who could serve as the anchor of a defensive front for a decade-plus. His effort last year against Ohio State, the eventual national champion, in a 13-10 win is his best exhibit for his talents. In that game, Graham had eight tackles (six within two yards of the line of scrimmage, per ESPN's Michael DiRocco).

Cornerback Will Johnson isn't far behind at fifth overall. Johnson was a superstar in 2023, earning the College Football Playoff national championship game's Defensive MVP award while also netting First-Team All-American and First-Team All-Big Ten honors.

Unfortunately, his 2024 season was cut short to six games because of a turf toe injury, but his tremendous skillset and sky-high potential speaks volumes among draft analysts who are still singing his praises despite him missing more than half of Michigan's seasons.

Loveland stands out in a loaded tight end class that also includes another monster at the position in Penn State's Tyler Warren. He's actually graded extraordinarily high in some spots, notably No. 5 overall on NFL.com's list of prospects.

Loveland had 56 catches for 582 yards and five touchdowns last season. He's TE1 in this class per the B/R NFL Scouting Department.

And then there's Grant, an absolute rock in the middle of the defensive line at 6'4" and 331 pounds. He has the potential to be a tremendous run-stuffer on the next level, as he was in college.

B/R NFL Scout Matt Holder compared Grant to Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, who has carved out a solid career as an eight-year NFL starter.

We'll being seeing that Michigan quartet (and some more teammates) on Sundays soon enough. For now, here's a look at where the Wolverines went in the draft.

Michigan NFL Draft Prospect List

DL Mason Graham: Round 1, Pick 5 (No. 5 Overall): Cleveland Browns (After Trade with Jacksonville Jaguars)

CB Will Johnson: Round 2, Pick 15 (No. 47 Overall): Arizona Cardinals

DL Kenneth Grant: Round 1, Pick 13 (No. 13 Overall): Miami Dolphins

TE Colston Loveland: Round 1, Pick 10 (No. 10 Overall): Chicago Bears

S Makari Paige: UDFA

OT Myles Hinton: Round 6, Pick 15 (No. 191 Overall): Philadelphia Eagles

EDGE Josaiah Stewart: Round 3, Pick 26 (No. 90 Overall): Los Angeles Rams

RB Kalel Mullings: Round 6, Pick 12 (No. 188 Overall): Tennessee Titans

LS William Wagner: UDFA

RB Donovan Edwards: UDFA

Michigan fans got a glimpse of their future quarterback on Saturday when Bryce Underwood led the Blue team to a 17-0 win over Maize in the annual spring game.

Underwood didn't have an efficient performance, finishing 12-of-25 for 188 yards, but the fans got sent home happy when he connected with Jalen Hoffman on a reverse flea-flicker on the final play.

Bryce Underwood finished 12 of 25 for 187 yards with a scrimmage-ending, 88-yard pass to tight end Jalen Hoffman on a reverse flea-flicker and an interception in a 17-0 win for the Blue over the Maize.

— Larry Lage (@LarryLage) April 19, 2025

Bryce Underwood! pic.twitter.com/hc5Q4fAH2S

— 〽️aize〽️ania (@MaizeManiaX) April 19, 2025

Even though the completion percentage didn't look great for Underwood, his pass-catchers weren't helping him out. He made a terrific throw down the sideline that should have been caught, but Jamar Browder was unable to corral the ball.

Perfect ball placement from Underwood, freshman Jamar Browder can’t haul it in. pic.twitter.com/BlWHQxROsR

— Dillon Zulkowski (@DillonZulkowski) April 19, 2025

Underwood had an interception that was the result of redshirt freshman Channing Goodwin not finishing his route. It also didn't help matters that Michigan's receivers seemed to have difficulty creating space for the quarterback to have a window he could target.

Bryce picked, Goodwin stopped running and never found the ball on 3rd and 18. pic.twitter.com/bjZsA4NfIe

— Dillon Zulkowski (@DillonZulkowski) April 19, 2025

Not a lot of separation out here from the Blue WRs outside of slot Goodwin… like at all

— Dillon Zulkowski (@DillonZulkowski) April 19, 2025

Some growing pains are to be expected as these players have just started working together on the field. This is especially true for incoming freshmen, like Underwood, Goodwin and Browder.

Head coach Sherrone Moore spoke about Underwood's performance after the game, acknowledging some things need to improve going forward.

Michigan coach Sherrone Moore on Bryce Underwood’s spring scrimmage performance. “He did well, made some really, good throws and had some things we need to clean up and get better at.”

— Larry Lage (@LarryLage) April 19, 2025

The most encouraging thing was that Underwood never seemed to get rattled by any of the mistakes. He showed good poise and accuracy when he had time to throw.

Underwood, the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2025 class, is going to be a huge factor for the Wolverines heading into Sherrone Moore's second season as head coach.

Quarterback was a huge problem for the Wolverines in 2024. Davis Warren, Jack Tuttle and Alex Orji combined for 1,655 yards, 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 13 games.

Underwood doesn't even have to be great in 2025 to be a huge upgrade on that group. If the Wolverines can pull average quarterback play out of him as a true freshman, they have more than enough defensive talent to win double-digit games.

Incoming Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood used his NIL powers to honor his high school security guard.

In a video posted on X, Underwood presents Belleville High School security guard Mych Darty with a new car from a local-area Chevrolet dealer.

Know your roots and who you’re rooting for pic.twitter.com/UeHsxTq49L

— Bryce Jay Underwood (@BryceUnderwoo16) April 17, 2025

Underwood explains in the video he wanted to give back to Darty because of the "difference he made for the athletes" at Belleville or whenever they needed someone to lean on, "he was there."

Per Angelique S. Chengelis of The Detroit News, Darty met Underwood before Underwood's first year at Belleville and had no idea he was a budding football star.

"This was before I had ever seen him throw a football," Darty told Chengelis. "He had a good head on his shoulders and from there our relationship grew."

The No. 1 overall prospect in the 2025 recruiting class, Underwood flipped his commitment from LSU to stay close to home at Michigan in November. The Wolverines made him an NIL offer worth at least $10.5 million to get him to flip.

One of the perks of Underwood's NIL deal is a partnership with Feldman Chevrolet, which has done business with many Michigan players, including 2025 NFL draft prospects Will Johnson and Colston Loveland, over the years.

Five-star class of 2027 athlete Jaxx DeJean, the younger brother of Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Cooper DeJean, announced that he has received an offer to play football at Michigan.

After a great talk with @Coach_Casula I am extremely excited to announce that I have received an offer from @UMichFootball @Jack_Dunaway96 〽️ pic.twitter.com/VWbmKmFl4x

— Jaxx (@Jaxxdejean35) February 13, 2025

The 6'6", 205-pound DeJean, who plays high school ball at OABCIG High School in Iowa, is ranked as the No. 29 overall prospect on the 247Sports Composite list of class of 2027 high school football players.

DeJean is a four-sport star who also plays basketball and baseball while competing in track and field. He has four offers from Michigan, Iowa, Kansas State and UAB, per 247Sports.

Given that his brother played for Iowa and that he's from the state, one can surmise that the Hawkeyes will get heavy consideration ahead of his commitment date.

Michigan certainly appears in the running as well, of course, and the Wolverines are also faring well recruiting in the Sherrone Moore era (sixth in the class of 2025, per 247Sports).

"As a freshman at OABCIG, DeJean did a little bit of everything. He hauled in 500 receiving yards and seven touchdowns while also rushing for five scores on offense," Hunter Shelton of On3 noted. On defense, he snatched four interceptions and also recovered a pair of fumbles."

Overall, it's been a great couple of weeks for the DeJeans, especially after Cooper snatched a pick-six off Patrick Mahomes in a 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX.

Now, Jaxx DeJean is stacking up his options in college as Michigan throws its hat into the ring.

HEIGHT: 6'1"

WEIGHT: 249

HAND: 9⅝"

ARM: 31⅞”

WINGSPAN: 79"

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POSITIVES

— Impressive production as a pass-rusher with 30 career sacks.

— Good get-off and burst off the line of scrimmage, can win with speed around the edge.

— Sets up his pass rush moves well by stemming and using euro-steps. Also has the quickness to change the angle on offensive tackles, going from inside to outside leverage in a hurry or vice versa.

— Has a solid rip move to win around the edge and a decent inside cross-chop.

— Physical and has natural leverage at the point of attack to set the edge and get off blocks from tight ends.

— High motor player who can get coverage sacks and factor into gang tackles down the field.

— Comfortable dropping in coverage.

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NEGATIVES

— Lacks size and length for an NFL edge defender.

— Offensive linemen who can absorb contact or play with good leverage can widen him in the running game due to sub-par size and lower body strength.

— Short arms limit his extension and ability to disengage from offensive tackles.

— Lacks the mass and strength to effectively turn speed to power as a pass rusher.

— Below-average accuracy with his hands and chops when working pass-rush moves, will often miss and allow offensive linemen to get into his body.

— Questionable bend, ankles look stiff to turn tight corners at the top of the rush.

— Struggles to break down in the backfield as a pass-rusher, comes in too hot and will lose contain against athletic quarterbacks.

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NOTES

— Born Apr. 26, 2003

— A 3-star recruit in the 2021 class, per 247Sports

— Injuries: 2024 (Undisclosed, missed 1 game)

— Transferred from Coast Carolina ahead of the 2023 season

— 2024: Second-Team All-Big Ten

— 2023: Honorable Mention All-Big Ten

— 2022: Second-Team All-Sun Belt

— 2021: First-Team All-Sun Belt, Freshman All-American, Set school record with 12.5 sacks

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OVERALL

Josaiah Stewart has been a productive pass rusher throughout his college career. As a true freshman at Coastal Carolina, he burst onto the scene with 12.5 sacks. Since then, he's transferred to Michigan and proven to be a solid situational rusher prospect.

Stewart has an impressive get-off to win with speed around the edge and takes advantage of offensive tackles with slow feet. He also sets up his pass-rush moves well by stemming to the inside and using his quickness and/or a euro-step to win on the inside or outside with a rip or cross chop moves.

However, Stewart isn't a technician with his hands, often missing and failing to "defeat the hands and defeat the man." Especially against offensive linemen with good length that can allow offensive tackles to get into his body and stop his moves. Also, he doesn't have poor bend but does lack some ankle flexion to turn a tight corner at the top of the rush.

As a run defender, the Michigan product's lack of size and lower body strength are issues. He's physically strong enough to be effective against tight ends but has a hard time setting the edge versus offensive tackles and pullers. That could make him more of a third-down pass-rusher at the next level.

Overall, Stewart's combination of sub-par size and technical flaws as a pass rusher could lead to varying opinions about his ceiling from NFL clubs. But his production is hard to argue with and he has enough traits to potentially become a sub-package rusher as a standup outside linebacker.

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GRADE: 6.6 (Potential Role Player — 4th Round)

OVERALL RANK: 160

POSITION RANK: EDGE18

PRO COMPARISON: Shades of Nik Bonitto but shorter

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Written by B/R NFL Scout Matt Holder

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Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.

The University of Michigan sent a 137-page document to the NCAA in response to the organization's notice of allegations accusing the program of 11 violations in response to a scouting and sign-stealing scheme led by ex-Wolverine staffer Connor Stalions.

Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger obtained a portion of the document and broke the news, noting in particular that the school has no plans to enter a "negotiated resolution" with the NCAA. In addition, Michigan defended ex-head coach Jim Harbaugh, current head coach Sherrone Moore, other Michigan staffers and even Stalions on the matter.

Per Dellenger:

"In the 137-page document — a portion of which Yahoo Sports obtained — Michigan makes clear that it will not enter into a negotiated resolution with the NCAA over the alleged wrongdoing, vigorously defending its former head coach, current head coach, several staff members and even Stalions, the low-level assistant who orchestrated one of the most elaborate sign-stealing systems in college football history on the way to the school winning the 2023 national championship. The school purports that the sign-stealing system offered 'minimal relevance to competition,' was not credibly proven by NCAA investigators and should be treated as a minor violation."

Six of the NCAA's 11 violations are deemed to be a Level I variety, categorized as a "severe breach of conduct."

Stalions has previously denied stealing signs from future Michigan opponents by in-person scouting (which is illegal) when he interviewed with the NCAA last Apil.

ESPN's Adam Rittenberg and Mark Schlabach reported that video clips from Stalions' interview with the NCAA appear in the Netflix documentary Sign Stealer.

Stalions also said he didn't "recall directing anyone to go to a game" as well when asked if he had done that. He no longer works for Michigan after resigning from his football analyst position in November 2023. The month before, Michigan suspended Stalions amid the NCAA's investigation into the program.

ESPN's Dan Murphy and Pete Thamel broke news on NCAA's notice of allegation on Aug. 4. The organization stated Stalions was the ringleader of a scheme that led to Michigan illegally scouting at least 13 future opponents for a total of 58 different times from 2021-2023.

Harbaugh, now the Los Angeles Chargers head coach, has fiercely denied knowing about any scheme.

"Never lie. Never cheat. Never steal. I was raised on that lesson," Harbaugh told reporters in at the team's training camp on Aug. 5. "I have raised my family on that lesson. I have preached that lesson to the teams that I've coached.

"No one's perfect. If you stumble, you apologize and you make it right. Today, I do not apologize. I did not participate, was not aware nor complicit in those said allegations. So for me, it's back to work and attacking with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind."

The NCAA issued a four-year show-cause order and a one-year suspension last August in response to its investigation. Harbaugh was notably suspended six games in 2023, three for recruiting violations (self-imposed by the school) during the COVID-19 dead period and three more by the Big Ten in response to the aforementioned scheme.

Regarding Harbaugh, Michigan says the NCAA's charge against him is "without merit."

"The NCAA alleges that Harbaugh failed to cooperate between Oct. 20 and Jan. 24, 2024 when he did not produce text and telephone records from his personal cell prior to his departure from the school," Dellenger wrote.

"Imaging of Harbaugh's phones — his personal and work — were part of a large initial collection of data that included imaging of phones and other devices from 10 individuals, the school says, including two computers assigned to Stalions and an external hard drive owned by Stalions.

"However, there were 'legitimate concerns' that the data being imaged contained personal and sensitive information and/or attorney-client communications, so images were withheld. The NCAA did not receive Harbaugh's images by the deadline and deemed him to have failed to comply."

Moore, now Michigan's head coach, was a co-offensive coordinator in 2021 and 2022 and the team's offensive coordinator in 2023. He was also the team's interim head coach for four games for Harbaugh in 2023. Moore was also suspended for a game during the 2023 season due to the aforementioned recruiting violations.

Moore is notably accused of deleting 52 text messages with Stalions.

Michigan’s response details the 52 texts Sherrone Moore deleted between he & Stalions on the day @YahooSports unearthed the story in Oct 2023.

While many are related to sign-stealing, none are specifically about the illegal in-person scouting scheme.https://t.co/RsDlAnBdKz pic.twitter.com/QBoxMoxFWA

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) January 28, 2025

Dellenger spoke more on the matter.

"In its response, Michigan and Moore acknowledge the deleted messages. However, the school contends that the texts were 'innocuous and not material to the investigation' and that Moore cooperated fully with the investigation, even turning over his phone for imaging — a move that revealed the previously deleted messages.

"The coach told school officials that he deleted the messages in anger and frustration shortly after the bombshell news story broke, suggesting that he did not want one person, Stalions, to receive credit for 'all the work that' coaches and players put into the championship run."

Generally speaking, in the document obtained by Dellenger, Michigan claims many of the allegations lack "merit or credible evidence." However, the school does admit in-person scouting took place. Dellenger provided more information.

"In its response, the school acknowledges that some impermissible in-person scouting appears to have occurred — 'though less than the (NCAA) claims'— and that some recruiting violations occurred, as well. All of the wrongdoing, it says, will be addressed in the Committee on Infractions hearing and it will advise committee members of self-imposed penalties."

Ultimately, Michigan is digging its heels in and refusing to back down a year off the team's 15-0 national championship season. Now the fight really begins between Michigan and the NCAA, which won't go away any time soon.

Wink Martindale may be looking for a way to return to the NFL after just one season as Michigan's defensive coordinator.

Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reported the Atlanta Falcons are interviewing Martindale for their defensive coordinator position on Tuesday. They aren't the only ones, as NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported the Indianapolis Colts will interview him Wednesday.

Pelissero also listed the Cincinnati Bengals as a team that may have interest in Martindale.

Those teams will be busy in the coming days, as Albert Breer of The MMQB reported former Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo is scheduled to interview with the Colts on Wednesday and the Falcons on Thursday.

While Anarumo's defense struggled this season, he helped lead Cincinnati to the Super Bowl during the 2021 campaign and then the AFC Championship Game during the 2022 season with a unit that finished sixth in the league in points allowed.

As for Martindale, he is a longtime veteran coach with a number of stops on his resume.

He began in the college game and was a defensive assistant for Notre Dame, Cincinnati, Western Illinois and Western Kentucky. The Oakland Raiders then hired him as inside linebackers coach in 2004 ahead of eventual stops with the Denver Broncos, Baltimore Ravens and New York Giants.

Martindale was a defensive coordinator in New York and Denver as well, but he is probably best known for his time on the Ravens.

They won the Super Bowl during his first season on the staff in 2012 and went to the playoffs three times in his four years as D.C. from the 2018 through the 2021 campaigns. Baltimore is always known for its strong and physical defense, and that was no different when Martindale was leading the way.

Teams that are interviewing him surely remember that stretch and would like to replicate it with their own defenses.

Still, a return to the NFL would mark a quick exit from Michigan after just one relatively disappointing season.

The Wolverines entered 2024 as reigning champions but went just 8-5 overall. While they took momentum into the offseason with late-season wins over rival Ohio State and Alabama, having to replace their defensive coordinator at this stage of the calendar could impact their approach to recruiting and the transfer portal during the spring window.

Former Michigan quarterback Alex Orji has committed to UNLV, he told ESPN's Pete Thamel.

He has two seasons of college eligibility remaining.

Former Michigan QB Alex Orji has committed to UNLV, he tells ESPN. Orji will have two years of eligibility remaining. He played in 20 games at Michigan and started three games in 2024. He's a dual-threat who has accounted for 7 career TDs. pic.twitter.com/fL64K5trFF

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 11, 2025

One of three quarterbacks to start for the Wolverines in 2024, Orji entered the transfer portal in December after Michigan flipped top-ranked quarterback recruit Bryce Underwood from LSU.

Orji traded off the QB1 spot with Davis Warren and Jack Tuttle as the Wolverines offense struggled during his redshirt sophomore season in 2024.

He played his final game with Michigan during the Wolverines' ReliaQuest Bowl game against Alabama, completing two passes and throwing an interception in relief for an injured Warren.

Orji finished out his Michigan career having made 20 appearances and three starts. He will now join Dan Mullen, who was hired as UNLV's head coach in December, in Las Vegas.

The Rebels entered last season with Matthew Sluka slated to start, only to lose Sluka to an NL conflict after three games. Hajj-Malik Williams took over to lead the Rebels to their first 11-win season in the Mountain West.

With Williams having declared for the 2025 NFL draft, however, the Rebels will have to start over under center in 2025.

Orji will now join a quarterback room currently staffed by Virginia transfer Anthony Colandrea, who entered the transfer portal after losing his starting spot at UVA to Tony Muskett at the end of last season.

Both signal callers are likely hoping the reputation Mullen earned as a quarterback whisperer while coaching players like Tim Tebow at Florida and Dak Prescott at Mississippi State can help them take the next step in their development next fall.

Orji and Colandrea could both be competing for UNLV's QB1 spot when the Rebels open camp this summer.

Michigan's win in the ReliaQuest Bowl came at a cost for quarterback Davis Warren.

Warren announced on X that he suffered a torn ACL in the Wolverines 19-13 victory over Alabama. He left the game in the third quarter.

Celebrating a win and so proud of the way the boys finished this season! I unfortunately suffered a torn ACL in the bowl game. Thanks to the Michigan faithful for all the support this season. Can’t wait to battle to be back on the field with my guys in AA and go blue! pic.twitter.com/coawxxGydJ

— Davis Warren (@1daviswarren2) January 4, 2025

"Celebrating a win and so proud of the way the boys finished this season," Warren wrote. "I unfortunately suffered a torn ACL in the bowl game. Thanks to the Michigan faithful for all the support this season. Can't wait to battle to be back on the field with my guys in AA and go blue!"

He finished the game 9-of-12 for 73 yards and a touchdown in the game. Alex Orji came in following Warren's injury and went 2-of-3 for two yards and an interception. The Michigan victory came from a productive run game, strong defense and a perfect 4-of-4 day for kicker Dominic Zvada.

Warren was the Wolverines starter for the majority of the season and threw for 1,199 yards with seven touchdowns and nine interceptions on the season. He helped lead Michigan to an 8-5 record and has one more year of eligibility.

He will vie for the starting role once again next season but will lose some opportunity to develop due to the injury.