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WR Andrew Marsh’s path to Michigan Football, outlook for 2025

2025-08-04T15:00:00-05:00

Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Michigan could use some major strides from its receiver group in 2025. Could Andrew Marsh be a candidate to make an impact? Here’s what the 2025 season could offer for the true freshman and what his story has been so far.

It’s been quite a while since the Michigan Wolverines have had a true freshman make a big impact at wide receiver; you’d have to go back to 2017 and Donovan Peoples-Jones to even find 277 yards of production from a Michigan freshman. While Andrew Marsh might not be coming to Michigan with Peoples-Jones’ pedigree, there might still be an avenue for him to get on the field early in his college career.

Today, we’ll be continuing a closer look at what the career of freshman wide receiver Andrew Marsh has looked like so far and what could be in store during the 2025 season.

The story so far

Michigan’s recruiting at the wide receiver position hasn’t exactly been on par with the Ohio States, Alabamas, and Oregons of the world, but Ron Bellamy and company made a big-time addition last August by landing the services of Andrew Marsh, a native of Katy, Texas.

Marsh was a highly coveted recruit on the trail in the class of 2025, ranked as the No. 117-overall player and the No. 16 wide receiver by the 247Sports Composite. A bit on the thin side at 175 pounds, Marsh still made quite the impact at Katy Jordan high school, hauling in 130 passes for 2,330 yards and 26 touchdowns over the past two seasons. On the recruiting trail, he garnered praise for his athletic ability and jump-ball skills despite his size. He also competed in track and field when he was in high school, excelling in the high-jump.

Marsh was one of Michigan’s new freshmen that chose to enroll early this season and got a leg up on some of the competition on the depth chart by being able to develop some early chemistry with the quarterbacks and learn the nuances of the new offense. Fans were able to get their first glimpse of Marsh in the spring game, but he was targeted only twice and had one reception for 12 yards in the game.

Bryce Underwood ↗️ Andrew Marsh

This QB-WR duo was a force in the @UMichFootball Spring Game #B1GFootball pic.twitter.com/4QKis73sE5
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) May 2, 2025

For more on Marsh as a prospect, check out his film study from last year by clicking here.

Outlook for 2025

There’s plenty of new in Michigan’s offense in 2025, and much of it centers around the passing attack. Bryce Underwood is likely the new starter at quarterback, while Donaven McCulley is likely to take over as Michigan’s new top receiver. After McCulley though, there’s plenty of questions as to who will step up as the No. 2 and 3 guys on the depth chart.

What would make the most sense is for juniors Semaj Morgan and Fred Moore to climb up next in the receiving pecking order, but both players failed to make a big impact with their opportunities last year. While some of their lackluster statistics can be attributed to factors beyond their control, such as the subpar quarterback play and offensive scheme, there’s still room for new players to surpass them on the depth chart.

It might be a stretch for it to happen right away, but it wouldn’t be a shock if Andrew Marsh is able to eventually climb into a featured role in the passing attack by the halfway point of the season. Marsh brings a badly needed explosivity to the receiving room, and has bulked up to 190 pounds after being listed at just 175 as a recruit, suggesting that he might be more ready than originally thought to mix it up with some of the more physical corners at the college level. In addition to his raw physical traits, Marsh showed nuance as a route runner at the high school level and can help the offense by lining up both in the slot and outside.

Marsh is coming to Michigan at the right time if he wants to make an impact early in his career, as there could be snaps to go around in the receiver rotation. He’s got the talent and playmaking ability to justify the playing time as well should things break the right way for him.

T.J. Metcalf making an impact, showing versatility early in fall camp

2025-08-04T13:00:00-05:00

Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images

One of the more under-the-radar additions Michigan made in the transfer portal this winter was defensive back T.J. Metcalf, whose showcased some versatility and made an impression on Wink Martindale early in fall camp:

One of the more interesting storylines to watch heading into the 2025 season is how Wink Martindale and LaMar Morgan decide to build up the secondary. With the losses of Makari Paige, Will Johnson and Aamir Hall, there are plenty of snaps to go around, but Michigan has no shortage of guys competing for playing time. That goes for safety, nickel and outside corner, where the Wolverines have a surplus of options.

One player that’s a part of that surplus is junior T.J. Metcalf. Fans still might not be totally familiar with him, as he only joined the program (along with is younger brother, Tevis) through the transfer portal this winter. He’d played his previous two seasons at Arkansas and started 11-of-12 games for the Razorbacks in 2024, registering 57 tackles, 10 pass breakups and three interceptions.

Although Metcalf has only been with the program for a short time and hadn’t previously been a part of Martindale’s system, it hasn’t stopped him from making a good impression on the veteran defensive coordinator so far as he looks to carve out a starting role.

“I think he’s gonna be really good. It’s like he’s been here for two years,” Martindale said of Metcalf at a media availability on Saturday.

Quickly making a good impression and adjusting to the new scheme bodes well for Metcalf, but it also might make a big difference for the secondary as a whole. Even though Michigan has plenty of viable options at cornerback and safety, none of them have much experience at the college level, with guys like Zeke Berry and Jyaire Hill only getting their first extended runs of playing time last year. The lone exception is Rod Moore, who Martindale mentioned is still working his way back from injury and the coaching staff is only trying to ease him back into action.

A guy like Metcalf that can step in and contribute right away after facing high-caliber competition in the SEC makes for one less thing the staff will have to worry about as it tries to solve the puzzle that the secondary mix is.

Another layer of Michigan’s situation in the secondary is the fact that seemingly everyone has taken reps at multiple positions. This offseason, we’ve heard Brandyn Hillman, Mason Curtis, Jyaire Hill, Zeke Berry and Tevis Metcalf have gotten reps at nickel to try and find a good candidate for the role.

When asked if anything has been sorted out in the secondary so far in terms of who will play where, Martindale said the group is still, “mixing and matching” and they would be continuing to see how the competition plays out as camp continues. Versatility appears to be something Martindale values, and it’s just one more thing Metcalf has going for him.

“(Metcalf) is versatile, we’ll probably play more personnels and different types of things this fall,” Martindale said. “I think he’s going to do a lot of things that are going to be fun to watch.”

As the pieces start to fall into place, it appears more and more likely Metcalf will be playing a big role in the secondary. Having someone with experience, especially against good competition, will go a long way as the Wolverines eventually try to get more of the younger guys like Shamari Earls, Jordan Young and Jo’Ziah Edmond involved later in the season. That experience could also prove to be important when the Wolverines face another SEC opponent in Week 2 when they travel to Oklahoma.

2027 three-star OL Tristan Dare commits to Michigan Football

2025-08-04T11:06:26-05:00

Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

BOOM! The Michigan Wolverines have added their second player to the 2027 class, as three-star OL Tristan Dare announced his commitment:

The Michigan Wolverines have landed another commitment in the 2027 class. After locking up three-star offensive lineman Louis Esposito (son of defensive line coach Lou Esposito) a couple weeks ago, the Wolverines nabbed three-star offensive lineman Tristan Dare on Monday afternoon.

BREAKING: Class of 2027 IOL Tristan Dare has Committed to Michigan, he tells me for @rivals

The 6’4 290 IOL from Southlake, TX chose the Wolverines over Ohio State, Penn State, & Oklahoma

“The Leaders and Best 〽️ Go Blue! 2 Corinthians 12:10”https://t.co/9TkTMZ68VK pic.twitter.com/iLWP8Un1sQ
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) August 4, 2025

Dare, a 6-foot-4, 290-pounder from Southlake Carroll, Texas is a consensus top-30 interior offensive lineman and top-500 overall player in his class — per the 247Sports composite — and chose the Wolverines over Ohio State, Penn State and Oklahoma, among other really good offers.

Along with Esposito, Dare should continue what looks to be an impressive incoming lineage of Michigan linemen. The 2026 class features four-star Malakai Lee, four-star Marky Walbridge and three-star Bear McWhorter. Meanwhile, five-star Andrew Babalola and four-star Ty Haywood headline the current freshmen.

“I’m very interested in Michigan because of their reputation of developing offensive linemen and dedication to winning National championships,” Dare told The Michigan Insider’s Brice Marich ($) earlier this summer. “Those two factors are very important to me. Michigan is a storied program with a loyal fan base with one of the largest football stadiums in the country. Who wouldn’t want to play on that stage! Education is extremely important to me and Michigan has one of the best academics nationally.”

As for Dare’s game, his film is at right tackle and he demonstrates excellent instincts, powerful run blocking and responsible pass blocking. However, even with his sturdy frame, he is probably not long enough to line up out wide against Big Ten pass rushers.

Regardless of where head coach Sherrone Moore and offensive line coach Grant Newsome end up playing Dare, he represents the Wolverines’ desire to build from the inside out and dominate trench play.

If Moore and company keep adding quality linemen, expect another Joe Moore Award shortly.

A Michigan-Tom Brady retrospective

2025-08-04T11:00:00-05:00

Photo by Rick Stewart/Allsport/Getty Images

A deep dive into Tom Brady’s underrated Michigan career, revisiting his battles with Drew Henson, big-game performances, and how he quietly became one of the most successful QBs in Wolverine history:

Welcome to Michigan Musings! Every Monday (at least until the start of football season) this will serve as your prime source for all things Michigan Wolverines; a weekly digest featuring thoughts and commentary on (mostly) the top stories from the week that was. Similar to a newsletter (Brewsletter?), this will feature an assortment of stories and opinions from football to basketball to hockey to pop culture and everything in between.

Grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let’s dive in.

A Michigan Tom Brady Retrospective

As one does, I was sitting at a bar with the fellas recently and talking ball. Honestly, it doesn’t get much better than hanging out with friends and naming great maize and blue-clad warriors from the past. Especially in the summer.

From running backs to defensive backs to offensive linemen, Michigan offers a rich rolodex to choose from. However, one position is often going to encounter an obvious and predictable interjection: quarterback.

The quarterback position at Michigan does not have the Heisman history of other programs. Or even the crazy stats to ‘wow’ the neutral fan. The program record for single-season passing yards is 3,331, and the record for touchdowns is an embarrassingly low 25. Roughly 15-20 quarterbacks at other schools surpass those numbers annually. But that doesn’t mean the position has been devoid of talent since 1879.

Michigan had two quarterbacks, Rick Leach and Dennis Franklin, finish in the top 10 of the Heisman voting in the 70s (Leach in two different seasons). Jim Harbaugh finished in the top three in 1986 and posted a 21-3-1 record in his final two seasons. Elvis Grbac was a powerhouse, two-time unanimous first-team All-Big Ten selection in the early ‘90s, and the turn of the century saw John Navarre and Chad Henne rewrite the record books with starting tenures resembling presidential terms.

Denard Robinson’s legs kept Michigan afloat during one of the darkest stretches in program history as he finished sixth in the Heisman in 2010, and most recently, J.J. McCarthy led Michigan to a national championship while finishing 10th for the prestigious bronze statue.

But once any fan mentions Tom Brady, expect an uninformed, or green & white/scarlet & grey-tinted outburst of, “Tom Brady was trash in college!” Albeit mostly spoken from people who were under the age of 10 or not even born when he played in Ann Arbor, it’s time to put this misnomer to bed.

After answering head coach Lloyd Carr’s challenge and opting not to transfer during his first three years, Tom Brady seized his opportunity at Michigan in 1998. Brady held off generational recruit Drew Henson to become the starting quarterback (although Brady would occasionally split snaps with Henson, appearing in seven games) and posted a 10-3 record in the shadow of a national championship season.

Brady completed 62 percent of his passes for 2,427 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Not eye-popping, but the first-year starter helped command a balanced offense led by running back Anthony Thomas and 900-yard receiver Tai Streets.

Michigan dominated a tough Penn State team, 27-0; handed Wisconsin’s Barry Alvarez and Ron Dayne their lone loss of the season by a sizable 17 points; smoked Houston Nutt’s Arkansas team 45-31 in the Citrus Bowl. When the dust settled, Michigan didn’t repeat, but finished a respectable No. 12 in the final polls.

Furthermore, Michigan’s only three losses — two of which came in the first two weeks of the season — came to teams that would finish the ‘98 campaign ranked. And the following season, Brady and the team were even better.

Michigan’s historic 2023 season saw the team go undefeated and beat five teams that finished the season ranked. No team in modern program history (since 1969) has ever beaten that many quality opponents who would ultimately finish in the top 25. The 1997, 2006, 1985, and 2016 teams, among a handful of others, would beat three in a season. However, the team that came the closest was the 1999 team with four wins.

The ‘99 team was special. Led by Brady, the Wolverines beat rivals Notre Dame and Ohio State; knocked off Wisconsin and Penn State on the road, both of whom would finish ranked inside the top 11; beat a ranked Spoilermakers team, and defeated a top-10 Alabama team in one of the most thrilling Orange Bowls of all time.

Brady’s passing yards dipped slightly as he split more time with Henson over the first half of the season, but he still threw two more touchdowns and four fewer interceptions overall. More impressively, once he was named the full-time, full-game starter, Brady led a fourth-quarter comeback in Happy Valley, a game-winning drive against Ohio State, and helped Michigan overcome two 14-point deficits in an overtime victory against the Crimson Tide, a game in which Brady threw for 369 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions to cap his collegiate career.

Michigan finished the season ranked No. 5 (curiously, one spot behind Wisconsin with an identical record, worse losses, and a home loss to the other) with the only blemishes coming in back-to-back weeks in October with losses to Michigan State and Illinois, two teams that would also finish the season ranked. The Wolverines would not finish fifth or higher in any season again until 2021.

Brady finished his career at Michigan with a 20-5 record, two bowl wins, and led two teams that never finished worse than twelfth in the country. Despite constant doubt about his abilities and splitting time with the supposed future of the program, Brady persisted to finish his career as one of the most successful quarterbacks in program history.

The next time someone questions Brady’s college accolades, the next round is on them.

3 players on Michigan’s offense with the most to prove in 2025

2025-08-04T09:00:00-05:00

Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

This offseason has given Michigan fans hope that the offense will get back on track in 2025, but a handful of players will need to elevate their performance to match the lofty expectations. Here are three offensive players with the most to prove this year:

Over the course of the offseason, there’s been a growing sense of excitement that the Michigan Wolverines offense will be able to get back on track on 2025. The combination of Chip Lindsey’s hire, Bryce Underwood’s commitment, and a few transfer portal additions like Donaven McCulley and Justice Haynes has offered inspiration that things will be better than they were in 2024.

Admittedly, there’s really nowhere to go but up from the 2024 team’s offensive performance. But to be able to improve, a handful of players on Michigan’s offense are going to need to match the lofty expectations that have been set for them, while others might have to take a step forward after failing to do so last year. Today, we’ll be taking a look at three players that have the most to prove in 2025.

QB Bryce Underwood

We can start with the obvious one. It’s hard to think of a recruit that has come to Michigan with more hype than five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood. J.J. McCarthy, Rashan Gary, Donovan Peoples-Jones, take your pick; none of them came to Ann Arbor expected to do so much so quickly.

As we get closer to the 2025 season, it’s appearing more and more likely that Underwood will get control of the offense as QB1, a rare feat for a true freshman — even one of Underwood’s pedigree. However, the circumstances dictate that this might be the right choice considering his primary competition for the job, Mikey Keene, has spent much of the offseason hampered by an undisclosed injury and there aren’t any more talented options on the roster.

The hype around Underwood’s talent is justified. He’s a true dual-threat with all the arm talent in the world and has had enormous success at the high school level. Coming into college, many fans are looking to him to lead Michigan back into the promised land that it enjoyed from 2021 to 2023. Underwood will be just a freshman in 2025, though, so it might be too early to expect Heisman-worthy numbers and a trip to the National Championship Game. However, as soon as Week 1, we’ll get to see if he’s been worth getting excited over as he shows flashes of the potential to be great.

WR Semaj Morgan

The 2023 season didn’t offer much room for young players to step up, as Michigan’s offense was loaded with veterans that led the way. However, then-true freshman Semaj Morgan did see the field a decent amount and seemed to make something happen every time he touched the ball.

As a freshman, Morgan was mostly a gadget guy, but showed a real ability to run after the catch and make plays in traffic. On the year, he had 204 yards and two touchdowns receiving, while also adding 67 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. His 2024 season fell flat though, as he failed to establish himself in Kirk Campbell’s system to the tune of just 139 receiving yards.

No one's catching him.

Semaj Morgan takes it 44 yards for the @UMichFootball TD.

: NBC pic.twitter.com/O7k0R6VX6V
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) November 5, 2023

Now, with Chip Lindsey calling the shots and McCulley in tow to take the pressure off of him, Morgan could be a solid post-hype option in Michigan’s offense. This year, it would make more sense for him to not only have those gadget plays drawn up for him, but also to see him utilized more in the slot than he was a year ago, as it aligns more with his size and skillset. However, if Morgan fails to take a step forward for the second consecutive year, the Wolverines have plenty of other receivers like Anthony Simpson, Channing Goodwin, and Andrew Marsh that would be awaiting the opportunity to pass him on the depth chart.

The whole offensive line

Cheating? Yes. Warranted? Also yes.

Michigan’s offensive line had set such a high standard over the last handful of seasons, but fell tremendously short of that in 2024. While the group was replacing all five of its starters from the previous year, it took much too long to meld together and never felt like a strength last season as it struggled both to open holes for the running game and protect the quarterbacks.

Heading into this season, there’s a bit more optimism as the group did finish last year on a high note with its games against bigger opponents like Ohio State and Alabama. Three starters (Greg Crippen, Evan Link, and Giovanni El-Hadi) are back after getting their first extended runs of playing time. Furthermore, talented young players like sophomore Andrew Sprague — and perhaps freshman Andrew Babalola — will be waiting to showcase their ability.

If Michigan is going to get back on track offensively, it’s going to start with the offensive line getting back on track itself. This will be the ultimate “prove it” year both for Grant Newsome and his players as they both hope to return to the high standard that had previously been set. Even if the group isn’t able to return to it’s Joe Moore Award ways, being just above average would go a long way in inspiring confidence for the team.

2 Michigan Wolverines make Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List for 2025 season

2025-08-04T08:00:00-05:00

Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

A pair of Michigan Wolverines have been named to Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List — one of them a returning member, and one of them an international player who is making the list for the first time while only playing in 1 game last year:

You know it’s almost college football season when Bruce Feldman of The Athletic releases his annual Freaks List.

In case you are unfamiliar, Feldman puts together a list of the Top-101 athletic players in the country, selected on intel he picks up from coaches, schools, teammates, parents, NFL scouts, NFL combine trainers, and agents.

To no one’s surprise, Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is No. 1 heading into the 2025 season. But two players made it on the list for the Michigan Wolverines this year, and the first guy was also on it in 2024.

No. 35 - TE Marlin Klein

What Feldman said: “The TE from Germany made the Freaks List last year (No. 90). In 2024, he started six games and caught 13 passes for 108 yards and was named Most Improved Player on offense. The 6-6, 250-pound junior, who has hit 21.75 mph, broad jumped 9-7. This offseason, Klein ran a 6.89 in the three-cone drill. His former teammate Colston Loveland did it at 6.94 last offseason, and no tight end at this year’s combine did it quicker than that. Klein’s shuttle time of 4.25 this offseason would’ve been the fastest by any tight end at the combine.”

MnB’s take: Klein is a player on the rise following the departure of Colston Loveland to the NFL this offseason. A lot is being expected of him in 2025 as TE1, and if he isn’t hearing about it in person, he may have heard it via the In The Trenches podcast this offseason.

“He and I have talked about this. It needs to be (the year it all comes together),” tight ends coach Steve Casula said on In The Trenches in June. “We’ve talked a lot about his ability and his potential. And I’ve said this publicly, I’ll say it again — Michigan’s starting tight end needs to be an NFL player. That’s what our history is. That’s what the level of expectation is. And that’s what he’s being held to.”

There are a ton of talented players in the room behind him — Hogan Hansen being the chief competition — so Klein will need to perform at a consistently high level to stay the Wolverines’ top option at tight end.

No. 62 - DL Manuel Beigel

What Feldman said: “A soccer player from Germany who didn’t pick up football until 2020, Biegel redshirted last season as a 6-5, 280-pounder. He has added 35 pounds and displayed “rare traits in both movement and strength and power,” said strength coach Justin Tress. “He weighs 315 pounds and moves like a linebacker.” Beigel has uncanny flexibility in his lower body in his ankles, knees and hips, which is evident in how quickly and deep he goes squatting 425 pounds for three reps, Tress said.

“Beigel also rocketed up the reactive plyo stairs in 2.64 seconds, best of any offensive or defensive linemen in the program. Former All-American Aidan Hutchinson once did it in 2.57 seconds but he weighed 50 pounds less. Beigel isn’t the only Freaky Wolverine in the D-line room. Ike Iwunnah, a 6-3, 320-pound senior, is just the third player in Michigan history who has done 800 pounds on the combo twist, joining Mike Onwenu and 2022 Freaks Lister Mazi Smith. Iwunnah also completed the reactive plyo stairs in 2.75 seconds (Mazi Smith did it in 2.82 seconds).”

MnB’s take: A player that doesn’t get talked about very often, Beigel is heading into his redshirt freshman year in Ann Arbor. He played in just one game last season — making his debut against Arkansas State in Week 3 — and was also named the Scout Team Defensive Player of the Week for the Minnesota game.

Beigel is an extremely raw football player, but based on what Tress had to say to Feldman about the athletic traits that Beigel possesses, he may have a better shot at finding time on defense sooner than expected. The interior is pretty loaded right now with Rayshaun Benny, Damon Payne, Tre Williams, Enow Etta and others, but perhaps he can sneak his way into the rotation if other players just barely ahead of him on the depth chart aren’t performing at a high enough level.

Recruiting Roundup: Michigan receives prediction to land 2027 OL

2025-08-04T07:00:00-05:00

Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Michigan football team has one of the best 2026 recruiting classes in the country, and some 2027 commitments could start rolling in pretty soon. We break it all down on today’s Recruiting Roundup:

Sherrone Moore signed a top-10 recruiting class during his first year as the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines football team, and he is on track to do it again. The 2026 class is in great shape, and even the 2027 class is starting to take form. Let’s talk about that and more in today’s Recruiting Roundup:

Michigan predicted to land 2027 OL

All of the attention is on the 2026 recruiting class, but Michigan has already landed a commitment in the 2027 class. Another one could be coming as the Wolverines received a crystal ball from 247Sports for three-star offensive lineman Tristan Dare.

Dare is the #496 player in the 2027 class, and he is 6’4”, 290 lbs. Rivals also placed a prediction for Michigan to land him.

Rivals' @SWiltfong_ and @samspiegs have logged expert predictions for Michigan to land IOL Tristan Dare〽️

Read: https://t.co/YNrf1nKj4A pic.twitter.com/DKDZfPJn4e
— Rivals (@Rivals) July 31, 2025

Dare has a lot of time before he needs to make his college decision, but it looks like he is already close to picking his new home.

Michigan hosting two five-stars WRs on visits

We all know that the Michigan football team needs to do a better job acquiring wide receiver talent, and we have seen WR coach Ron Bellamy do a good job in the 2026 recruiting class. He has been busy in the 2027 class as well, and two of the top receivers in the country will visit the Wolverines this fall.

Monshun Sales and Quentin Burrell are both five-star prospects, and they will both be on campus soon. Sales is already high on the Wolverines.

“They treat me like I’m already there,” Sales told On3’s Steve Wiltfong ($). “They show me so much love.”

Michigan is in a good spot with Burrell as well, and his sister is a big reason why. She already attends the university, so Burrell is very familiar with the school.

“Michigan, my sister goes there, so that’s like a second home,” he said.

Landing some five-stars at the WR position would be massive for the Wolverines, and they are in a good spot to make it happen in the 2027 class.

Michigan pushing hard to land five-star 2027 QB

The Wolverines are in a good spot with a couple of five-star wideouts, and they are going after a five-star quarterback in the 2027 class as well. That player is Kavian Bryant. Michigan is recruiting him hard, and Bryce Underwood could end up having an impact on his recruitment.

“Their offensive scheme is pretty cool,” Bryant told On3’s Ethan McDowell ($). “I got to walk with the coaches while they were going over their plays on offense during practice. I feel like Bryce Underwood is a great mentor.”

One thing that a lot of recruits have taken away from their conversations with Sherrone Moore is his transparency. Bryant is one player who has noticed it.

“He keeps it straight,” he said. “He’s going to tell me how Bryce is and how I should come in, be behind him or take over and lead. I feel like he’s a great coach.”

Bryant likely isn’t going to be making a decision anytime soon, but Michigan seems to be in a good spot early on.

“Sometime next year,” Bryant said of his commitment date. “I don’t really know yet. Probably December or January.”

Quick-Hitters

Michigan will be hosting four-star 2027 tight end Colt Lumpris on a visit for the Ohio State game on November 29th, according to 247Sports’ Brian Dohn ($).
ICYMI: Michigan missed out on a big commitment over the weekend as the top cornerback in the 2026 class, Davon Benjamin, picked Oregon over the Wolverines.

BREAKING: Elite 2026 CB Davon Benjamin Jr. has Committed to Oregon, he tells me for @rivals

The 6’0 187 CB from Los Angeles, CA chose the Ducks over Michigan & Texas

He’s ranked as the No. 1 CB in ‘26 (per Rivals)

“Go Ducks”https://t.co/i9Sy2TgLER pic.twitter.com/Ph42iYLWOi
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) August 3, 2025

Could this veteran be the best player on Michigan Basketball in 2025?

2025-08-02T07:00:00-05:00

Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Michigan Basketball brought in a ton of new players this offseason that have a ton of talent. However, one of the returning players has earned some praise from head coach Dusty May for being the “most productive basketball player” on the team:

The Michigan Wolverines’ basketball program brought in four new transfers and three incoming freshmen to not only attempt to recreate the magic from the 2024-2025 season, but to go further than head coach Dusty May’s inaugural season.

The Wolverines saw Danny Wolf go in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft while Vlad Goldin signed a two-way contract with the Miami Heat. Rubin Jones is also no longer in college after running out of eligibility. In addition to those three, freshmen Phat Phat Brooks and Justin Pippen hit the transfer portal, opening up five roster spots.

With so much focus on the new faces to the program, it is easy to forget about the returners that stuck with Michigan through Juwan Howard’s firing. However, they have been making noise in summer workouts, and May wants everyone to know Nimari Burnett, in particular, is coming with another level of progression in 2025.

Entering his sixth and final season of college basketball, Burnett is not only a deep-ball threat — he is a leader, a facilitator, and in the words of his head coach, the “most productive basketball player as a whole” on Michigan’s roster throughout the summer.

“Through summer workouts, Nimari might be our — he’s probably been our most productive basketball player as a whole,” May said.

“The continuity (Burnett and Will Tschetter) bring, the character that they bring, the work capacity, the unselfishness where they’re trying to help the younger guys 24/7. They’re spending their time and energy trying to help guys who could potentially chip into their minutes because they want to win, and they want to be great teammates.

“So, if we’re ever going to be at a championship level, and time will tell if we’re going to be at a championship level this season, a big part of it is going to be because of the leadership and continuity of those guys.”

May has made it no secret he values experienced players from the portal. And while some older players around college hoops don’t necessarily want to focus on helping those around them, Burnett has done the opposite. He has taken guys under his wing to coach them up and bring the best out of his new squad.

“I’ve tried to be as personable as possible,” Burnett said. “I feel like I’ve always been a personable person, and a high character person, but, to really get engaged with the new guys — it’s all like brotherhood here, especially at the University of Michigan. I’ve enjoyed my time here and people have welcomed me with open arms, so I just wanna do that in return and just have one last final hurrah with it.”

Burnett’s teammates have recognized his contributions.

“He’s been holding my hand, helping me out and talking to me,” Morez Johnson Jr. said of Burnett. “Things that Dusty says that I don’t know, I just walk up to (Burnett) and he will fill me in. He’s been very helpful with my transition, giving me guidance a little bit. I appreciate him.”

Yaxel Lendeborg added: “(Tschetter and Burnett) have been giving 110 percent every single day, communicating the most, just bringing a lot of energy, bringing a lot of love as well, which is great. (They are) making it feel like we’re all together, like we’ve been here for five years. We all just got here, so it’s been great. Nimari and Will are my favorite on the team ... those are my favorite guys to talk to, look up to and just ask as many questions as I can.”

Going into his final season of college basketball, Burnett’s goal is to be consistent, keep his body in tip-top shape and shoot with conviction. Coming off a season where he averaged around nine points per game and shot 40 percent from three, if Burnett is showing signs of being the most productive player on the team, Michigan could be even more dangerous than anticipated.

It may only be the summer, but if the Wolverines are to outperform expectations in May’s second season, leaders are going to need to step up to keep the group intact. As it stands, Burnett has assumed that role, leaving everyone on the team in the best position to thrive before they take on a gauntlet of a schedule this winter.