With plenty of leadership returning on defense and new playmakers coming in on offense, this year’s team has the pieces to make some noise in the Big Ten. Here’s a look at the Michigan Wolverines who could lead that charge for the offense and defense in 2025.
Derrick Moore
Retaining Derrick Moore was arguably one of the biggest wins of the offseason for the coaching staff. With Josaiah Stewart gone, Moore’s decision to return gives the Wolverines a top tier pass rusher and proven leader.
Ranked the No. 10 edge rusher in the nation by PFF heading into 2025, Moore is coming off a breakout year that saw him finish with 23 tackles, six tackles for loss and four sacks. But the advanced numbers tell an even more impressive story: Moore posted a 23.1 percent pass-rush win rate — fourth among all FBS edge rushers — and his 86.5 pass-rush grade ranked sixth in the Big Ten.
With elite bend and a violent bull rush, look for Moore to anchor the edge for Michigan’s new-look defensive front.
Rayshaun Benny
Rayshaun Benny was a key part of the Wolverines’ defensive line rotation during the 2023 national championship run, but injuries held him back from fully breaking out in 2024.
He hit his stride when it mattered most, delivering standout performances in Michigan’s win over Ohio State and Alabama, showcasing just how impactful he can be without Mason Graham or Kenneth Grant next to him.
Even with the transfer additions of Tre Williams and Damon Payne Jr., Benny is expected to be one of the leaders of the group this year.
Ernest Hausmann
Hausmann was quietly good in 2024, finishing with 89 tackles and seven tackles for loss while serving as the leader of the linebacker unit. Now a senior, he is locked in and setting the tone for the defense this upcoming season.
“I like to keep that stuff to myself,” Hausmann said recently of his performance last year. “As a leader of this unit, the whole team, the goals of the whole unit are the only things that matter. The first game of the year is all I’m focused on. Getting the team ready to go for game one.”
With his combination of leadership and experience, Hausmann is the centerpiece of this defense and one of the most dependable linebackers in the Big Ten.
Justice Haynes/Jordan Marshall
Michigan’s backfield is entering a new era, but it should once again be a two-headed monster. Alabama transfer Justice Haynes arrives in Ann Arbor after averaging 5.7 yards per carry and scoring seven touchdowns in limited action for the Crimson Tide last season.
But don’t count out Jordan Marshall, who rushed for 100 yards in the bowl win and is considered one of the most promising young backs in the country.
“We’d love to have two guys that are interchangeable,” offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey said. “We’re going to need ‘em all.”
Expect Haynes and Marshall to rotate heavily and complement each other — once again setting the stage for a balanced, physical ground game for the Wolverines.
TJ Guy
Derrick Moore may grab most of the headlines, but don’t sleep on TJ Guy. The veteran edge rusher appeared in all 13 games last season — starting six — and recorded 32 tackles and 5.5 sacks. Now that he’s back, he is looking to level up even more this season in a full-time starting role.
With Graham, Grant and Stewart all off to the NFL, Michigan needs experienced leadership and production in 2025 along the defensive line. Guy brings both.
“We can be scary. We’re going to work with each other very well with how we rush as two different types of players,” Guy said. “I think we’re going to complement each other very well. I see a lot of production.”
If all goes according to plan, the tandem of Moore and Guy could be one of the most disruptive edge combinations in the conference.
Donaven McCulley
Michigan is shifting its offensive identity a bit with the addition of Chip Lindsey, and Donaven McCulley is a major breakout candidate because of that.
With more than 1,000 collegiate snaps under his belt, McCulley (6-foot-5) has the experience and physical tools to thrive in a more aggressive, vertical passing offense.
McCulley led Indiana in receiving in 2023 with 644 yards and six touchdowns before redshirting in 2024. Now, he’s ready to make a splash in Ann Arbor and could be the big-bodied threat Michigan has been missing.