The Lindy’s college football preview magazine recognized three Michigan football position groups among the top 10 nationally going into the 2026 season.
The well-known magazine ranked Michigan's defensive line as the No. 6 in all of college football. The offensive line ranked No. 8, and the defensive secondary was ranked No. 9.
Those rankings all make sense. People were seemingly underrating Michigan's defensive line, but after Kyle Whittingham said it was a strength this spring, even before the expected return of John Henry Daley to the field this summer, the Wolverines have a strong group, especially with Trey Pierce and Enow Etta at defensive tackle.
There is a lot of young talent waiting in the wings. Pierce might be one of the most underrated players in the Big Ten. Nate Marshall, a former top-50 recruit and Carter Meadows, a five-star signee in 2026, could be impact players this season, too.
The offensive line is deep and talented. If Andrew Babalola is 100 percent, it might outperform the No. 8 ranking. Jake Guarnera, Blake Frazier, and Andrew Sprague are all coming back after starting last season as redshirt freshmen. Evan Link has been a full-time starter when healthy, while Nathan Efobi, Babalola, and Brady Norton should all be in the mix, too. Don't sleep on freshman Malakai Lee either.
Michigan football is loaded in the secondary, too. Zeke Barry and Jyaire Hill are back are corneback, along with Utah transfer Smith Snowden. Rod Moore is a former All-Big Ten performer, while Jordan Young, Chris Bracy, and Mason Curtis could push for playing time, too.
The secondary is No. 9. That feels underrated, but not as much as the running backs.
Michigan football running backs are top 10
Jordan Marshall rushed for 932 yards last season in 11 games. He only had 150 carries for 6.2 per carry and 10 touchdowns. Marshall had four consecutive 100-yard games last season in Big Ten play, plus three other games in league play with at least 61. He averaged 6.9 yards per carry and had 910 total yards.
Behind an elite offensive line, Marshall should rush for 1,000 yards this season. Five-star freshman Savion Hiter will make up for the loss of Justice Haynes. He will make Michigan fans forget all about that.
Marshall and Hiter are a top-10 pairing. Third-string back Bryson Kuzdal also had 100 rushing and three rushing touchdowns against Maryland last season. That's quality depth on top of elite talent.
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