We are closing in on the 2026 Michigan football season. The Wolverines are in their second week of fall camp, and position battles are heating up.
The Wolverines feel like they have more depth than last season across almost their entire roster, minus a spot here or there. Michigan football head coach Kyle Whittingham did a great job of retaining the talent on the roster, as well as adding to it.
It will be interesting to see how everything fits, but in some sports, there could be different starters than what some expected. With the first game just more than three weeks away, here are three who should be looking over their shoulder.
Cameron Brandt
Brandt only started one game at EDGE last season, but has been a projected starter, at least according to quite a few depth charts. He's one of the most experienced players at his position, and if we consider just snaps, he's essentially a starter.
It feels like a few players are aiming for his job. Dominic Nichols is among them. He could be one of the Wolverines best pass rushers. Carter Meadows has also been impressive during fall camp, so there are multiple guys who could be aiming to take away snaps from Brandt this fall.
Blake Frazier
The junior started eight games last season at left tackle after Evan Link went down with an injury. He allowed too many pressures last season down the stretch, but he acquitted himself well.
Frazier has also spent the offseason getting bigger and stronger, like everyone on the Michigan football team, because the strength program fell apart when Jim Harbaugh left.
Frazier is a player that most Big Ten teams would love to have as their left tackle. Andrew Babalola just happens to be the highest-ranked offensive line recruit in program history. It might take some time, but once he gets his feet under him, he should be the starting left tackle.
Frazier might be able him hold him off at the start of the season, but Babalola should take over at some point.
Brady Norton/Nathan Efobi
Norton and Efobi each started games last season for the Michigan football offensive line, and one of them is likely to start at right guard. Norton might have the edge there for now, while Efobi is also batting Evan Link at left guard.
You wonder if the light goes on for Babalola even sooner than expected; if Michigan is willing to roll with him as the starter, could that mean a guard tandem of Link and Blake Frazier? It seems like a possibility, but Norton and Efobi shouldn't be underestimated either.
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