5 players Michigan football must convince to return for 2025

Michigan football is going to lose some key players from the 2024 season but here are five who could come back and should be top priorities.

Dec 31, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive lineman Rayshaun Benny (26) against the TCU Horned Frogs during the 2022 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Dec 31, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive lineman Rayshaun Benny (26) against the TCU Horned Frogs during the 2022 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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Both interior linebackers

Two other players that I would love to see Michigan football keep are linebackers Jaishawn Barham and Ernest Hausmann.

Hausmann, a former transfer from Nebraska, had 82 tackles last season, seven tackles for loss, two sacks, and an interception. Hausmann had one of the best games of his career against Ohio State. He also started to show more range in coverage and has become a sure-fire tackler.

Hausmann seems more likely to return than Barham (65, 4 TFL, sack). The former Maryland transfer showed his versatility. He was effective getting pressure as a blitzer this season and he's pretty good in coverage too.

Barham can do a lot of different things. Cole Sullivan and Jimmy Rolder have had some good moments, so if one of the two linebackers leaves, Michigan football should be able to overcome it.

But if the Wolverines returned all five of those defenders, that's a solid core group to build around. Add 3-4 all-conference caliber players from the portal at DT, CB, and maybe another safety or linebacker, and Michigan football could have the makings of another really good defense.

The offense needs an overhaul. The defense could be one of the best in the Big Ten again, as long as the Wolverines can retain some key pieces.

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