Michigan football wrapped up spring practice a couple of weeks ago, with the spring game, which was re-broadcast last weekend on the Big Ten Network.
It was great to see the Wolverines on the field for the first time this season, especially Bryce Underwood. Spring games aren't great for evaluation though, especially how Michigan football divides the best players.
Underwood completed 12 of 27 passes. He also didn't play with his No. 1 wide receiver or some of the Wolverines' best offensive linemen.
The point being, players should be judged on their entire spring and not one glorified scrimmage. With that in mind, here are five Michigan football players who improved their stock this spring.
Bryce Underwood
When the spring started, we didn't know if Bryce Underwood would be the starting quarterback for Michigan football. We still don't and Sherrone Moore said he will make that decision in the fall.
However, Underwood improved his chances this spring. Not only was he impressive with his talent, and his understanding of the offense, but he got a bunch of reps.
Mikey Keene being injured didn't hurt Underwood's chances of starting. Keene might have something to say about it in fall camp, if he is truly healthy, but now, the job feels like Underwood's to lose.
It wasn't that way when the spring started.
Donaven McCulley
It's just a number, yet the Wolverines don't give out the No. 1 to just anyone. There is pressure that comes with wearing that number and McCulley stepped up to that when he changed to it recently.
McCulley is 6-foot-5 and had a productive season in 2023 with Indiana with 648 yards. He had at least three receptions or 39 yards in eight games. There were five different games with at least 67 yards receiving.
McCulley generated some positive buzz throughout the spring. He also hauled in a 26-yard pass in the spring game from Jadyn Davis. Michigan football fans have been clamoring for another wide receiver from the portal.
It doesn't seem like one is coming. McCulley is going to be the No. 1. A solid spring is positive because when healthy, he can be a No. 1.
Cole Sullivan
Sullivan, the Michigan football linebacker, is on the list of breakout candidates for the 2025 season. The 6-foot-3, 224-pound linebacker played in 12 games last season for the Wolverines.
Yet, the four-star linebacker turned heads throughout the spring. Jaishawn Barham, Ernest Hausmann, and Jimmy Rolder are ahead of him on the depth chart, but linebacker is as deep as it has been in years.
Sullivan is a reason for that and he'll add another impact player on the second level of the defense.
Tre Williams
The former four-star recruit comes to Michigan football having played 722 snaps for Clemson with 10 tackles for loss, four sacks, and two pass breakups.
Defensive tackle has been a concern for Michigan football this offseason since Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant were each drafted in th first round of the 2025 NFL draft.
Rayshaun Benny should have a stellar season. He's the closet thing the Wolverines have to Grant or Graham.
However, another name to know is Williams. He was disruptive this spring and playing alongside Benny, Damon Payne, Derrick Moore, and T.J. Guy, Williams should get plenty of one-on-one matchups.
Brady Norton
The Cal-Poly transfer started 11 games at left tackle last season but is listed at 6-foot-3, 275 pounds. That's not going to cut it in the Big Ten.
Norton will surely add to his frame at Michigan. He was pursued by Ohio State when he entered the portal, so this was a bigger get than some fans have realized.
If Michigan doesn't add a tackle from the portal, and it doesn't seem likely at this point, Norton is a darkhorse to start at left tackle. He'll battle Evan Link and Andrew Babalola for the job, but Norton might be ready to play sooner at Michigan than expected.