There were a lot of strange things that happened during the 2025 Michigan football season. One of them was starting linebacker Ernest Hausmann leaving the team for the final two games.
There wasn't much said at the time. Hausmann, a three-year player for the Wolverines, who was a full-time starter in 2024 and 2025, at least leading up to the Maryland game, was dealing with some mental health issues.
Eventually, Hausmann decided to come back to football. He came back to Ann Arbor for the Wolverines pro day, trying to get drafted into the NFL.
There are rumblings about Michigan bringing back star LB Ernest Hausmann due to the new 5th year court ruling.
— College Sports Only (@CSOonX) August 10, 2026
Would be a truly insane turn of events after the team captain went AWOL on the team at the end of the 2025 season and later announced he is bipolar. pic.twitter.com/1cebB1JsZL
That didn't happen. However, there could be another path for Hausmann to realize his dream of playing in the NFL, which could be a possible return to the Michigan football program.
Could a former Michigan football starter return after 5th-year ruling?
Due to a recent ruling that would allow players from the 2022 class to get a fifth year of eligiblity, something that directly impacts Hausmann, a senior in 2025, who played four years but didn't take a redshirt year, there could be another season in Ann Arbor.
As crazy as it is to think that could happen, there are some rumors circulating on social media about a possible return. These aren't verified. There is no confirmed interest between the Michigan football program and Hausmann, but that Pro Day invite makes you wonder if there's a chance.
The two-time All-Big Ten selection (third team, honorable mention) was voted as a team captain last season. He started 23 games over the past two seasons, and for his career, Hausmann had 257 career tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, two pass breakups, and an interception.
The linebacker from Columbus, Nebraska, has been an effective player. Seeing that Michigan has a need at linebacker, and showed some interest in players when there was a thought that said players could enter a new portal window for fifth-year players, it's not crazy to think the Wolverines would be interested.
It was ruled that players can't transfer to a new program for a fifth season. They can play another at the last school they were at. That opens the door for Hausmann. And for a team that clearly wants another linebacker, it could be a fit.
Maybe Kyle Whittingham is exactly what Hausmann needs. A staff with adults, and with structure. He could thrive in Ann Arbor, if he wants to play football again.
That remains to be seen. It seems like a pipe dream. With the state of the linebacker room, getting a dude who led the team in tackles back in 2024 wouldn't be the worst idea, even if it's a lot more complicated than it sounds.
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