If you asked Michigan football fans what positions they are concerned about heading into the 2026 season, one that might be near the top of the list is defensive tackle.
The concern is understandable. Michigan football lost Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant to the NFL draft after the 2024 season. Rayshaun Benny is now projected to be a day-two pick. He's gone, along with others like Damon Payne and Tre Williams, who played a ton of snaps from last season.
Yet, there is reason to believe that the defensive tackle position is better than some realize. Trey Pierce is a big reason for that. He was the second-best defensive tackle on the roster last season. At times, he was just as good as Benny, if not better.
Michigan has two of the best defensive tackles in college football
The 6-foot-2, 310-pounder, Pierce, had 30 tackles last season (18 solo). He hasn't generated much of a pass rush, but he made plays against the run last season. Pierce was also a top priority to retain. He didn't enter the portal like Enow Etta. If he did, he would have been ranked as one of the best players at the position.
Etta, the 6-foot-5, 320-pound defensive tackle, was ranked as a four-star in the portal before eventually returning. He had 15 tackles last season, 2.5 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, and two batted passes.
When new Michigan football defensive coordinator Jay Hill spoke about the defense on the "In The Trenches" podcast, he talked about how the defense would be the most complicated in college football next season. He also had high praise for Pierce and Etta.
"I believe we have two of the best defensive tackles in college football right now: Enow Etta and Trey Pierce. Those guys can play. And I think they've been very well coached. Cam Brandt, good, really, really good defensive end. Dom Nichols. There are some guys in the front I'm excited about."