Bryce Underwood was the most essential player for new Michigan football head coach Kyle Whittingham to retain for the 2026 season, but wide receiver Andrew Marsh wasn't far behind.
That's not to discount players like Justice Haynes or Jordan Marshall. Marshall hinted that he was going to come back before the bowl game. He just hasn't made things official.
Michigan star junior running back Justice Haynes is strongly considering returning to college for another year instead of leaving for the NFL, sources tell @CBSSports.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 6, 2026
Ran for 857 yards and 10 touchdowns in the Wolverines’ first seven games before a season-ending injury. pic.twitter.com/2IUt3e3m58
Haynes is seriously considering a return to Michigan football, according to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports. It's either Michigan or the NFL draft. Haynes had a strong season but was injured down the stretch, so he could use another season to improve his draft stock.
Andrew Marsh coming back is essential for Michigan
Having either of them back in the fold would be huge. However, Andrew Marsh is even more essential. He was a freshman All-American at wide receiver, and this team desperately needs receivers for Underwood.
The tight end room is solid. Travis Johnson is also an incoming freshman who feels like he could make an impact similar to that of Marsh this season, who had 45 receptions for 651 yards and four touchdowns.
According to Sam Webb of The Michigan Insider, Michigan football has reached an agreement with Marsh to return for the 2026 season. The freshman hasn't announced it on his own social media yet, as some other players have, but it felt like it was trending in this direction.
It feels like the Wolverines have a shot at getting some others back, too, such as Cole Sullivan, Jake Guarnera, and Andrew Sprague, especially after Zeke Berry decided to come back.
Michigan has positive momentum, and the return of Marsh is the latest sign that roster retention is going pretty well for Kyle Whittingham.