It was expected that Utah transfer JJ Buchanan would be a strong offensive weapon for Michigan, but his performance so far this season has far exceeded expectations. Even as a sophomore, Buchanan has a lot to work on, but some of his performances are looking like those in the pros, and it still isn't enough for this Wolverines offense to work.
It seems like Buchanan has been watching star receivers work on Sunday and forming his game after theirs. In the last two weeks, star WRs like CeeDee Lamb, Puka Nacua, and now Jaxon Smith-Njigba have put up monster performances, with 17 receptions for Lamb and Nacua and 12 for JSN, and well over 100 receiving yards for all three.
That got me thinking, well, Buchanan at times has been that key target for Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood, along with Andrew Marsh, but the Utah transfer has nearly 200 more receiving yards than Michigan's 2025 leading receiver, Marsh.
So, now with both Buchanan, who has been putting up NFL-style performances for a wide receiver, and Marsh, why can't Michigan's offense find success?
Michigan's offensive problems don't lie in the hands of the pass-catchers
Michigan's offense is the biggest problem for the Wolverines, with the defense keeping this team in games till the very end. Now, not every game has been a total mess offensively; there were some bright spots like the Oklahoma game and the Iowa game against two elite defenses.
Many want to place blame for this offense on offensive coordinator Jason Beck, Underwood, or even the offensive line. The pass-catchers, especially players like Buchanan and Marsh, can't be blamed. Sure, Marsh has some blame on special teams, but we are talking about just the offense right now.
Michigan ranked No. 110 in passing yards per game with 180.8, and a lot of that is on both Beck and Underwood. While Beck may not be making the best play calls, Underwood isn't necessarily executing the throws. When a pass is thrown, typically it is landing in the hands of Buchanan and Marsh as long as it is catchable.
Both players, especially Buchanan, have done their job this season, meaning the blame for this offense can't be put on their shoulders. Buchanan is averaging 18.6 yards per catch, and a lot of that isn't necessarily because he is catching the long ball. While college football doesn't typically keep up with yards after the catch, Buchanan has been great at evading defenders after the catch.
Now that Michigan is through the bye week, something has to be different on offense. Hopefully, the passing game can elevate with Underwood so that these pass-catchers can start to make a real impact, more than they already have.
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