Like many Big Ten teams, Michigan's offense has always had the "run first" mentality, and while Kyle Whittingham and Jason Beck may still hammer the run game, quarterback Bryce Underwood presents a lot of possibilities through the air. If wide receiver coach Micah Simon had it his way, though, Michigan would constantly be throwing the ball.
Simon was another new addition for Michigan this season, coming over from Whittingham's staff at Utah after he was hired as the wide receiver coach for the Utes in 2025. Now he is tasked with coaching the Wolverines' wide receiver room, which can't be too tall a task this season with the talent pouring out of this group.
Simon isn't only focusing on his current guys, though; he is also looking to the future. One high school prospect Simon has his eye on is four-star Ryan Richmond-McDavis, who shared some insight into how the Michigan coach is trying to build the future wide receiver room.
"He's been telling me on how he's trying to change the culture and the narrative of Michigan football and make it more air-raid offense, but he needs the weapons to do so," Richmond-McDavis told 247Sports on Simon's message to him during his recruitment.
#Michigan WR coach Micah Simon's pitch very enticing to Top247 WR Ryan Richmond-McDavis (@RyanDMcDavis) as he's been talking to him almost everyday (VIP)https://t.co/02I4x4BGdI pic.twitter.com/DrjPm7YEgx
— Brice Marich (@BriceMarich) August 18, 2026
Micah Simon's plans for Michigan's future offense will be an uphill battle
When it comes to Big Ten football, the run game is one of the most crucial things needed to play effectively in the conference. That doesn't mean a good passing game isn't needed, though; just look at teams like Oregon and Ohio State in years past, which have sent multiple receivers to the NFL.
If Simon wants Michigan's offense to be an air raid offense, he has a lot of work to do. Since 2000, Michigan has sent a total of 18 wide receivers to the league, only five since 2020. So, why would wide receiver prospects want to come to Michigan if there isn't a good track record of success for receivers?
That is exactly what Simon is trying to change, but it is going to be an uphill battle, especially with Whittingham and Beck calling the plays. Michigan's running back room is stacked, with Jordan Marshall and Savion Hiter leading the way, and if the run game is working, why not stick with it?
Beck may not be able to ignore the passing game, though, especially with Bryce Underwood at quarterback and his wide receivers. The return of Andrew Marsh and the transfer of JJ Buchanan were huge for the passing game, and the emergence of Travis Johnson in fall camp makes this group even stronger.
Simon has done his work now to get his wide receivers ready to catch the ball when thrown their way, and it could help show that Michigan can be a successful passing offense. That is the key to Simon's future plans for Michigan's offense, and it is what he is selling to potential prospects.
If Simon is successful in getting Michigan's offense leaning more on the pass, it is imperative that he gets more weapons to sustain it, which is exactly his point to Richmond-McDavis. The St. Louis native is ranked as the No. 23 wide receiver in the 2028 class, but Simon sees potential there.
It won't be easy, but Simon has the tools to build this Michigan passing game, which in turn will give him better tools on the recruiting trail.
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