When you're in the same recruiting class as a guy like Bryce Underwood, it's easy to be overlooked, which is true about Michigan football freshman Nate Marshall.
For a player who was ranked 43rd overall in the 2025 recruiting class, he's not being talked about nearly enough. The 6-foot-3, 240-pound EDGE was a huge commitment for Michigan football.
Marshall was actually Sherrone Moore's first commitment as head coach. Then, he flipped to Auburn before flipping back. From Fenwick, Illinois, where he played 6A football, Marshall had 38 tackles last season to go along with 16 tackles for loss, six sacks, and four forced fumbles.
The dynamic pass rusher got some high praise on Wednesday from defensive line coach Lou Esposito, who said of Marshall, "He's going to be a great one," via Brice Marich of 247 Sports.
Esposito said he was an "unbelievable" player who is "twitchy." Michigan's D-line coach did say he was raw, but that he liked what he's seen so far.
Michigan freshman has been unbelievable
It sounds like Michigan football knocked it out of the park with Marshall. He's still raw, according to Esposito, but the Wolverines have Derrick Moore, TJ Guy, and Cameron Brandt, who was referred to as a third starter by Esposito.
Brandt had three sacks last season and is poised to take a jump in 2025, like TJ Guy did in 2024. Marshall is a player to keep an eye on, too. He's got work to do, but it wouldn't be shocking to see him work his way into the rotation in short order.
The idea of Marshall and Carter Meadows playing opposite each other is also exciting. And based on how it's looking now, we won't have to wait too long to see Marshall playing in a winged helmet.