Last season, Michigan's wide receivers were a big part of the offensive struggles for the Wolverines, mainly dropping perfectly thrown passes from quarterback Bryce Underwood. It seems that tide could be turning this season thanks to more experience and a few transfers, but it is actually one freshman who is creating a lot of buzz.
Michigan has Andrew Marsh and J.J. Buchanan, who are already looking like the WR1 and WR2 they are expected to be this season, but who will take that WR3 slot? It could be Texas transfer Jaime Ffrench, who brings at least one year of experience to the Wolverines. However, there is also a lot of buzz around freshman Travis Johnson, whose name keeps coming up lately.
Cornerback Jyaire Hill, a guy lining up against the receivers every day in practice, said that two freshmen have been his toughest covers so far in fall camp: Salesi Moa and Johnson.
#Michigan CB Jyaire Hill says the toughest covers for him during fall camp has been the freshmen duo of WR Travis Johnson and WR Salesi Moa.
— Brice Marich (@BriceMarich) August 13, 2026
Even Ffrench himself is dazzled by what Johnson has shown on the field, believing he is the fastest wide receiver the Wolverines have this season. Marsh got in on Johnson as well, singing the praises of the young freshman on the field. That WR3 spot is wide open right now, but don't be surprised if Johnson slides in and takes it with ease.
Bryce Underwood needs his wide receivers to step up this season for offensive success
Last season, Michigan had a combined 2,428 receiving yards, with its top receiver, Andre Marsh, leading the way with 651 receiving yards. In total, Michigan has 11 receiving touchdowns, with Marsh again leading the way with only four. That means that 25% of Michigan's touchdowns came through the air, not a stat offenses want to see.
The wide receivers have to step it up this season if Underwood wants a chance at taking a step forward this season. It was great that Marsh stuck around as Michigan's leading receiver last season and that Buchanan came out of the transfer portal, coming over with Kyle Whittingham from Utah. However, there must be more than just two reliable targets out there for Underwood.
The drops that haunted Michigan last season can't make their way into the 2026 season. This is a deep wide receiver room with Marsh and Buchanan leading the way, but Ffrench, Solesi, and Johnson are making some noise too in camp, showing that there is hope for this group after all.
If Underwood doesn't have to worry about making the perfect pass for his receivers, trusting they can make the catch where he puts it, the pressure suddenly comes off the young gunslinger. The run game is going to be a big part of Michigan's offense, but if the passing attack can get stronger than last season, it adds another layer that defenses will have to account for.
The players are there for offensive coordinator Jason Beck, between the run game and the passing game. Now it is time to put it together and give Underwood the best chance for a breakout this season.
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