One of the biggest reasons to be optimistic about the 2026 Michigan football team is the offensive line.
The talk is always centered around Bryce Underwood, but as the Super Bowl reminded us, if you can't protect the quarterback, it doesn't matter how good he is.
In college football, that also applies to running the ball. It's hard to win championships without being a really good rushing attack. The offensive line is obviously a huge part of that.
Last season, from the Wisconsin game on, Michigan football was starting three redshirt freshmen on the offensive line. The Wolverines averaged 210 yards per game and 5.4 yards per attempt, even with three first-time starters playing most of the way.
One of those first-time starters was Blake Frazier, a former four-star recruit from the state of Texas. His dad is a Michigan legacy, and he held his own last season as the left tackle. The 6-foot-6, 295-pounder started eight games. He played in all 13. His biggest problem was that he needed to get bigger and stronger.
Michigan O-lineman already looks better this offseason
You could tell at times that Frazier was a little light last season. It showed up at times in pass protection (bull rushes) and in run blocking. He was solid, but those are the things holding him back from being an all-conference player.
However, it looks like Frazier is hard at work to change that. Just based on looking at him in a video released by Michigan football, I'd guess the starting left tackle from last season has already added some weight. He certainly looks stronger, too.
Compete. Compete. Compete. 😤 pic.twitter.com/XL2cBc5SAD
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) February 9, 2026
With Evan Link, Andrew Babalola, Andrew Sprague, and Frazier, the Wolverines don't have a shortage of quality offensive tackle candidates. Babalola is coming off a season-ending injury. He's expected to be ready for the start of 2026, though.
Link is expected to move to guard, but even then, one talented tackle would need to sit or move inside with Link. It's possible the offensive line could be Frazier, Babalola, Jake Guarnera, Evan Link, and Andrew Sprague. That's a really good group, but even if Nathan Efobi starts at left guard, he was solid last season, too.
Either way, the cream will rise to the top. It looks like it might be already with Frazier.