Everybody knows that an elite defense starts with having an elite defensive line. In terms of the 2025 Michigan football defense, that's one box that will be easy to check.
In a recent interview with the Michigan Insider, Sherrone Moore talked up the defensive line, which should be a strength once again this season, led by defensive tackle Rayshaun Benny.
Benny could easily be getting ready for his rookie season in the NFL. Getting him back was bigger than any possible transfer portal addition. However, Michigan football also dipped into the portal to land Tre Williams from Clemson and Damon Payne from Alabama.
Those guys will help solidify the defensive interior. Trey Pierce, Enow Etta, and Ike Iwunnah also flashed last season, especially against Alabama in the Reliaquest Bowl.
Michigan football didn't have Mason Graham or Kenneth Grant in that game. But spearheaded by Benny, and also Derrick Moore on the EDGE, along with TJ Guy, the Wolverines held Alabama to just 13 points.
All of those guys made plays in that game. Cameron Brandt, another EDGE, is also expected to take a leap this season. If he takes a leap similar to the one Guy did last season, while Guy should also better, the pass rush could be as good as any in college football.
The defensive tackle position might not have as much high-end talent, although I still believe Benny can play his way into a first-round pick. The depth is as good as it's been in years, according to what Sherrone Moore told the Michigan Insider.
It's gonna be fun. We're gonna be able to bring guys through. We're gonna be able to cycle at least 10 guys on the defensive line," Moore said. "I don't know if we've been able to do that [since] probably '21, maybe, when we had the Mazis and the Mike Morrises and the Ojabos and the Hutches and Donovan Jeters and Chris Hintons and all those guys where we could rotate a lot of guys.
"This year we'll be able to rotate, I think, 10 guys — six on the inside and four on the outside."
The season can't get here soon enough.