Michigan football has a lot of new faces on its football team this year. I picked out two returning players that I expect to have big seasons during the 2026 season.
Defense: Nate Marshall
Nate Marshall was a highly rated four-star commit out of Oak Park, Illinois, when he came out of high school. He was ranked the 43rd overall player in the nation and the third-ranked edge player nationally.
Marshall totaled six total tackles during his freshman year of the 2025 season in limited playing time. However, he showed flashes of his elite athleticism and strength when he was on the field. He is a guy whose name you always hear when his teammates and coaches are asked who they expect to make a big jump in 2026. He will likely be holding down one of the edges in a starting role next season. Expect Nate to make a splash onto not only the Big Ten stage, but the national stage as well.
Offense: Hogan Hansen
Hogan Hansen is entering his junior season with the Wolverines. He was formerly a four-star prospect out of high school and ranked as the 23rd overall tight end nationally. Hansen battled injury during the entire 2025 season and was in and out of the lineup all year. He totaled seven catches for 74 yards during the season. When Hansen is healthy, he is a dynamic and athletic tight end who has the rare ability to stretch the field and also be used as an inline blocker.
Michigan football has no shortage of playmakers on the offensive side of the ball. Bryce Underwood will be receiving much better coaching from Koy Detmer Jr. and Jason Beck to bolster what can be an explosive passing game. Hansen will be a big part of the passing game, and I think his impact will be felt on the offense.