Michigan football is not rebuilding its defensive line; they are reloading it. The Wolverines' defensive front accounted for 10 sacks in the two most memorable wins of 2024 and 20 in the final four outings.
Entering 2025, they don't possess a lock, top-five pick yet, but with the way the brigade is trending, the NFL has its scouts searching for the next Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, or Josiah Stewart.
This time around, Lou Esposito has about three levels deep in the rotation at tackle and end that can play. The most intrigue revolves around who will be the fourth starter and how much Nate Marshall will contribute in his first rodeo on the job with Michigan football.
Rayshaun Benny has the most pressure on him to meet the standards set by Mason Graham. Michigan's rush defense was top 10 in 2024 and shouldn't dip too far below that line again. Per the schedule, Jadyn Ott (Oklahoma) and Ohio State's backs will be the toughest they face in 2025. Only three ball carriers rushed for the century mark, and two of those affairs were Michigan victories in 2024.
Clemson transfer Tre Williams may be Benny's leading candidate to be his running mate in the middle, and recorded two sacks in the playoff loss to Texas. He's got that Kenneth Grant girth.
Derrick Moore should hover around eight to nine sacks and sacked Jalen Milroe three times combined in both (Rose Bowl and ReliaQuest Bowl). TJ Guy has the most to gain in terms of his draft stock for 2026. While Cameron Brandt was sort of the breakout sack artist, with sacks in three out of four to wrap up his season.
Prognosticators like Pro Football Focus, Phil Steele, and Athlon Sports are high on Michigan's defensive line because of Wink Martindale and the other position groups that Michigan brings to the battlefield as well. There also may not be a better coaching pair than Martindale and Esposito to lead the pack of wolves.