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4 X-Factors For Michigan Wolverines on Defense This Season originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Michigan Wolverines' 2024 season was an uneven one that didn't make it to 2025 as the Wolverines failed to make the College Football Playoff for the first time in four seasons.
The Wolverines' defense stole the show late in the year as defensive coordinator Wink Martindale's unit put the clamps on opposing teams, helped by a strong running game that kept the ball away from their opponents.
The Wolverines' defense appears to be a strong suit this season for coach Sherrone Moore's team, but it will take a total team effort for Michigan to play up to its potential, and play for championships, again in the Big Ten and beyond.
Here are four X-factor players who could take the Wolverines to the next level in 2025, and perhaps into 2026.
Brandyn Hillman (6) sacks Jalen Milroe during the ReliaQuest Bowl on Dec. 31 in Tampa. © Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
4. Brandyn Hillman, FS-
Hillman was not as heavily recruited as some of the other defenders on Michigan's roster but he came on as strongly as any other player toward the end of the 2024 season from his free safety position.
Hillman brings the wood as one of the hardest hitters on the defense and he showed potential as a blitzer in the ReliaQuest Bowl vs. Alabama.
3. Jyaire Hill, CB-
Hill is a talented former four-star cornerback who had moments of brilliance and moments of head-shaking frustration last year.
To Hill's credit, he was forced to fill in for the injured Will Johnson at numerous times last season as the team's top defensive back.
If Hill can become more consistent, Michigan might have a lockdown defense on their hands in 2025.
2. Jaishawn Barham, LB-
Barham has been called a freak athlete by Michigan's coaching staff with the size and skills to play pro football right now.
The challenge is for the coaching staff to put him in the right position to succeed on each play and for Barham to improve his awareness, confidence and play recognition.
1. TJ Guy, DE-
Guy is a hybrid defensive end/rush linebacker who has proven he is a worthy successor to the pass rushing legacies of recent Michigan stars Aidan Hutchinson and Jaylen Harrell.
Guy has what it takes to be one of Michigan's best defenders and will look to prove it again this season in Ann Arbor.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
Continue reading...
The Michigan Wolverines' 2024 season was an uneven one that didn't make it to 2025 as the Wolverines failed to make the College Football Playoff for the first time in four seasons.
The Wolverines' defense stole the show late in the year as defensive coordinator Wink Martindale's unit put the clamps on opposing teams, helped by a strong running game that kept the ball away from their opponents.
The Wolverines' defense appears to be a strong suit this season for coach Sherrone Moore's team, but it will take a total team effort for Michigan to play up to its potential, and play for championships, again in the Big Ten and beyond.
Here are four X-factor players who could take the Wolverines to the next level in 2025, and perhaps into 2026.
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Brandyn Hillman (6) sacks Jalen Milroe during the ReliaQuest Bowl on Dec. 31 in Tampa. © Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
4. Brandyn Hillman, FS-
Hillman was not as heavily recruited as some of the other defenders on Michigan's roster but he came on as strongly as any other player toward the end of the 2024 season from his free safety position.
Hillman brings the wood as one of the hardest hitters on the defense and he showed potential as a blitzer in the ReliaQuest Bowl vs. Alabama.
3. Jyaire Hill, CB-
Hill is a talented former four-star cornerback who had moments of brilliance and moments of head-shaking frustration last year.
To Hill's credit, he was forced to fill in for the injured Will Johnson at numerous times last season as the team's top defensive back.
If Hill can become more consistent, Michigan might have a lockdown defense on their hands in 2025.
2. Jaishawn Barham, LB-
Barham has been called a freak athlete by Michigan's coaching staff with the size and skills to play pro football right now.
The challenge is for the coaching staff to put him in the right position to succeed on each play and for Barham to improve his awareness, confidence and play recognition.
1. TJ Guy, DE-
Guy is a hybrid defensive end/rush linebacker who has proven he is a worthy successor to the pass rushing legacies of recent Michigan stars Aidan Hutchinson and Jaylen Harrell.
Guy has what it takes to be one of Michigan's best defenders and will look to prove it again this season in Ann Arbor.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
Continue reading...
