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ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 31: Michigan Wolverines offensive lineman Nathan Efobi (55) protects the pocket during the Cheez-It Bowl between the Michigan Wolverines and the Texas Longhorns on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, FL (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Nathan Efobi has quietly become one of the more intriguing players on Michigan’s offensive line heading into the 2026 season. The soon-to-be senior started five games last season — including in the Citrus Bowl vs Texas — and showed flashes of the kind of versatile, reliable player that offensive line coach Jim Harding is trying to build up in Ann Arbor.
With another offseason under his belt and a couple starting jobs up for grabs, Efobi spoke with Maize n Brew about his on-field development, the state of Michigan’s offensive line, what fans can expect from the group this fall, and more.
On playing both sides of the interior
One of Efobi’s most valuable traits is his ability to play both left and right guard — he even lined up at both spots in the same game vs Oklahoma last year. For some linemen, that kind of positional flexibility creates technical and mental challenges. For Efobi, it has become second nature.
“I don’t think the transition is very hard to be honest,” Efobi said. “My coaches always prided themselves on the necessity of being comfortable on both sides because anything can happen.”
That versatility is exactly what Harding values in his offensive linemen, and it figures to be a significant part of why Efobi is in the mix for a starting spot heading into fall camp. As for where he has been focusing his reps this offseason, he has primarily been working at left guard while remaining open to competing for both spots.
“I’ve been playing at left guard but I’m competing for both,” he said. “I feel comfortable at both.”
Growth throughout the 2025 season
Efobi’s development over the last season was noticeable to anyone who watched Michigan’s offensive line closely. He started the year as a rotational depth piece and finished it as a starter in a bowl game against an elite SEC program. Of course, injuries and bowl game opt-outs played a role, but this also points to an upward trajectory for his abilities and approach to the game.
When asked how he felt his game evolved over the season, his answer was refreshingly self-aware.
“I just got more comfortable as the season went on,” he said. “Just started relaxing and not worrying how I played which allowed me to play better.”
That kind of mental maturity is not always easy to develop, especially for a young offensive lineman playing in the Big Ten. The fact that Efobi identified it himself suggests he has a level of self-awareness that should serve him well as he takes on a larger role in 2026.
Working with Jim Harding
Harding, who came to Ann Arbor from Utah this offseason, is widely regarded as one of the best offensive line coaches in the country, and Efobi has had a front-row seat to what makes him so effective this offseason. The early returns have been positive thus far.
“It’s been great with coach Harding,” Efobi said. “He always wants us to be the best in everything no matter what. He has taught me using leverage and finishing to open holes and extend the run game.”
The emphasis on leverage and finishing blocks is a consistent theme in how Harding develops his linemen, and it is something Efobi identified as a personal focus heading into the 2026 season as well. When asked about what he is specifically working on to take the next step in his development, his answer was straight to the point.
“I’m definitely trying to work on the mastery of leverage and finishing blocks,” he said.
Fixing pass protection issues
Michigan’s pass protection was one of the more discussed weaknesses of the 2025 season, an inconsistency that contributed to some frustrating performances for quarterback Bryce Underwood and the offense as a whole. Efobi was candid about both the causes and the progress being made heading into 2026.
“Yeah, we have definitely put pass pro as something we need to focus on and have taken many strides in that regard,” Efobi said. “Last year’s issues stemmed from injuries and (too) many rotations. True chemistry couldn’t be built until late and even then, injuries were still there.”
That explanation rings true. Michigan’s offensive line was in a constant state of flux last season, with injuries forcing the staff to shuffle personnel on a near-weekly basis. Building chemistry in those conditions is nearly impossible, and the lack of continuity showed at times in pass protection. With a healthier and more settled group heading into 2026, the expectation is that the unit will take a significant step forward in that area.
The team is ready to roll
Efobi did not mince words when asked for his final thoughts on this year’s team.
“Not much to say — we hungry and are ready to go head to head with anyone,” he said.
Simple, direct, and on brand for a group that feels it has something to prove after a 2025 season that ended short of expectations.
If the offensive line takes the step forward that Efobi and his teammates believe it can, Michigan’s offense could be considerably different and more dangerous when the season kicks off on Sept. 5 vs Western Michigan.
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