Pre-spring Michigan Football depth chart prediction: Defense

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It’s been quite the whirlwind over the last couple of weeks for the Michigan Football program, as it has seen plenty of players and personnel come and go, shaping things up to look much different than the last two seasons. On the defensive side of the ball, defensive coordinator Jay Hill takes over for Wink Martindale, while a host of new players were added to fill out the roster.

Yesterday, we took a look at how the offensive depth chart is looking prior to spring ball. Today, we’ll be taking a look at the defense.

As a note, incoming freshmen are only included below if they are enrolling early.

Defensive Tackle​

Starters: Trey Pierce, Enow Etta

Depth: Jonah Lea’ea, Manuel Beigel, Deyvid Palepale, Chibi Anwunah, Travis Moten, Bobby Kanka

Michigan’s front seven depth is looking pretty thin as of now, but it does get a pair of key players back in Trey Pierce and Enow Etta. The previous coaching staff raved about them and have been hidden amidst some crowded rotations the last two seasons, but both could be poised for breakout campaigns in 2026.

The biggest addition to the room through the portal was Utah’s Jonah Lea’ea. He was a starter last year in a breakout season where he had 38 tackles, one sack and one forced fumble. Look for him to play a big role for Michigan even if he’s not getting the most snaps of the group.

Behind Lea’ea, there are a handful of players that haven’t seen big roles in college yet. Manuel Beigel is perhaps the most experienced of the group, appearing in three games in 2025, while Deyvid Palepale appeared in two. Redshirt freshmen Travis Moten and Bobby Kanka, are also back to try and take a step in their development.

Michigan should get some relief at this position in the summer when talented four-stars Alister Vallejo and Titan Davis join the program.

Defensive End​

Starters: John Henry Daley, Cam Brandt

Depth: Nate Marshall, Dominic Nichols, Lugard Edokpayi, McHale Blade, Benny Patterson, Julius Holly

Similarly along the edge, there’s not much depth here right now, but there are still some solid contributors near the top of the depth chart. John Henry Daley was arguably the biggest addition Michigan made in the portal after recording 11.5 sacks and earning first-team All-American honors at Utah last year. An injury could complicate his offseason, but he’ll be the favorite to lead the rotation in the fall.

Next up is Cam Brandt, who appears poised to take over a starting role after being a rotational piece his first few years. He made one start in 2025 and made 22 tackles, but he had three sacks the year prior. Right behind him is Nate Marshall, who has a ton of upside and could push for a starting job if he has a big offseason. The same could be said for Dominic Nichols, as he should be able to develop even more with defensive ends coach Lewis Powell.

Further down the depth chart, you’ll find Lugard Edokpayi, Benny Patterson and Julius Holly, a pair of returning players who have yet to contribute much so far. McHale Blade is a talented freshman that will look to make some noise in the spring as well. Michigan is also set to add five-star Carter Meadows and three-star Tariq Boney in the summer. Lea’ea could see snaps here as well.

Linebacker​

Starters – Troy Bowles, Nathaniel Staehling

Depth – Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng, Chase Taylor, Max Alford, Aisea Moa, Christian Pierce, Kaden Catchings, Markel Dabney, Aden Reeder

You might as well put the shrug emoji here, but the good news is there are plenty of bodies, which means strong competition this offseason. I think it’s safe to lean into Troy Bowles and Nathaniel Staehling as the starters heading into the spring due to their experience. Staehling recorded 74 tackles and three interceptions for FCS powerhouse North Dakota State last year, while Bowles got regular reps and showed some flashes when Jimmy Rolder and Cole Sullivan were out with injuries.

If it’s upside you’re looking for, sophomores Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng and Chase Taylor are your guys. Owusu-Boateng came to Michigan as a strong, albeit undersized athlete that was probably going to have to wait until 2026 to make major contributions; Taylor was also a player that got praise during fall camp last year. Michigan also brought in transfers Max Alford, Aisea Moa and Christian Pierce to compete as well.

Finally, Kaden Catchings, Markel Dabney and Aden Reeder are all early enrollees that will start their careers and development this spring.

Cornerback​

Starters – Jyaire Hill, Zeke Berry, Smith Snowden (nickel)

Depth – Shamari Earls, Jo’Ziah Edmond, Salesi Moa, Jeremiah Lowe, Jamarion Vincent

Michigan’s cornerback room took a hit this offseason with the losses of promising freshmen Elijah Dotson and Jayden Sanders, but made a huge addition with Utah’s Smith Snowden. He was second-team All-Big 12 last season and slots right in as the starting nickel. The Wolverines also got Jyaire Hill and Zeke Berry back, who will each start for the third consecutive year to give Michigan a trio of talented corners at the top of the depth chart.

Next up is Shamari Earls, who came to Ann Arbor as a prized recruit last year. He didn’t see the field much, but he’ll have the chance to take a second-year leap under new cornerbacks coach Jernaro Gilford. Similarly, Jo’Ziah Edmonds didn’t see the field much in 2025 but was a four-star recruit that has potential.

Further down the depth chart, star freshman Salesi Moa could factor in here depending on how the coaching staff plans to split him between offense and defense. Jeremiah Lowe and Jamarion Vincent — the latter being an early enrollee — will also battle it out to rise on the depth chart.

Safety​

Starters – Chris Bracy, Rod Moore

Depth – Jordan Young, Mason Curtis, Kainoa Winston, Jacob Oden, Taylor Tatum, Jordan Deck

Much like cornerback, the safety position saw some attrition this portal season, as T.J. Metcalf, Brandyn Hillman and Jaden Mangham all left. However, Michigan did well to add Chris Bracy from Memphis, who racked up 81 tackles and 9.5 tackles for a loss last year — he should slot in as a starter alongside Rod Moore, who will be back for a sixth year and is hopefully healthy following his lengthy knee injury.

Jordan Young took big steps throughout his true freshman year and while he might not have done enough to secure a starting job, he should still get plenty of snaps. Mason Curtis should also play a bigger role next season.

Michigan doesn’t really have much experience further down the depth chart, with Jacob Oden and Kainoa Winston likely the next guys up. Additionally, Michigan is reportedly moving Oklahoma running back transfer Taylor Tatum to safety, while freshman early enrollee Jordan Deck will compete for playing time as well.

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