Fall Camp Nears as Michigan Football Prepares for 2025 Season
With just 50 days until the 2025 season kicks off, fall camp for Michigan football is fast approaching. While many spots are locked in, a few key position battles remain—most notably on offense.
On the defensive side, things are largely settled. Michigan prides itself on depth, regularly rotating players to keep fresh legs on the field. That philosophy isn’t just about strategy—it’s about survival over the grind of a long season.
This year’s defensive line is expected to be especially deep, going at least 10 players strong. Head coach Sherrone Moore even compared the depth to that of the 2021 unit, which helped power Michigan to a Big Ten title.
While defense appears mostly solidified, a handful of position battles remain—some on offense, and at least one on defense. Here are five to keep an eye on this fall, starting with the most high-profile: quarterback.
Quarterback Battle
There may not be much suspense about who will take the first snap—true freshman Bryce Underwood is the clear favorite. The five-star phenom is widely expected to start from day one, but the competition behind him could be worth watching.
Jake Garcia, a former four-star recruit with stops at Miami, Missouri, and East Carolina, brings experience. Mikey Keene, who led the Mountain West in passing yards last season, is another intriguing option. Both are capable backups and could be called upon if needed.
Ideally, Michigan won’t have to go beyond Underwood. He’s a rare talent, and it would be surprising if he didn’t earn the starting role. Still, quarterback depth matters—and this fall, the battle for QB2 could quietly become one of the more important subplots of camp.
Left Tackle Battle
There’s a bit more clarity at offensive tackle heading into fall camp. Evan Link, the veteran in the room, started in Michigan’s ReliaQuest Bowl matchup against Alabama and held his own. He didn’t dominate, but he also didn’t look out of place against elite SEC talent.
Link came to Ann Arbor as a highly touted recruit, and this could be the season he takes the next step. That said, there are still questions about his best position. After struggling at right tackle last season, some believe his skill set might be better suited for guard.
Still, the name to watch at left tackle is freshman Andrew Babalola. The five-star signee is the highest-ranked offensive line recruit in Michigan football history, and he’s already turning heads. Coaches were effusive in their praise throughout the spring, and Babalola made waves by being the first overall pick in the spring game draft—even ahead of quarterback Bryce Underwood.
Babalola’s ceiling is sky-high, but it remains to be seen if he’s ready to reach it this season. Don’t be shocked if he works his way into the starting lineup at some point—possibly as early as Week 1. If the battle between him and Link is close, Michigan may choose to roll with upside—just like they’re doing at quarterback.
Right Guard Battle
Another intriguing position battle is brewing on the offensive line, this time at right guard. With a new starter expected to emerge, there’s plenty of competition—and some potential for surprises.
Evan Link could be in the mix here as well, especially if he doesn’t win the left tackle job. His physicality and frame might be a better fit inside, where his skill set could translate more naturally.
As of now, Nathan Efobi appears to be the frontrunner. A former four-star recruit, Efobi saw action in six games last season and has drawn praise from the coaching staff. But his grip on the job is far from secure.
One name that shouldn’t be forgotten is Lawrence Hattar, a Division II All-American transfer from Ferris State. Hattar has the experience and toughness to make a push for the starting role, but as a summer arrival, he’s playing catch-up. Fall camp will be crucial for him to adjust to the speed of the FBS level and to make an impression on the coaching staff.
Efobi, meanwhile, is still seeking his first start. It wouldn’t be a shock if this competition lingers into the early part of the season. Both Jim Harbaugh and Sherrone Moore have shown a willingness to let battles play out into September, and this could be another one of those situations.
Slot Receiver Battle
One of the priorities for Michigan football this offseason was adding competition—and they did just that. The Wolverines bolstered the offensive line with transfers like Lawrence Hattar and Brady Norton, and they also brought in reinforcements at quarterback, running back, and wide receiver.
At wideout, the top of the depth chart looks fairly clear. Donaven McCulley is expected to be the go-to option. Head coach Sherrone Moore even compared him to former Wolverine standout Nico Collins during the spring. At 6-foot-5 with proven Power Five production—644 yards in 2022 at Indiana—McCulley brings size and upside to the position.
Fredrick Moore also appears poised for a starting role on the outside. That leaves the slot receiver spot as one of the more compelling battles heading into camp.
Semaj Morgan is the returning contributor, having caught 49 passes over the last two seasons for 343 yards and three touchdowns. While he averaged just 5.1 yards per catch in 2024, Morgan’s numbers came in an offense that lacked consistent quarterback play. He’s shifty, tough, and has earned the staff’s trust.
The newcomer in the mix is Anthony Simpson, a transfer from UMass who did not participate in spring practices. While Simpson’s 2024 season was relatively quiet, he broke out in 2023 with 792 receiving yards and 57 catches, including four 100-yard performances. He also posted an eye-opening stat line against Auburn: four catches for 89 yards and a touchdown.
This is a true competition to watch. Morgan has the experience and familiarity, but Simpson has shown the ability to stretch the field and produce against quality opponents. If both emerge alongside McCulley and Moore, Michigan’s receiver room will be in excellent shape.
Defensive Tackle Rotation
Much like the wide receiver position, defensive tackle will be a rotational group—and a deep one at that. Head coach Sherrone Moore recently said the defensive line could go 10 deep, and nowhere is that depth more evident than on the interior.
Rayshaun Benny is expected to anchor the group. A returning starter with a proven track record, Benny leads a unit loaded with talent and experience.
Tre Williams appears to have locked down another starting spot after a strong showing last season. Former Alabama transfer Damon Payne is also expected to play a major role. He’s known for his ability to anchor against the run and could start alongside Williams and Benny in Michigan’s base front.
Enow Etta, who played in 10 games and made one start in 2024, is another name to watch. He’s shown flashes of disruption and could easily rotate in as a de facto starter depending on the package. Trey Pierce is also in that conversation after a breakout performance in the ReliaQuest Bowl, showing quickness and power that turned heads.
And don’t forget Ike Iwunna. While he’s flown a bit under the radar, coaches have consistently praised his development. He gives Michigan a sixth legitimate option at defensive tackle—something few teams can claim.
The talent is there. The only real question is how the rotation will stack up. But with six players capable of handling meaningful snaps, it’s a good problem to have.
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