Donaven McCulley is the clear-cut No. 1 receiving threat for Michigan, but beyond him, the picture is far less certain. Tyler Morris once appeared to be the natural successor, but his departure leaves a significant void. Now, it falls on offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey to identify a reliable second option—someone who won’t command the constant double-teams McCulley is likely to draw.
There’s no shortage of candidates. Transfer Anthony Simpson brings the most single-season receiving yards of anyone currently on the roster. Fredrick Moore has drawn buzz as a potential breakout star. Peyton O’Leary is hard to ignore after his critical catch in the win over Ohio State, while Channing Goodwin emerged as Bryce Underwood’s go-to target in the spring game. If Kendrick Bell continues to develop like his brother Ronnie, he could ascend quickly. Semaj Morgan, who had the second-most receptions last season, is another name to watch.
Tight end remains a strength for Michigan as well. While Marlin Klein doesn’t quite match Colston Loveland’s all-around game, he offers more speed. Hogan Hansen is expected to serve as the No. 2 tight end, though depth behind him is thin. Running back Justice Haynes also figures into the receiving mix after logging 17 catches last season.
Michigan’s offensive scheme traditionally features tight ends prominently, which could open the door for Jalen Hoffman to build on his strong spring performance. Fullback Max Bredeson is likely to get involved as well, rewarded for the gritty blocking work the position demands. Freshmen Andrew Marsh and Jamar Browder may be pressed into action early given the lack of proven pass-catchers.
Projections from AI suggest Moore and Klein will finish tied for second in receptions with around 40 each. While those projections don’t account for intangibles or unexpected developments, they do hint at how evenly the targets may be spread after McCulley.
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