Projecting Who's Staying and Who's Leaving from Michigan After Bowl Game

The chaotic month of December has changed the trajectory of the Michigan football program in serious, significant ways.

In a big-brand showdown against Texas at the Citrus Bowl, the Wolverines closed the 2025 season with a 41-27 loss and 9-4 record.

And the Maize and Blue are heading into a pivotal offseason.

Gone is head coach Sherrone Moore, who was fired by Michigan. The program is now under the control of former Utah coach Kyle Whittingham after he resigned from his longtime job.

Stability is paramount to achieve in Ann Arbor, and the upcoming month will be pivotal in player retention and recruitment.

Who's Staying

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Zeke Berry

QB Bryce Underwood

The most important question of U-M's offseason is whether Bryce Underwood will return after the coaching change. He helped the Wolverines take advantage of a favorable slate and gained valuable experience as a true freshman. With a much tougher schedule on the horizon in 2026, though, Michigan needs Underwood back to lead the offense.

Young Offensive Line

No, the unit wasn't spectacular. Still, the Maize and Blue played a plethora of young talent on the offensive line. Evan Link started at left tackle until an injury forced Blake Frazier into the lineup. Jake Guarnera and Andrew Sprague held down right guard and tackle, respectively, and both Nathan Efobi and Brady Norton opened games at guard. Michigan can build on that group.

Solid Secondary

While the front seven is dealing with major turnover, the defensive backfield may be largely intact next season. Even if Jyaire Hill takes the NFL route, Zeke Berry and Jayden Sanders would be a strong one-two at corner with TJ Metcalf at nickel. Brandyn Hillman, Mason Curtis and Jaden Mangham shared snaps at safety and could all return alongside a healthy Rod Moore.

Who's Leaving

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Derrick Moore

NFL Draft Prospects

Michigan is poised to have several NFL draft selections. Top players to know are edge-rushers Derrick Moore and Jaishawn Barham, running back Justice Haynes—assuming he turns pro—and defensive tackle Rayshaun Benny.

Quarterback Depth

Underwood's presence is a double-edged sword. Only one signal-caller can play at a time, and he has at least two more seasons—in theory, at least—as the QB1. Understandably, that means backups Jadyn Davis and former starter Davis Warren are headed to the portal. Mikey Keene and Jake Garcia, pending any redshirt rulings, may choose to use another year of eligibility somewhere else, too.

And More Outgoing Transfers

Whittingham and the Wolverines' new staff assuredly has been active in meeting with players and determining who will be around in 2026. Davis, Warren, depth receiver Fredrick Moore and reserve lineman Connor Jones have elected to transfer, and others will follow suit.

Who's on the Way

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Kyle Whittingham

Kyle Whittingham

Given the timing of Moore's dismissal and list of truly available candidates, it was hard to get much better than Whittingham. He's a highly successful coach who kept Utah nationally relevant for two decades. Most importantly for a program in near-constant scandal lately, hopefully he'll be a calming force, too.

Next Group of Transfers

While it's plausible that a subset of players will follow Whittingham, Utah had announced Morgan Scalley as the coach-in-waiting. There won't necessarily be an exodus there. Nevertheless, U-M will be an attractive destination for offensive talent if Underwood is around and also defensive front-seven players.

5-Stars in Top-15 Recruiting Class

Within a 24-player haul including 12 blue-chip prospects, a pair of 5-stars headline Michigan's incoming freshmen. Edge-rusher Carter Meadows is ranked as the sixth-best player nationally, and running back Savion Hiter checks in eighth.