The Michigan Wolverines are coming off one of their worst seasons in recent memory, but are looking to have a big bounce-back year in 2025.
Despite losing key players such as Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, and Will Johnson, the Wolverines are bringing back some excellent talent. These are the ten best returning Michigan players heading into 2025.
10 Best Returning Players for Michigan Football
1) Dominic Zvada, K, Senior
It’s not often that a kicker comes in at number one on any list, but Zvada is the best kicker in college football. He hit 95.5% of his field goals in 2024 and went 7/7 on kicks longer than 50 yards. He should be instrumental to the Wolverines’ success next season.
2) Rod Moore, Safety, GS
Rod Moore, unfortunately, tore his ACL during spring ball in 2024. He missed the entire season, but is expected to return to the field in 2025. As a sophomore, Moore made the All-Big Ten third-team, breaking up five passes, making 33 tackles, and grabbing 2 interceptions. Expect big things from him next season.
3) Zeke Berry, CB, Senior
Zeke Barry was great opposite Will Johnson last season for the Wolverines. He started seven games at nickel and five on the boundary and should play outside for the Wolverines in 2025. He earned an All-Big Ten honorable mention selection and was named as Michigan’s defensive player of the year, racking up two interceptions and 11 PBU’s last season.
4) Ernest Hausmann, LB, Senior
Ernest Hausmann was the leader of Michigan’s defense last season. He earned all Big Ten honorable mention honors in 2024, racking up 89 tackles, seven TFLs, two sacks, and one interception. He should continue his success in 2025 and be a major key for this Wolverine defense.
5) Giovanni El-Hadi, OG, GS
Giovanni El-Hadi is the Wolverines’ best returning offensive lineman from a group that was very good in 2024. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 310 pounds, he’s a beast at right guard for Michigan. He started all 13 games last season and earned All-Big Ten honorable mention honors. He should be the leader of the offensive line heading into 2025.
5) Derrick Moore, DE, Senior
Derrick Moore is Michigan’s best returning pass rusher heading into 2025. He earned all Big Ten honorable mention honors in 2024, making 23 tackles, six TFLs, and sacking the quarterback four times. With another spring under his belt, he should develop even more and be dominant for the Wolverines next year.
7) Jyaire Hill, CB, Junior
Jyaire Hill is another elite cornerback that Michigan has on its roster. He started nine games last season at defensive back, making 35 tackles, breaking up nine passes, and snagging one interception. He and Berry should form a formidable duo at corner for the Wolverines next season.
8) TJ Guy, DE, GS
TJ Guy experienced a breakout season in 2024 and was Michigan’s second leader in sacks with 5.5. While Guy isn’t the most flashy player, he’s technically sound and should be in opposing teams’ backfields often in 2025.
9) Jaishawn Barham, LB, Senior
Jaishawn Barham was Michigan’s second-leading tackler in 2024. He’s a great downhill backer, racking up 66 tackles, three TFLs, one sack, and five quarterback hurries last season. Heading into 2025, he and Hausmann will be electric for the Wolverines.
KEEP READING: Joel Klatt Explains Why He Believes Michigan Football Can Be a Top 10 Team in 2025
10) Semaj Morgan, WR, Junior
Semaj Morgan isn’t the best wide receiver. He only started four games for the Wolverines last season, catching 27 passes for 139 yards and a touchdown. However, he’s one of the best return specialists in the Big Ten and consistently creates good field position for the Wolverines. He could have an expanded receiver role in 2025 and is certainly one of Michigan’s best returning players.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
