5 Things We Learned From Week 1 of Michigan Football's Fall Camp

The Wolverines are a week into fall camp and we've learned a few things thus far.

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A week of fall camp is now in the books and Michigan is ramping things up, preparing for Western Michigan in Week 1.

After hearing the coaches and a few players speak this past week, there are a few things we can take away from Week 1 of fall camp. Here are five things we've learned.

Two stars should be on the field for Week 1

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If Michigan's defense is going to emulate the 2023 Wolverines, it's going to need its stars on the field. And luckily, it sounds like both John Henry Daley and Rod Moore are on pace to start Week 1 against Western Michigan.

When fall camp opened, defensive coordinator Jay Hill touched on both players, saying they were on pitch counts. However, Kyle Whittingham spoke on Monday and he said they are 100% and a full go.

Pitch counts are still a thing and Michigan will slowly ramp them up for Week 1 against Western Michigan. Barring any ill effects, expect both star defensive players to be on the field for the Wolverines.

There could be a number of switches along the offensive line

The theme along the offensive line and the position battles taking place is finding the best five offensive linemen. Jay Harding stated he's not against players switching positions as long as it's going to help Michigan win football games.

Evan Link is a primary example where he has started at both tackle spots. However, he is likely better suited inside and while he's one of the players battling for the left tackle spot, he's in line to take over as one of the guards.

Then there is Blake Frazier, who started most of the season at left tackle for Michigan last season. Frazier is fighting Andrew Babalola for the left tackle spot, but coaches have stated that Frazier is athletic enough to move all around. He could slide inside to left or right guard this season.

True freshmen are impressing

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Both Savion Hiter and Salesi Moa are going to play major roles for Michigan this season, but they aren't the only two true freshmen who are getting hype.

During Big Ten Media Days, Kyle Whittingham spoke highly of Carter Meadows, and with a big weight gain, he is one player who is already in the mix to carve out a role this year in a stacked edge room. Jay Hill also spoke highly of Tariq Boney, Alister Vallejo, and Titan Davis, as players who could help Michigan win games in 2026.

Recently, Travis Johnson's name has been gaining traction for the wide receivers. He could battle for the No. 5 spot behind both Jaime French and Moa.

JJ Buchanan looks the part

Michigan is still trying to figure out who is going to take control of the WR3 spot, but we know for certain that Andrew Marsh and JJ Buchanan are the top two playmakers on the team.

Marsh is searching for a 1,000-yard season, and it might be easier for him with a player like Buchanan on his side. On Monday, Kyle Whittingham said Buchanan is unguardable at times and he's really coming along in just his second season of college football.

Buchanan is a big body and someone who can help stretch the field. Whittingham stated that he wins most of the 50-50 balls thrown his way.

Bryce Underwood is progressing

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The one player most fans want to hear about is coming along. There is still progress that needs to be made, but Underwood is starting to dial in what the coaches want from him.

By all accounts, the game has slowed down for the second-year starter and he is beginning to read the defense properly. Since bringing in Koy Detmer Jr. to help coach Underwood, his footwork has improved and he is picking up the scheme under Jason Beck.

The Wolverines are going to unleash Underwood this season, allowing him to fully use his skill set and run with his legs. As long as Underwood has made the strides, he should see a big sophomore leap.