Updated Michigan Football Projected Offensive Starting Lineup After a Week of Fall Camp

Michigan is one week into fall camp and despite the media not being allowed into practices, we are starting to form an idea of what the Wolverines' offense is going to look like in 2026.

Listening to Kyle Whittingham, Jason Beck, and players speak this past week, it's clear there are still position battles happening and the Wolverines are still trying to find their best players.

After one week in the books, here is how Michigan's offense might look like for the opening game against Western Michigan.

Quarterback

Starter: Bryce Underwood

There are other cemented starters for Michigan football entering 2026, but naming Bryce Underwood as the Wolverines' starting quarterback is the easiest thing to do in this article.

Underwood had a shaky 2025 season, but the true freshman was thrust into a difficult situation and didn't have the proper coaching. Kyle Whittingham hired Koy Detmer Jr. to coach him this season, and by all accounts, Underwood is progressing nicely.

His footwork appears to be clearing up and with Jason Beck installing his offense, Underwood will be better utilized this season. Underwood will be allowed to run the football this season, and assuming he does a better job of reading the defense, fans should be happy with the progression from last year to this season.

Aside from Underwood, both Tommy Carr and Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi are battling it out for the backup job.

Running back

Starter: Jordan Marshall
You'll see a lot of: Savion Hiter

Michigan has a 1A and a 1B, but the clear top back is Jordan Marshall. Despite not starting last season and ending the season injured, Marshall still led the Wolverines in rushing and nearly ran for 1,000 yards in 2025.

Entering 2026, Marshall will be tasked with the lion's share of the work. However, five-star freshman Savion Hiter looks the part and will take on a big role in his first season in Ann Arbor. Hiter is physically built and has the speed to set him apart.

Jason Beck's offense has finished No. 2 in rushing in each of the last two seasons, which sets Marshall and Hiter up for massive 2026 seasons.

Wide receiver

Starters: Andrew Marsh, JJ Buchanan, Jaime Ffrench
Other names we've heard: Salesi Moa, Travis Johnson, and Channing Goodwin

Utah Utes tight end JJ Buchanan (81) celebrates after a reception against the Nebraska Cornhuskers — IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Both Andrew Marsh and JJ Buchanan are locked into the starting lineup. Kyle Whittingham recently called Buchanan "unguardable" at times during fall camp. His presence alone could make for Marsh to have a big season.

Whittingham also said Michigan has had five [or 5.5] wide receivers step up. The Wolverines are looking for seven in total to emerge before the season starts. Both Jaime Ffrench and Salesi Moa are battling for the third spot, but with Ffrench's experience and speed, I give him an edge.

We've heard both Travis Johnson and Channing Goodwin mentioned this fall as two players who are coming on strong.

Tight end

Starter: Zack Marshall
Expect to see: Hogan Hansen

It feels like a two-man battle right now at tight end, but to be fair, the position hasn't been talked about all that much. Very little was said about tight end during Big Ten Media Days, and once again, not talked about much in fall camp.

However, Hogan Hansen had the reps two seasons ago, but a nagging injury paved the way for Zack Marshall to take over last season. Marshall impressed with his ability and he has also taken on a leadership role.

If the season began today, expect Marshall to trot out with the 1s, but Hansen could make things interesting.

Offenisve line

Starters: Andrew Babalola, Evan Link, Jake Guarnera, Blake Frazier, Andrew Sprague
In the mix: Nate Efobi, Brady Norton, and Avery Gach

Michigan offensive lineman Ty Haywood (79) warms up with offensive lineman Andrew Sprague — USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Entering the second week of fall camp, the only two players who have cemented their roles as starters are Andrew Sprague and Jake Guarnera.

However, reading the tea leaves, the coaches have continued to talk glowingly about former five-star left tackle Andrew Babalola, and I believe that as long as he continues to impress this fall, he's in position to start. Having him start there for two or three more seasons would be a big boost for the Wolverines.

Evan Link is a veteran, and although he is competing for reps at tackle, he is better suited at guard and should take one of those positions. Blake Frazier has been receiving buzz and coaches have noted he's athletic enough to move around. In that case, moving him inside to guard could give Michigan its best five linemen.

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