At 6‑foot‑8 and 315 pounds, Andrew Sprague towers over most of his peers, but it’s his performance that truly sets him apart. In 2025 he started 12 games, earned an All‑Big Ten honorable mention and posted a 70.0+ grade in both run and pass blocking, numbers that caught the eye of Pro Football Focus, which ranked him the ninth‑best returning offensive tackle in the nation.
That production helped him climb to #11 in the top‑25 most important players for Michigan football in 2026 and positioned him as a cornerstone for a line that will feature only two noted starters heading into the new season. With the physical tools, experience and elite coaching, analysts expect Sprague to take his game to another level.
Coaching Edge
Jim Harding, widely regarded as one of the best offensive‑line coaches in the country, will work directly with Sprague this year. Harding’s reputation for refining technique and maximizing talent adds a compelling narrative to Sprague’s development trajectory.
The Wolverines enter 2026 with uncertainty at several other positions, making Sprague’s leadership on the line all the more critical. His ability to anchor the unit could determine how quickly Michigan can stabilize its offense and compete within the Big Ten Conference.
PFF’s projection of a 2nd‑Team All‑Big Ten honor for Sprague reflects a cautious optimism that his sophomore‑year breakout could translate into a consensus elite designation. If he meets those expectations, the impact will ripple beyond individual accolades, influencing the team’s overall competitiveness.
Beyond the statistics, Sprague’s presence embodies the next chapter for the Michigan Wolverines. As the program looks to rebuild around a core that includes other emerging talents, his growth under Harding’s guidance will be closely watched by fans, analysts and opponents alike.