A Promising Trajectory
Evan Link arrived in Ann Arbor as a four‑star recruit in the fall of 2022, pledging to the Michigan Wolverines with high expectations. Over the next two seasons he carved out a role on the line, appearing in every game of the 2024 campaign and starting 11 of 13 contests.
His statistical trajectory took a noticeable jump in 2025. According to Pro Football Focus, Link’s pass‑blocking efficiency climbed from 94.7 to 97.6, while he surrendered just one sack and eight pressures across 187 snaps. The numbers signaled a player who was not only holding his own but also improving the protection around the quarterback.
The momentum was interrupted, however, when a knee injury forced Link to miss the remainder of the 2025 season. The setback, while disappointing, did not dampen the optimism surrounding his long‑term development.
Offensive line coach Jim Harding has repeatedly highlighted Link’s versatility, noting that the youngster has been comfortable at both tackle and guard during spring practices. “He’s a guy who can slide inside when needed and still keep the edge strong,” Harding said, underscoring the coach’s confidence in Link’s adaptability.
Analyst Phil Steele has projected that, given the depth chart and the emergence of other interior linemen, Link could be slated to move to guard in 2026. “If the Wolverines want to preserve his health while still leveraging his athleticism, a shift inside makes sense,” Steele remarked, a view echoed by several recruiting analysts.
The competition for the guard spots is already shaping up. Blake Frazier is expected to start at left guard, while Andrew Sprague is slated to man the right side, creating a tandem that could free Link to rotate or specialize.
Looking Ahead to 2026
During the 2026 spring game, Link lined up at left tackle, showing that the coaching staff still values his size and technique on the exterior. The display reinforced the notion that the team is keeping his options open while evaluating the best fit for the upcoming season.
Beyond individual statistics, Link’s potential move reflects a broader strategy by Michigan to diversify its offensive front. By developing players who can operate at multiple positions, the Wolverines aim to stay ahead of defensive schemes that increasingly stress flexibility.
If Link can stay healthy and translate his spring‑time versatility into fall performance, the Wolverines could see a boost in both pass protection and run blocking. The depth he provides may also allow Michigan to experiment with formations that were previously out of reach, adding another layer of complexity to an already potent offense.