Evan Link entered the Michigan program as a four‑star recruit from Burke, Virginia, and quickly earned a role on the Wolverines’ front line. His early playing time translated into multiple starts, and by the 2024 season he had appeared in all 13 games, logging 11 of them at left tackle.
A knee injury forced Link to miss the latter part of the 2025 schedule, but the experience proved instructive. In the limited snaps he did complete, his PFF pass‑blocking efficiency jumped from 94.7 to 97.6, while he surrendered just one sack and eight pressures across 187 pass‑blocking attempts.
A Versatile Outlook for the Wolverines' Line
Building on that momentum, Link spent the spring experimenting with a move to guard. Coach Jim Harding highlighted the switch, noting that Link’s size and footwork make him a natural fit for the interior, where he could anchor the pocket alongside projected starters Blake Frazier at left guard and Andrew Sprague at right guard.
The competition for the interior spots is already shaping up. Frazier, who is expected to inherit the left‑guard role, brings a blend of athleticism and experience, while Sprague offers versatility on the right side. Link’s ability to slide between tackle and guard adds depth and flexibility to Michigan’s offensive line.
If the transition clicks, the Wolverines could see a marked improvement in protection schemes, giving their quarterbacks more time to execute the offense. Analysts tracking the team’s progress point to Link’s refined technique and the added reps from a full offseason as key variables that could translate into a standout 2026 campaign.