The Wolverines enter 2026 with a markedly different lineup, as a series of high‑profile departures reshapes both depth and experience across the squad. While the team will miss several standout players, the focus is on how their absence will affect the on‑field product rather than a simple talent ranking.
A Blow to the Secondary
Safety duo TJ Metcalf and his brother Tevis Metcalf leave after combining for All‑Big Ten honors, and their absence is felt especially at a position where the team will rely on younger players to fill the void.
At cornerback, Jayden Sanders was viewed as a long‑term project with high upside, yet the depth chart already contains several capable backs, making his exit less disruptive but still a loss of potential.
Running Back and Linebacker Realities
Running back Justice Haynes, touted as one of the most talented players to exit the program, departs, but the Wolverines retain a strong stable of backs that softens the impact.
Linebacker Cole Sullivan stands out as the most painful loss; his 2025 performance placed him among the conference’s best, and the team now faces a steep drop at the heart of its defense.
Other contributors such as Brandyn Hillman, Semaj Morgan, Brady Prieskorn and Ty Haywood were slated to provide depth at various spots, but their performances were inconsistent, and the coaching staff expects internal development to bridge the gaps.
Future Outlook
Overall, the departures force Michigan to lean on younger talent and to adjust schemes, a transition that will be closely watched as the program seeks to maintain its competitive edge. The coming months will reveal how effectively the staff can integrate fresh faces while preserving the culture that has defined recent seasons.