The Michigan Wolverines had a dominant season before meeting an unexpected 41-27 defeat in 2025. The defense anchored the team last season, and according to wide receiver Andrew Marsh, it looks even better this season with new faces leading it.

“I mean, it's been scary just seeing the development of them,” Marsh said in an episode of the In the Trenches podcast. “I feel like they're all reaching new levels, and especially the guys returning, I feel like they've just been getting better day in day. So I’m really excited to see them play this season.”

New defensive coordinator Jay Hill is leading the secondary this year and has some standout players for the defensive backfield. Two familiar faces, center back Jyaire Hill and safety Rod Moore, are returning this season.

22-year-old Moore is returning for an unprecedented sixth college season this year. Serious Injuries have affected the safety’s performance deeply. After recording 71 total tackles in the 2022 season, he fell to 38 in the next season. 

After a season-long absence to recover from his torn ACL, he made a comeback in 2025. Now, Moore is ready to take on this year with a staff that has impressed him with efforts towards him.

“I got lucky because a lot of coaches don’t really go back and look at players that used to be here, like older players that are coming off injuries,” Moore said in his episode for the same podcast. “And I can say to this coaching staff, they took the time to really learn who I was, especially Coach Hill.”

CB Hill, in the 2025 season, contributed 36 total tackles, of which 24 were solo. He defended five passes and recorded one sack. He also recorded one forced fumble and one interception. The 20-year-old bypassed the NFL Draft and transfer portal to headline the Wolverines’ secondary in his senior year.

DC Hill has other powerhouses like CB Zeke Berry, Smith Snowden, and S Jordan Young to utilize. Many are eagerly awaiting to see how this season turns out for the Wolverines, who have new faces leading them. Marsh has painted a pretty picture of not just the defense but also of the offense.

Andrew Marsh Is Excited Over The New Offensive Schemes

On June 10, WR Andrew Marsh appeared on In the Trenches Podcast and shared what excites him about this year’s offense.

“I feel great about it, to be honest,” he told host Jon Jansen. “Moving forward this year, I feel like there’s so much freedom route running. Conceptually, I really feel like every five guys on a team can be an option each play.” 

Marsh, who was a freshman last year, recorded 45 receptions for 651 receiving yards and touchdowns. He made 12 carries for 13 rushing yards. Head coach Kyle Whittingham hired Jason Beck in January 2026 for his newly established team. 

So far, both unit coordinators have earned praise for their game plan, and they must translate it on the gridiron. Are you executed for the Wolverines this year? 

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar