Michigan Football 2023: Roster Breakdown & Key Players

Oct 23, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 55 views

Alright Wolverines fans, let's dive deep into the Michigan Football 2023 roster! This is your ultimate guide to knowing who's who on the field as Michigan aims for another dominant season. We’ll break down each position group, highlight key players, and give you the inside scoop on what to expect this year. Get ready to cheer on your Wolverines!

Quarterbacks: The Heart of the Offense

The quarterback position is always under the spotlight, and for good reason. In today's college football landscape, a team's quarterback can make or break their season. So, who's leading the charge for Michigan in 2023? The Wolverines are looking solid with a mix of experience and potential in their quarterback room.

J.J. McCarthy: The undisputed leader. After a stellar 2022 season, McCarthy is poised to take his game to the next level. His arm talent is undeniable, and his decision-making has improved dramatically. Keep an eye on him to make some serious noise in the Big Ten and beyond. McCarthy's mobility adds another dimension to the offense, making him a threat both through the air and on the ground. He's got the potential to be a Heisman contender if he continues his upward trajectory.
Davis Warren: A reliable backup. Every team needs a dependable backup quarterback, and Warren fits that role perfectly. He's got a strong arm and has shown flashes of brilliance in limited action. Warren's experience in the system makes him a valuable asset should McCarthy go down with an injury.
Alex Orji: The wild card. Orji is a physical specimen with a cannon for an arm. He's still raw, but his potential is through the roof. The coaching staff is excited about his development, and he could see some playing time in specific packages to utilize his unique skillset. Orji brings a different dynamic to the quarterback position, and his athleticism could be a game-changer in certain situations.
Jack Tuttle: Veteran presence. Adding a player with experience can be a huge boost to a quarterback room. Tuttle brings a calming influence and a wealth of knowledge, and can help mentor the younger players while adding a safety net if needed.

The Wolverines are in good hands with this quarterback group. McCarthy is the clear-cut starter, but the depth behind him is impressive. Keep an eye on these guys as the season unfolds!

Running Backs: Ground and Pound

Michigan's running game has been a staple of their offense for years, and 2023 looks to be no different. The Wolverines boast a stable of talented running backs ready to punish opposing defenses. Get ready for some hard-nosed, ground-and-pound football!

Blake Corum: The workhorse. Corum is back after an injury-shortened 2022 season, and he's hungry to prove he's one of the best running backs in the nation. Corum's explosiveness and vision make him a threat to score every time he touches the ball. He's a true leader on and off the field, and his return is a massive boost to the Wolverines' offense.
Donovan Edwards: The speedster. Edwards is a game-breaker with the ability to take it to the house on any play. His speed and agility make him a nightmare for defenders to contain. Edwards' versatility as a receiver also makes him a valuable asset in the passing game. He's the perfect complement to Corum's power running style.
Tavierre Dunlap: The bruiser. Dunlap is a physical runner who excels at grinding out tough yards. He's a valuable asset in short-yardage situations and can wear down defenses as the game goes on. Dunlap's size and strength make him a tough runner to bring down.
Benjamin Hall: The rising star. Hall is a young, talented running back who has impressed the coaching staff with his work ethic and potential. He could see some playing time as the season progresses and is a name to watch for the future.

The Wolverines' running back room is loaded with talent. Corum and Edwards form one of the most dynamic duos in the country, and Dunlap provides valuable depth and power. This group will be instrumental in Michigan's offensive success.

Wide Receivers: Catching Fire

The wide receiver position has been a question mark for Michigan in recent years, but the Wolverines are hoping to change that in 2023. With a mix of returning veterans and promising newcomers, the Wolverines are looking to elevate their passing game.

Roman Wilson: The veteran leader. Wilson is the most experienced receiver on the roster and is expected to be the top target in the passing game. Wilson's route-running ability and reliable hands make him a valuable asset for McCarthy. He's a leader on and off the field and will be counted on to make big plays.
Cornelius Johnson: The big-play threat. Johnson is a tall, athletic receiver with the ability to stretch the field. Johnson's size and speed make him a difficult matchup for opposing cornerbacks. He needs to become more consistent, but his potential is undeniable.
Tyler Morris: The rising star. Morris is a young, talented receiver who has impressed the coaching staff with his quickness and route-running ability. He could see significant playing time as the season progresses and is a name to watch for the future.
Semaj Morgan: The playmaker. Morgan is an electric player with the ball in his hands. His ability to create after the catch could give the Wolverines a spark they need.
Fredrick Moore: The true freshman. Moore has been turning heads since he stepped on campus, showcasing a level of maturity that is rare for someone his age. Look for him to carve out a role for himself early in the season.

The Wolverines' wide receiver corps has the potential to be a strength of the team in 2023. Wilson and Johnson provide experience and leadership, while Morris and Walker offer exciting potential. If this group can stay healthy and develop chemistry with McCarthy, the passing game could take off.

Tight Ends: Blocking and Catching

The tight end position is crucial in Michigan's offense, providing both blocking and receiving prowess. The Wolverines have a solid group of tight ends ready to contribute in 2023.

Colston Loveland: The versatile weapon. Loveland is a dynamic tight end who can block, catch, and run. Loveland's athleticism and versatility make him a valuable asset in the passing game. He's a matchup nightmare for opposing linebackers and safeties.
Max Bredeson: The reliable blocker. Bredeson is a physical tight end who excels at run blocking. He's a valuable asset in short-yardage situations and helps pave the way for the Wolverines' running backs.
Matthew Hibner: The consistent contributor. Hibner brings a steady presence to the position. He is a reliable blocker and pass catcher, making him a valuable asset in multiple facets of the game.

The Wolverines are in good hands with this tight end group. Loveland is the clear-cut starter, but Bredeson and Carter provide valuable depth and experience. This group will be instrumental in Michigan's offensive success.

Offensive Line: The Trench Warriors

Michigan's offensive line has been one of the best in the nation in recent years, and the Wolverines are looking to continue that trend in 2023. The offensive line is the engine that drives the offense, and the Wolverines have a talented and experienced group ready to dominate.

Zak Zinter: The anchor. Zinter is a veteran guard who is the leader of the offensive line. Zinter's strength and technique make him one of the best offensive linemen in the country. He's a dominant run blocker and a reliable pass protector.
Trevor Keegan: The road grader. Keegan is a physical guard who excels at run blocking. He's a valuable asset in short-yardage situations and helps pave the way for the Wolverines' running backs.
Drake Nugent: The center. Nugent is the quarterback of the offensive line, responsible for making calls and directing traffic. He's a smart and reliable player who keeps the line organized.
Karsen Barnhart: The versatile lineman. Barnhart has experience playing multiple positions on the offensive line. His flexibility makes him a valuable asset for the Wolverines.
Trente Jones: The experienced tackle. Jones has proven to be a steady force on the line. His experience and skill provide a strong foundation to build upon.

The Wolverines' offensive line is once again expected to be one of the best in the country. With a mix of returning starters and promising newcomers, this group has the potential to dominate opposing defensive lines. They are the unsung heroes of the offense.

Defensive Line: Disrupting the Backfield

Michigan's defensive line is always a force to be reckoned with, and 2023 looks to be no different. The Wolverines have a talented and deep group of defensive linemen ready to wreak havoc on opposing offenses.

Kris Jenkins: The disruptor. Jenkins is a powerful defensive tackle who excels at disrupting opposing offenses. Jenkins' strength and athleticism make him a difficult matchup for opposing offensive linemen. He's a key to stopping the run and pressuring the quarterback.
Mason Graham: The rising star. Graham is a young, talented defensive tackle who has impressed the coaching staff with his quickness and strength. He could see significant playing time as the season progresses and is a name to watch for the future.
Braiden McGregor: The edge rusher. McGregor is an athletic defensive end who excels at rushing the passer. McGregor's speed and agility make him a difficult matchup for opposing offensive tackles. He's a key to generating pressure on the quarterback.
Jaylen Harrell: The versatile defender. Harrell is a dynamic player who can contribute in a variety of roles. His versatility and athleticism make him a valuable asset to the defense.
Derrick Moore: The powerful presence. Moore brings a unique combination of size and strength to the defensive line. He is a force to be reckoned with against both the run and the pass.

The Wolverines' defensive line is loaded with talent and depth. Jenkins and Graham anchor the interior, while McGregor and Harrell provide pressure off the edge. This group will be instrumental in Michigan's defensive success.

Linebackers: The Heart of the Defense

The linebacker position is crucial in Michigan's defense, providing both run-stopping and pass-coverage ability. The Wolverines have a solid group of linebackers ready to contribute in 2023.

Junior Colson: The leader. Colson is the most experienced linebacker on the roster and is expected to be the leader of the defense. Colson's tackling ability and instincts make him a valuable asset against the run. He's also improved his pass coverage skills and is becoming a more complete player.
Michael Barrett: The playmaker. Barrett is an athletic linebacker who excels at making plays in space. Barrett's speed and agility make him a valuable asset in pass coverage. He's also a willing tackler and can contribute against the run.
Ernest Hausmann: The rising star. Hausmann is a young, talented linebacker who has impressed the coaching staff with his athleticism and potential. He could see significant playing time as the season progresses and is a name to watch for the future.

The Wolverines are in good hands with this linebacker group. Colson and Barrett provide experience and leadership, while Hausmann offers exciting potential. This group will be instrumental in Michigan's defensive success.

Secondary: Locking Down the Pass

Michigan's secondary has been a strength of the team in recent years, and the Wolverines are looking to continue that trend in 2023. The secondary is responsible for locking down opposing passing games, and the Wolverines have a talented and athletic group ready to excel.

Mike Sainristil: The ballhawk. Sainristil is a veteran cornerback who is known for his ball-hawking skills. Sainristil's instincts and athleticism make him a threat to intercept passes. He's a key to creating turnovers for the defense.
Rod Moore: The safety net. Moore is a reliable safety who is always in the right place at the right time. Moore's tackling ability and coverage skills make him a valuable asset in the secondary. He's a leader on the field and helps keep the defense organized.
Will Johnson: The lockdown corner. Johnson is a young, talented cornerback who has impressed the coaching staff with his coverage skills. He could see significant playing time as the season progresses and is a name to watch for the future.
Keon Sabb: The explosive player. Sabb is an explosive player with the ability to change the game. His athleticism and instincts make him a valuable asset in the secondary.

The Wolverines' secondary is loaded with talent and depth. Sainristil and Moore provide experience and leadership, while Johnson offers exciting potential. This group will be instrumental in Michigan's defensive success.

Special Teams: The Hidden Advantage

Special teams are often overlooked, but they can be a crucial factor in close games. Michigan has a solid group of specialists ready to contribute in 2023.

Tommy Doman: The punter. Doman is a reliable punter who can flip the field position for the Wolverines.
James Turner: The kicker. Turner is a veteran kicker who is accurate and reliable. He's a valuable asset in close games.
Jake Moody: While Moody has moved on, his legacy leaves big shoes to fill. The Wolverines will be looking for someone to step up and continue the tradition of strong kicking.

Michigan's special teams unit is solid and reliable. Doman and Turner are proven performers, and the Wolverines will be looking for them to continue their success in 2023.

Final Thoughts

The Michigan Football 2023 roster is loaded with talent and experience. The Wolverines are poised to make another run at the Big Ten title and a College Football Playoff berth. With a strong quarterback, a dominant running game, and a stifling defense, Michigan has all the pieces in place to be a national contender. Get ready for an exciting season, Wolverines fans! Go Blue!