Michigan football likely to keep 'explosive' offense under wraps in spring game

Ann Arbor — During interviews with Michigan players throughout spring practice, the prevailing point they’ve made is that the Wolverines’ offense this season will be more “explosive."

Fans will probably have to wait until the season to see how those potential fireworks, because it’s unlikely Michigan will put much on display on Saturday during the spring game at Michigan Stadium. That’s partly because they don’t want opponents to see what they’ve got, and also, the forecast indicates it will be windy and rainy, which suggests more reliance on running the ball.

Andrew Marsh leads a Michigan receiving corps that figures to be deeper and more talented this season.

This will be the first time Kyle Whittingham will take the field as Michigan’s football coach in a public setting, and it will be the first time fans will see the mostly new staff and a few of the new players via recruiting and the portal. Among those new players that will attract attention are five-star running back Savion Hiter and quarterback Tommy Carr, in the backup spot behind Bryce Underwood, and transfer receivers Jaime Ffrench and J.J Buchanan.

Michigan’s offense has more weapons in the receiver room this year, and Underwood, a starter last season as a freshman, has received more personalized instruction to work on footwork improve his throwing.

There seems to be nowhere to go but up for an offense that was woefully lacking in the pass game the last two seasons. Michigan ranked 105th nationally in passing last season, averaging 186.8 yards a game, a slim improvement from the 2024 season when Michigan ranked 130th, averaging 129.1 yards. Under offensive coordinator Jason Beck’s direction, the players said the offense clearly has more options.

“We've had stretches in our team move-it periods where we'll throw a long ball and then Bryce will keep it on an option fake for like another 30-yard play,” tight end Deakon Tonielli said this week.  “It's hard to stop when you don't know what's going on. Everyone on the field is going to make a play and has the opportunity to make a play. It's hard to stop that."