Predicting Michigan Football’s defensive depth chart after spring ball

Behind Daley, Cameron Brandt, Dominic Nichols and Nate Marshall all figure to get plenty of opportunities in 2026. 6-foot-7 Lugard Edokpayi also impressed in the spring game and could be a name to watch.

If there’s another X-factor in the group, it could be five-star freshman Carter Meadows, who will join the program this summer. Like Vallejo, Meadows could climb the depth chart fast thanks to his freakish athleticism and pedigree. He could drastically raise the ceiling of the rotation if he plays a big role this season.

Linebacker

Starters: Troy Bowles, Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng

Depth: Chase Taylor, Nathaniel Staehling, Aisea Moa, Max Alford, Markel Dabney, Kaden Catchings

Earlier this spring, Whittingham mentioned Troy Bowles, Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng and Chase Taylor as the top three linebackers right now, and there’s little reason to deviate from that for this prediction. Bowles is the most experienced of the group, while Owusu-Boateng and Taylor are both young with plenty of potential.

The group is light on experience this year, which makes Nathaniel Staehling’s presence so important. Even though he might not have the upside other guys in the room have, his experience at North Dakota State the last four years could be beneficial, especially early on. Further down the depth chart are transfers Aisea Moa and Max Alford, who could see snaps in spot duty.

True freshman Markel Dabney could be a name to watch in fall camp, as he had an impressive spring and made his presence felt on Saturday with a big hit on a goal-line stand in the fourth quarter.

Cornerback

Starters: Jyaire Hill, Zeke Berry, Smith Snowden (Nickel)

Depth: Shamari Earls, Jo’Ziah Edmond, Jamarion Vincent, Jeremiah Lowe, Joshua Nichols

Cornerback is probably the strongest position on paper for the Wolverines’ defense entering the summer thanks to some high-upside players and experience. Jyaire Hill and Zeke Berry are the unquestioned starters on the outside, with Utah transfer Smith Snowden stepping into the nickel spot.

One player who could force his way into the rotation is sophomore Shamari Earls. He came to Michigan as a highly regarded recruit, but had a ways to go in his development and didn’t play a role for last year’s defense. His physical tools and size were never a question, so perhaps another offseason of seasoning should have him ready to make some contributions.

Another name to watch in fall camp will be true freshman Jamarion Vincent. He was one of the team’s standouts during the spring and while he faces an uphill battle for playing time, he could factor in if he stays on track this offseason.

Safety

Starters: Chris Bracy, Rod Moore (returning from injury)

Depth: Jordan Young, Mason Curtis, Jacob Oden, Kainoa Winston, Taylor Tatum, Jordan Deck

Admittedly, the safety position seems to be one of the most unpredictable on the entire roster, with several possible combinations for the starting spots. Much of that uncertainty comes from Rod Moore, who’s largely missed the last two seasons with lingering knee problems after an ACL tear in the spring of 2024.

Moore was still limited this spring, but if he’s ready to go by September, he’ll undoubtedly be one of the starters. Meanwhile, Memphis transfer Chris Bracy brings plenty of experience to the table and was impressive during the spring game.

Beyond the top two spots, Michigan has some good depth with Mason Curtis and Jordan Young, the latter of which especially came on at the end of 2025. While we have Young listed as coming off the bench right now, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him jump into a starting spot if Moore isn’t back to being 100 percent.