Michigan Hype Train: Five Players Not Talked About Enough

Michigan Football enters 2025 with plenty of national buzz, but some key contributors and potential breakout players still aren’t getting the Michigan hype they deserve. A handful of Wolverines are primed for breakout seasons that could push this team to another level. There are the players who are poised for big seasons for Michigan, not getting talked about enough.

Jalen Hoffman

I’ve been beating the Jalen Hoffman drum for two years, and I’m still not seeing his name in enough conversations. Hoffman is turning a strong spring into a bigger role. He has quietly carved out a role on special teams and in spot offensive snaps, but Chip Lindsey’s system fits him perfectly. He’s versatile enough to line up as a traditional tight end, in the backfield as an H-back, or split out wide.

This season, I expect him to get the chance to show his full game finally. He can block in space, run precise routes, and create mismatches on linebackers. Michigan needs more unpredictability on offense, and Hoffman can provide it. If Lindsey commits to using him creatively, he’ll turn into one of the most efficient weapons in the passing game.

Zack Marshall

Zack Marshall is entering year three, which is often the season when players make the leap. At 6-4, 245 pounds, he has the size and length to win in the red zone, and he’s coming off an offseason where Hogan Hansen and Brady Prieskorn’s injuries opened the door for extra reps. He’s taken those opportunities and run with them.

Marshall has been chiefly a special teams player so far, but I see that changing fast. In Lindsey’s offense, tight ends who can threaten down the seam and hold their own as blockers will get work. Marshall fits that mold and has the chance to go from afterthought to one of the most productive pass-catchers on the roster.

Giovanni El-Hadi

So much talk this offseason has centered on the tackle battle, but Giovanni El-Hadi is written in pen as the starting left guard—and I think he could be Michigan’s best lineman this year. He’s back at his natural position after a season at right guard, and he’s added over 20 pounds of muscle since last fall.

El-Hadi already owns 16 starts and 42 appearances, plus an Outland Trophy watch list nod this season. He’s strong, mean, and experienced, and he’s now in a position to dominate. If Michigan’s offensive line takes a big step forward in 2025, it will start with El-Hadi setting the tone in the trenches.

Derrick Moore

Somehow, people aren’t talking enough about Derrick Moore. He’s the only returning starter from last year’s defensive line, and his production outside of sacks is right there with Josaiah Stewart’s—same number of pressures, excellent win rate, and consistent disruption.

Moore is entering his senior year and is the anchor of a line that will rotate plenty of fresh legs. That depth will keep him attacking every snap, and I think he’s got double-digit sack potential. With all the hype on incoming talent, Moore is the proven pass rusher who could have the biggest season of anyone in the front seven.

Brandyn Hillman

Brandyn Hillman feels like the forgotten man in Michigan’s secondary. Rod Moore’s injury, TJ Metcalf’s arrival, and freshman Shamari Earls have dominated headlines, but Hillman is entering his third season and his first as a full-time starter.

He’s a physical, downhill safety who can impact the game at every level. Hillman can blitz, cover tight ends, and deliver tone-setting hits in the run game. I expect him to emerge as one of the leaders of the defense by midseason, and his style of play will set the standard for physicality across the unit.