Kyle Whittingham takes over as Michigan’s head coach in 2026 following 21 seasons at Utah. Offensive coordinator Jason Beck follows Whittingham from Utah and will work with returning quarterback Bryce Underwood. Jordan Marshall returns at running back, while five-star freshman Savion Hiter joins the group as the nation’s No. 1-rated running back prospect in his recruiting class. Andrew Marsh returns as Michigan’s leading receiver from last season, while transfers Jaime Ffrench and J.J. Buchanan join the receiving corps. Michigan returns considerable experience along the offensive line, with Andrew Sprague and Jake Guarnera back after making 12 and 11 starts, respectively. Blake Frazier made eight starts, Evan Link made seven, and Nathan Efobi made five, giving the five returning linemen 43 combined starts in 2025.

Jay Hill takes over as defensive coordinator after previously coaching at BYU. Michigan returns just three of its top eleven tacklers from last season after losing its top five, with all three returners coming from the secondary. Jyaire Hill and Zeke Berry return as full-time starters after making 13 and 11 starts, respectively, while safety Mason Curtis returns after making three. Rob Moore also returns after missing most of last season, while Utah transfer Smith Snowden joins the secondary after making 13 starts in 2025. Trey Pierce is the lone returning starter in Michigan’s front seven after making 13 starts last season. Utah transfers John Henry Daley and Jonah Lea’ea follow Whittingham to Ann Arbor after making 11 and 13 starts, respectively.

Kerry Coombs takes over as special teams coordinator with Michigan replacing its primary specialists from last season. Pitt transfer Trey Butkowski takes over at placekicker, while UNLV transfer Cam Brown takes over at punter. Andrew Marsh is among the options in the return game. Michigan enters 2026 with substantial continuity along the offensive line but significant turnover on defense, where only three of last season’s top eleven tacklers return.