On3 put out its too-early college football top 25 power rankings for 2026, and Michigan football made the cut at No. 11. But what about the thoughts from our mothership at USA TODAY Sports?
The Wolverines are a little less thought of in the mind of Erick Smith and Paul Myerberg, falling a couple places below where On3’s prediction lies. Even so, the maize and blue are still squarely in the top 25, starting out at right about the place that it did a year ago at this time — squarely in the middle of the pack.
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USA TODAY Sports has Michigan coming in at No. 14. More:
14. Michigan (9-4)
A new era begins under former Utah coach Kyle Whittingham, who takes over a team potentially defined by quarterback Bryce Underwood’s growth as a sophomore under new coordinator Jason Beck. Defensively, Michigan has the framework of a starting lineup but lacks depth up front and is inexperienced on the second level, though edge rusher John Henry Daley and cornerback Smith Snowden came along from the Utes and will make immediate impacts. Look for Whittingham to install a high floor for his debut with the potential for a run at the Big Ten if the roster comes together this summer.
Where we disagree is that Michigan has shallow depth on the back end. The Wolverines brought back both starters at cornerback in Zeke Berry and Jyaire Hill, and it added the aforementioned Smith Snowden (who should take over nickel with TJ Metcalf going to Tennessee) and Memphis starting safety Chris Bracy. Also, safety Rod Moore was granted a sixth year, so if he’s healthy, that’s an instant boost to the defensive backfield. Michigan still has reserve corners Shamari Earls and Jo’Ziah Edmond on the roster as well.
The depth up front is a concern, but the Wolverines brought back Trey Pierce and Enow Etta and has some unproven pieces, such as Deyvid Palepale, Ted Hammond, Bobby Kanka, and Travis Moten. Jonah Lea’ea, a starter at Utah, transferred in, alongside Daley. The big concern does more so lie on the second level, at linebacker, where Michigan lost all four key contributors from 2025, but returns Troy Bowles and Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng.
This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: USA TODAY ranks Michigan football No. 14 in early 2026 projections
