3 freshmen who could play a big role in Michigan Football’s Citrus Bowl
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A year ago, it was then-true freshman running back Jordan Marshall that ran for 100 yards in Michigan’s ReliaQuest Bowl victory vs Alabama. Now that these non-College Football Playoff bowl games have lost their luster, the Citrus Bowl against Texas should provide Wolverines fans with a look at some freshmen who could step into larger roles in 2026.
Here are three first-year players that could have a big role in the bowl game on New Year’s Eve.
RB Jasper Parker
Parker has had a modest debut campaign in Ann Arbor, rushing 25 times for 93 yards and two touchdowns. Marshall and Bryson Kuzdal should receive a bulk of the carries in the Citrus Bowl, but it is unlikely that offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey will limit the running back room to two guys.
Parker has already had an impact in blowouts this year, and this next game may be his opportunity to have a Marshall-like breakout. Coaches had raved about him during interviews this fall, and now he could reward that faith with some big time plays.
WR Jamar Browder
The 6-foot-5, 215-pounder has yet to make his first collegiate catch, but the seldom-used wide receiver should be in line for more opportunities. He made seven appearances this fall, thus negating any chance of retaining a redshirt for future seasons.
We all know about the Wolverines’ offensive struggles through the air, and trying to incorporate a big, athletic body like Browder feels appropriate. Depending on Donaven McCulley’s status, too, putting the true freshman out there would make a lot of sense against the Longhorns.
DL Nate Marshall
Marshall, similarly to Parker, has been the recipient of praise from the coaching staff throughout the year. Given the Wolverines’ deep, veteran arsenal of defensive line weapons, he has mostly been an afterthought this season.
However, he is a stellar athlete at 6-foot-3, 240 pounds, and impressed during his limited snaps. He fits the mold of recent Michigan defensive linemen who do not necessarily explode onto the scene right away, but develop into high-caliber players. Expect a deep rotation against Texas in this game, and perhaps some of those highly-touted upperclassmen such as Derrick Moore and Jaishawn Barham will take a backseat to the young guys.
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