Bryson Kuzdzal’s path to Michigan Football, outlook for 2026 season

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Each offseason we roll out spring previews detailing key players on Michigan Football’s roster for the upcoming season. This time around, we look into running back Bryson Kuzdzal as he looks to build on a breakout campaign from last year.

The story so far

Kuzdzal arrived in Ann Arbor in 2023 as an unheralded, local product that opted to be a walk-on at Michigan over offers from Ferris State and Saginaw Valley State. Two years later, the Grand Rapids native became a vital part of the offense in 2025.

After redshirting as a freshman and primarily playing on special teams in 2024, Kuzdzal developed into a key contributor last year. Due to injuries by Jordan Marshall and Justice Haynes, Kuzdzal was thrust into a starting spot in the final weeks of the season.

Kuzdzal really broke onto the scene when Marshall suffered an injury in the second half of a game at Northwestern in November. Down the stretch, Kuzdzal came up clutch and was instrumental in setting up the game-winning field goal as time expired.

With Marshall ruled out the following week, Kuzdzal made the first start of his career at Maryland and he was nearly unstoppable. The 5-foot-11, 210-pound running back exploded for a career-best 100 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 20 carries.

Kuzdzal also went onto start against Texas in the Citrus Bowl, posting 82 yards on 20 carries. Ultimately earning a full scholarship from Michigan, Kuzdzal impressed in a reserve role last season – finishing with 326 rushing yards and four touchdowns.

Outlook moving forward

Following the hiring of head coach Kyle Whittingham and facing a crowded backfield, Kuzdzal briefly entered the transfer portal. Despite drawing interest from Georgia, Iowa State and Rutgers, he decided to return to Ann Arbor for his senior campaign.

Michigan running backs coach was instrumental in keeping Kuzdzal around, calling him and urging him to stay with the program following the departure of Haynes. Now, Kuzdzal will look to remain a significant part of the rushing attack this coming season.

Marshall is the clear-cut starting running back and five-star freshman Savion Hiter is expected to make an immediate impact, but Kuzdzal should see the field on a consistent basis – as a proven safety net, pass protector and short-yardage specialist.

“Kuzdzal is a heck of a player. We have three top guys, and then some guys are jockeying to see who that fourth option will be,” Whittingham told the media, showing that Kuzdzal has clearly separated himself as the third-option at running back.

While he may not see the same volume of carries as Marshall and Hiter, Kuzdzal will provide a physical element when called upon. There’s no doubt Kuzdzal’s presence raises the floor of the running back room and he’ll be a valuable asset again in 2026.

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