5 Michigan Football players with the most to gain in 2026
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Following a coaching change and massive roster overhaul, the Michigan Wolverines will look a lot different this season. There are several players that could have a breakout season or emerge as household names during the upcoming campaign.
Here are five players that we believe have the most to gain in 2026.
1. Bryce Underwood (QB)
Underwood is “definitely taking steps forward” according to head coach Kyle Whittingham, but he still has a lot to gain as his highly-anticipated sophomore season approaches. The Michigan quarterback had an underwhelming freshman season that saw him struggle with consistency but he has all the potential to develop into one of the Big Ten’s most dynamic playmakers.
A dominant season would instantly launch Underwood into superstardom, or he could become a top-rated recruit that couldn’t quite live up to the lofty expectations placed on him. There is a lot of pressure on Underwood to drastically improve and cement himself an elite, Heisman-caliber signal caller, so not only does he have a lot to potentially gain – but also a lot to lose.
2. Jyaire Hill (CB)
Hill is the undisputed top cornerback heading into the upcoming season and an impressive campaign could solidify his status as an early selection in the 2027 NFL Draft. The Michigan cornerback has the physical tools – athleticism, length and speed – to play at the next level, but he needs to pair those characteristics with consistent technique to reach his full potential as a senior.
Even though he’s been a very solid starter over the last two years, Hill still has a lot of room for improvement in his final season. Most notably, Hill must clean up his tackling and improve his discipline against double-moves. If he can avoid mistakes and show progress in certain areas, Hill could emerge as the Big Ten’s premier cornerback and significantly elevate his draft stock.
3. Evan Link (OL)
Link was the starting left tackle last season before his campaign was cut short following a season-ending knee injury in October. Now fully recovered and healthy, Link is expected to move to left guard this season. With an opportunity to regain his starting spot and become a key cog on the offensive line, Link is undoubtedly one of the players with the most to gain this year.
The 6-foot-6, 324-pound offensive lineman has struggled at times throughout his career – specifically in pass protection – but playing on the inside should allow Link to find more success than previous years. Link could certainly rewrite his trajectory and prove that he is a very reliable blocker, but a subpar performance could result in him being replaced by an underclassmen.
4. Dominic Nichols (EDGE)
Nichols was called “special” as a freshman by former defensive line coach Lou Esposito, and while he has flashed glimpses of intriguing upside, he hasn’t exactly broken onto the scene quite yet. Now, the 6-foot-5, 255-pound edge rusher could finally be on the verge of making a name for himself as a go-to pass rusher by potentially stepping into a more consistent role in 2026.
It remains to be seen if Nichols will be a starter at the beginning of the season, but he is certainly in line to earn increased playing time alongside fellow edge rushers Cameron Brandt, John Henry Daley and Nate Marshall. Coming off a solid sophomore year, Nichols is a prime candidate to have a breakout campaign this season — using his elite energy, physicality and quickness.
5. Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng (LB)
Owusu-Boateng was recently included on CBS Sports’ sophomore standouts list, and he has the opportunity to secure a starting spot and establish himself as a legitimate defensive leader this year. The 6-foot-1, 217-pound linebacker arrived in Ann Arbor as a highly-touted recruit, but he played very limited snaps as a freshman — finishing with just four tackles in seven games played.
With the linebacker room experiencing a major revamp throughout the offseason, Owusu-Boateng will now step into the spotlight and attempt to make a big impact in his sophomore season. His pass-rushing ability, sideline-to-sideline range and versatility should give the former four-star prospect a legitimate chance to be one of the most productive tacklers on the team this year.
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