After leading Michigan in tackles, Jimmy Rolder declares for NFL draft

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When Jimmy Rolder committed to Michigan football, then-head coach Jim Harbaugh elicited imagery that he would be the next great Big Ten linebacker. And though it took a while, it ended up being a correct assessment.

It wasn't a multiyear situation where Rolder was prowling the middle of the field, seeking souls to devour as they cowered in anticipated defeat. But in 2025, Rolder finally came into his own. Despite not being a starter entering the year, with the move putting Jaishawn Barham on the edge, Rolder started to come into his own.

Though a senior with one more year of eligibility remaining, the hope was that he would return for one more season with the Wolverines. However, he ended up declaring for the NFL draft on Sunday.

Rolder was a late riser as a recruit, getting attention from Michigan, Notre Dame, and Ohio State late in the cycle. Coming out of Illinois, he chose the Wolverines, but struggled with staying healthy intermittently. He did see early playing time as a true freshman, but missed most of his sophomore campaign due to injuries. He led the team with 73 tackles this season, having appeared in 12 games compared to Ernest Hausmann, who played in 10.

With Rolder departing and with Cole Sullivan having transferred to Oklahoma, the Wolverines will look to Troy Bowles, Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng, Chase Taylor, and likely a transfer portal target, with Cal linebacker Cade Uluave currently being on campus.

This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Michigan LB Jimmy Rolder declares for NFL draft after breakout season

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