5 Things We Learned From Week 1 of Michigan Football Fall Camp

A full week of fall camp is now complete for the Michigan Wolverines. With the season opener against Western Michigan drawing closer, the first several practices have provided some early clarity.

After hearing from head coach Kyle Whittingham, defensive coordinator Jay Hill, and several players, here are the five biggest things we learned from Week 1 of camp.

1. John Henry Daley and Rod Moore Are on Pace for Week 1

If Michigan’s defense wants to play with the physical edge of recent strong units, it needs its best players available.

When camp opened, Jay Hill noted that both John Henry Daley and Rod Moore were on pitch counts as they continued working back from previous injuries. By Monday, Kyle Whittingham offered a much more positive update, saying both players are “100% and a full go.”

Pitch counts will still be used as the staff carefully increases their workloads. Barring any setbacks, both star defenders are expected to be on the field for the season opener. Their presence would give the Wolverines a major boost on that side of the ball.

2. Offensive Line Position Battles Could Lead to Multiple Switches

The clear theme on the offensive line is finding the five best players, not sticking rigidly to previous position labels.

Offensive line coach Jay Harding has said he is open to moving players if it helps the team win. Evan Link, who has experience at both tackle spots, is viewed as better suited inside and could settle in at one of the guard positions while still competing at left tackle.

Blake Frazier, who started most of last season at left tackle, is battling Andrew Babalola for that job. Coaches have noted that Frazier’s athleticism allows him to move around the line, meaning he could also slide inside to left or right guard depending on how the competitions shake out.

Flexibility remains the priority as the staff evaluates combinations.

3. True Freshmen Are Already Making an Impression

Several first-year players are generating positive buzz early in camp.

Running back Savion Hiter and defensive lineman Salesi Moa are expected to play meaningful roles this season, but they are not the only newcomers drawing attention. During Big Ten Media Days, Kyle Whittingham spoke highly of edge rusher Carter Meadows, who has added significant weight and is already in the mix in a deep edge group.

Defensive coordinator Jay Hill has also praised Tariq Boney, Alister Vallejo, and Titan Davis as freshmen who could help the Wolverines win games in 2026. On the offensive side, wide receiver Travis Johnson’s name has started to gain traction as a potential contributor in the receiver rotation behind Jaime French and Salesi Moa.

The early returns suggest Michigan’s freshman class is ready to compete for snaps.

4. JJ Buchanan Is Looking Like a Major Piece in the Passing Game

Michigan is still sorting out the WR3 competition, but the top of the depth chart appears clear. Andrew Marsh and JJ Buchanan have separated themselves as the team’s two primary playmakers at wide receiver.

Marsh is aiming for a 1,000-yard season, and having Buchanan opposite him should create more favorable matchups. On Monday, Kyle Whittingham described Buchanan as “unguardable at times” and noted strong progress in just his second year of college football.

Buchanan’s size and ability to win 50-50 balls give the offense a different dimension. Whittingham highlighted that he comes down with most contested catches thrown his way.

5. Bryce Underwood Is Showing Clear Progress

The player most Michigan fans are watching is continuing to develop.

While there is still work to do, reports from camp indicate that the game is starting to slow down for Bryce Underwood. He is reading defenses more effectively and showing improved footwork since the staff added Koy Detmer Jr. to help with his development.

Under offensive coordinator Jason Beck, Underwood is picking up the scheme and beginning to look more comfortable. Michigan plans to let him play to his full skill set this season, including using his legs as a runner. If the early progress continues, Underwood could take a significant step forward in his second year as the starter.

Looking Ahead

The first week of fall camp delivered encouraging health updates, position flexibility on the offensive line, strong reviews for several true freshmen, positive signs from JJ Buchanan, and steady development from Bryce Underwood.

Michigan still has plenty of work left before the season begins. The next two-plus weeks of camp will bring more competition, clearer depth charts, and a better sense of how ready the Wolverines are for the challenges ahead. For now, the early returns from Week 1 have given fans several reasons for optimism.