Michigan Football Players Being Slept On After 2026 Preseason All-Big Ten Teams

The preseason All-Big Ten teams are out, and Michigan did not dominate the first-team selections the way some expected. While a few Wolverines earned recognition, several key contributors and potential breakout stars appear to be flying under the radar.

As Kyle Whittingham’s first season in Ann Arbor approaches, a handful of Michigan players are being slept on by the media — and that could prove costly for opposing defenses.

Jordan Marshall: The Efficient Running Back Still Flying Under the Radar

Jordan Marshall has already shown he can produce at a high level in the Big Ten. Despite posting one of the more efficient seasons by a conference running back in 2025, he continues to be somewhat overlooked in national and even conference discussions.

Marshall earned preseason recognition on some All-Big Ten teams, yet the broader conversation often focuses on other backfields. With a new offensive system under Whittingham and the addition of talented young runners, Marshall remains the proven veteran who can carry a heavy load. His combination of vision, contact balance, and reliability makes him one of the most under-appreciated skill players in the conference.

John Henry Daley: The Defensive End Ready to Disrupt

John Henry Daley followed Whittingham from Utah and arrives in Ann Arbor with a proven pass-rush track record. He earned All-American consideration in previous seasons and posted strong sack numbers before an Achilles injury.

While some preseason teams included him, the national spotlight has largely stayed on more publicized defensive fronts. Daley’s ability to win with power and quickness off the edge should make him a weekly problem for Big Ten offensive tackles. If he stays healthy, he has the tools to post All-Big Ten numbers and quiet the doubters who have not fully accounted for his impact.

Jyaire Hill and the Secondary Pieces Getting Less Attention

Cornerback Jyaire Hill earned preseason All-Big Ten nods on multiple ballots, yet the Michigan secondary as a whole still feels under-discussed compared to other conference units. Hill’s length, instincts, and coverage skills give the Wolverines a reliable piece on the outside.

Alongside returning and incoming talent, the secondary has the potential to be more disruptive than many outside Ann Arbor currently project. Hill’s individual recognition is a start, but the unit’s overall ceiling remains one of the quieter strengths on the roster.

Why These Michigan Players Are Being Overlooked

Part of the reason these names are slept on comes from the narrative around the program. After coaching changes, roster turnover, and a shift in national perception, Michigan enters 2026 with lower external expectations than in recent peak years. That environment often leads media and fans to undervalue returning producers and high-upside transfers.

Preseason All-Big Ten teams reward the most obvious names. The players who quietly put up efficient numbers, recovered from injury, or arrived with less fanfare tend to get pushed down the ballot. Marshall, Daley, and Hill fit that description to varying degrees.

Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season

Michigan does not need every player to become a household name overnight. What the Wolverines do need is consistent production from the overlooked pieces. If Marshall continues his efficient running, Daley generates pressure, and the secondary holds up behind Hill, the gap between external rankings and on-field results could close quickly.

Preseason honors are only the first snapshot. The players being slept on right now often become the ones opposing coaches game-plan around by October. Michigan has several of those candidates on its roster and the rest of the Big Ten may be underestimating them at its own risk.