Michigan Football’s Key Returning Players for 2025

Several Michigan players had the opportunity to declare NFL Draftbut instead chose to return for the 2025 season. Retaining several key contributors is a big win for Michigan — here are some of the key returnees for 2025.

Max Bredeson

On Wednesday, news broke that tight end/fullback Max Bredeson will return to Michigan in 2025. Looking at Bredeson’s stats alone — three catches for 24 yards — doesn’t suggest the value of his decision to return, it’s all the intangibles he brings that make him a prominent and significant player.

After joining Michigan as a walk-on in 2021, Bredeson rose all the way to team captain in 2024. Bredeson’s leadership sets him apart, which is largely why his return is so impactful.

In addition to his leadership, Bredeson has been vital to Michigan’s dominance on the ground. As a lead blocker, he has been key in clearing a path for the Wolverines’ running game the past few years.

A true competitor, Bredeson’s importance to the Wolverines cannot be overstated. He is ready to drive it back – as he took it on his Instagram message: “Team 146 let’s do it. Go blue.”

Ernest Hausmann

Linebacker Ernest Hausmann had an outstanding 2024 season and was one of the most impressive players on defense. Given that strong campaign, many speculated that he would enter the 2025 NFL Draft.

Instead, Hausmann announced on December 28 that he will return for the 2025 season. The Nebraska transfer now has two seasons at Michigan under his belt and brings significant contributions and experience to the team. Even in his first season at Michigan, buried on the depth chart behind standout linebackers Junior Colson and Michael Barrett, he showcased his ability and potential.

This past season, out of the shadows, Hausmann shined. He led the Wolverines in tackles with 82, along with two sacks and an interception, earning him an All-Big Ten honorable mention.

As impressive as he was this season, Hausmann can raise the bar even higher in 2025. The leadership he gives this defense is paramount, and his dominance stopping the run and the pass can flourish even more.

Dominic Zvada

Kicker Dominic Zvada’s return was arguably one of the most crucial players for Michigan in 2024, so his decision to return for 2025 is monumental. In a season where the Wolverines’ offense was extremely erratic and shaky, Zvada offered reliability and consistently came through when the team needed him most. Making 17-of-18 field goals, as well as 25-of-26 extra points, the Wolverines leaned on Zvada time and time again.

As Michigan’s offense consistently struggled to find the end zone, it was Zvada play after play. In 2023, the Wolverines tallied 69 touchdowns compared to 18 field goals. But in 2024, Michigan scored just 32 touchdowns while kicking 21 field goals. With the hope of an improved offense in 2025, the Wolverines will hopefully not have to rely so incredibly heavily on Zvada to get points on the board.

Derrick Moore

Michigan’s 2025 defensive line will look drastically different than this year’s iteration. So edge rusher Derrick Moore — the standout returning starter — will play a critical role in the trenches.

Moore credited his decision to return to wanting to get Michigan back to where it was before this past season. If that comes to fruition, he will likely be a major factor in Michigan’s resurgence.

He had 19 tackles and 30 pressures this season, but was often overshadowed by Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant and Josaiah Stewart. Moore has also been plagued by injuries, which has dampened his impact on the court.

But in his first opportunity without Michigan’s top three defensive linemen, Moore stepped up. With two sacks and a recovered fumble in the ReliaQuest Bowl, Moore was central to the Wolverines’ upset of Alabama. His performance also gave an idea of ​​what Moore can bring to a larger role.

Honorable Mention: Rayshaun Benny

Although defensive tackle Rayshaun Benny has not announced his decision on whether he will return for his fifth season as of this writing, rumblings from around the program indicate with confidence that he will be with the Wolverines in 2025. And if he does return, would his name be at the very top of this list.

Benny had just 28 tackles in a backup role in 2024. If he did return, he would be able to step into a bigger role with a bigger spotlight, as well as provide veteran leadership for the Wolverines.