What is this? Folks who cover the USMNT drop lists like this projecting the 23 guys who end up on the next World Cup team. Brian appropriated it, dropped it for a few years, and then I stole it from him. This year's spring update isn't going to be very different from last winter, especially at the top.

How many tickets? Typically 22 starters on offense and defense + 2 specialists and three FLEX positions. This can vary somewhat to get everyone a ticket.

Previously: Post-Bowl 2023, Spring 2022, Post-Bowl 2022.

PACK YOUR BAGS

You will see them on the field a lot, whether or not they’re technically getting the start.

1. QB JJ McCarthy (Jr/Jr) [Last time: 2]

Moves up a spot because he's the most irreplaceable. Zen-master 5-star who sent Cade McNamara to Iowa, advances to the Henson 2000/Henne 2006 phase of 5-star quarterbackdom. Legs a major threat but left mostly on the shelf (see: irreplaceable).

2. RB Blake Corum (Jr/Sr) [Last time: 1]

As foretold by Fred Jackson, Mike Hart But Fast, coached by Mike Hart. Heisman candidate until an injury against Illinois. Gave up some top-end speed to become a complete back. Sees everything, sets up everything, breaks everything. Reason Duo is the base play.

3. DT Kris Jenkins (Jr/Sr) [Last time: 6]

Huge UFR scores for his quick get-off and disruptive play, now the star, probably no longer coming off for passing downs. May moonlight as Mike Morris-style DE. Turned down NFL, looked like an NFL 3-4 DE in spring.

4. RB Donovan Edwards (Jr/Jr) [Last time: 3]

Ascended in Corum's absence despite broken hand. Cut 75- and 85-yard swathes through the souls of OSU. Fixed vision/decision issues that previously annoyed in comparison to Corum. Could be a pure receiver if he wanted, plan on offense designed to use both.

5. RG Zak Zinter (Jr/Sr) [Last time: 4]

Mauler has been starting since he was a true freshman, arguably 2nd best player on last two Joe Moore Award-winning OLs. Great puller, great zone blocker, extremely good in pass pro, freakishly athletic for size (once reach-blocked a Georgia DT). Turned down NFL, Outland watch.

6. CB Will Johnson (So/So) [Last time: 7]

Five-star film rat, authoritatively ARRIVED late in true freshman year. Marlinesque size, Woodsonesque playmaking, baits interceptions he shouldn't be able to get to, plus-plus tackler, Woodson's 1996 season: Go.

7. Nickel/CB Mike Sainristil (Sr/5th) [Last time: 5]

Pictured: Play of the decade. Slot WR convert/team captain who gave the in-game speech of the decade. Also a better nickel (to our grading) than Dax Hill was, but without the physicality. Could also play CB.

[After THE JUMP: The further down the more movement.]

-----------------------------

8. S Rod Moore (Jr/Jr) [Last time: 9]

Impact safety on track for All-B10 season. Ohio coaches still mad OSU didn't offer. Started back half of 2021 as true freshman, became their best safety in 2022. Flies down and picks his way through traffic. Nose for picks. Solid tackler but size limits his thunkability, may also shoo away the NFL.

9. LG Trevor Keegan (So/Sr) [Last time: 12]

NFL decision. Built like a tackle, plays like a guard, thinks like a center. Most likely reason a play that looked dead is suddenly not. Awareness makes him especially valuable on pulls. Generally more of a fount of +1s than spectacular blocks/pancakes. Room to improve in pass pro.

10. WR Roman Wilson (Jr/Sr) [Last time: 10]

Oft-forgotten Hawaiian deep target, pushed Ronnie Bell outside so they could use Wilson's speed in the slot. Increased role this year with Bell gone. Plus leaper, good hands (93% on catchables, 3/4 on contested last year). Butt was definitely in the endzone in Fiesta Bowl. Ignore him at your peril.

11. WR Cornelius Johnson (Sr/5th) [Last time: 11]

The odd 5th year who could substantially improve his draft stock with more film. Excellent route-runner underutilized in that role. Has some limitations as a contested ball receiver (11/31 career to PFF) and tends to drop his first target of the game, but great speed, great moves, makes great plays in crucial situations.

UNLESS SOMETHING STRANGE HAPPENS

12. DT Mason Graham (So/So) [Last time: 8]

Arrived way ahead of schedule. First true freshman DT in forever to not suck. Placed this high because he's assuming Smith's role, and was freakishly good as Michigan's 3rd DT all year despite true freshmanity. Slipped a little since January because he played little in the Fiesta Bowl and has fierce competition.

13. TE Colston Loveland (So/So) [Last time: 13]

Mason Graham of the offense, ascends to feature role now that everyone else is gone. Insane catch radius, okay blocking, but that was as a true freshman from Idaho who was a WR until senior year of high school so upside is as insane as said catch radius.

14. EDGE Josaiah Stewart (Jr/Jr) [Last time: 17]

Coastal Carolina transfer, has the proverbial "dip" to be a constant rush threat. Biggest move up after a spring game that had us nervous about the backup OTs. Uche-level impact even if he doesn't start.

15. WLB Michael Barrett (Sr/6th) [Last time: 14]

Former Viper/do-everything special teamer, became a good WLB over course of 2022, may now be fully LB-sized. Michigan's most effective pass-rusher last year because of acceleration, tendency to run over RBs. Needs to work on angles in the backfield to convert those to sacks. May get to do some hybrid stuff now that LB depth exists.

16. MLB Junior Colson (Jr/Jr) [Last time: 15]

Super-talented LB forced onto the field too early, sophomore year had fewer mistakes but still way too many, result was Mouton-esque high-volume scores like +18/-17 = +1. Makes some insane plays with his natural ability (e.g. the defection that Rod Moore intercepted in the Fiesta Bowl). Chris Partridge: plz make him an All-American.

17. P/K Tommy Doman (So/Jr) [Last time: 22]

The Leg is real! Showed off mega-punts in spring game, was punting further than Robbins last year. Came in as a combo punter/kicker but the latter is more of a question-mark. This high because the punts wow.

FAIRLY SAFE BET

18. OL LaDarius Henderson (Jr/5th) [Last time: 16]

Arizona State transfer was the best guard in the Pac 12 last year, probably a Runyan-esque G in the NFL, but Michigan thinks they can move him out to left tackle, like Runyan. Started as a true freshman (at 17). Was team captain last year, missed time with injury. Missed spring due to transfer snafu. Returning to school was a shock.

19. S Makari Paige (Jr/Sr) [Last time: 19]

Usurped RJ Moten's job and RJ Moten's spot on this list. Boring free safety who suddenly becomes Not Boring in a good way in rivalry games. Big and athletic enough to play as a quasi-LB if called upon. Does miss the occasional tackle.

20. Drake Nugent (Jr/5th) [Last time: 18]

Excellent piece of an otherwise terrible line in Shaw's last year. First mentioned in these parts as a coveted transfer target when Stanford started to look poachable. Compact, intelligent, knows-the-system drop-in who was also a team captain last year. Missed spring due to injury.

ROLE PLAYERS

Established rotationers for common sub packages, will probably start half the games.

21. DE Braiden McGregor (Jr/Sr) [Last time: Contributing]. Wins award for guy who's most easily confused for Hutchinson. Waist-up was already very good, legs/career set back by major knee injury as senior in HS. Came on late in 2022 then was the toast of spring, hence upgraded to starter at Heavy edge.

22. EDGE/OLB Jaylen Harrell [Last time: Reduced role]

First among equals at rush edge last year, was also Michigan's worst starter by a large margin. Not a strong pass-rusher. High trust from coaches, still makes mistakes, gets bonked. Value in ability to shift to LB/disguise others' intentions. Good spring game. Could be a plus player in platoon role.

23. TE AJ Barner (Jr/Sr) [Last time: 21]

Good spring, looked Schoonmaker-esque. Important transfer pickup because M lost five TEs (Schoon, All, Hongiford, Selzer, Hansen) in the offseason. Jumbo WR type who was IU's best target when healthy. Once mossed an OSU cornerback. Most of his blocking has been on WR screens.

24. ILB Ernest Hausmann (So/So) [Last time: Reduced Role]

Starter for Nebraska who had Colson-like true freshman issues that diminished over the course of the season. Considered the 2nd overall portal prospect to 247 because his upside is All-American ILB. Super-quick. Showed in spring he's #3 ILB at the least.

IN A BATTLE

This is the section where we put a gun to my head and make me name a starter to fill the open jobs. Those are right tackle, cornerback opposite Johnson, and a third DT.

25. CB Amorion Walker (So/So) [Last time: Waiting his turn]. Receiver converted to CB in spring and was the talk of practice. Had Alabama coming after him for DB, fended off lots of tampering this offseason. Freakishly fast and athletic for his height, but also wafer thin. Got outdueled by Peyton O'Leary in spring game but we all saw the ability.

26. RT Karsen Barnhart (Jr/5th) [Last time: 23]

Can play any guard or tackle spot. Lost the RT job to Jones out of camp but took over and played about as well, with fewer mistakes in pass pro but more of them in blocking ID. Settled into a pretty good, not great member of an awesome OL. Managed to hold onto the job after Jones returned, which says something.

27. DT Kenneth Grant (So/So) [Last time: Contributing]

Labeled "God's gift to football" until we reappropriated the title for Graham. Jonathan Hankins comp is tight: huge nose who shouldn't be able to move like he does. Was in the rotation by year's end. Murderated deep bench OL in spring game. Noses out Benny for the last spot because he's more of a nose.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

IN THE ROTATION

We've reached the next tier for established rotation players and specialists. These guys are safe bets to play in every game barring injury.

DT Rayshaun Benny (So/Jr) [Last time: 25]

Arrived on schedule as an impact DT with incredible feet and leverage that make him naturally hard on zone blocking. Trusted to rotate at all three DT positions and made some PLAYS. "Who's that 300-pound linebacker?" uttered during spring game. Expected to play starter minutes in rotation role.

DE Derrick Moore (So/So) [Last time: 26]

Not far behind McGregor, freshman to true sophomore transition could see a big leap but old for his grade. Super-strong, surprisingly athletic for his size, already has a solid bull technique.

Slot-H/Returner AJ Henning (Jr/Sr) [Last time: 20]

Who doubted him? (I did, sorry). Returned one to the house versus UConn, rarely let one bounce behind him, doesn't drop them or fumble. Takes KOs out because he's a threat, usually ends up past the 25 when he does that. Hasn't done much as a WR except as a Calvin Bell Memorial end-around threat. Might expand role on offense if they need a second Edwards for Edwards stuff.

ILB Nikhai Hill-Green (So/Sr) [Last time: Reduced Role]

Started in 2021 over Barrett as a RS freshman, had some big freshman mistakes vs Rutgers but was Michigan's best ILB (over Colson) by the end. Not big but fearless, athletic, converts on his rushes. Lost all of 2022 to hamstring issues, looked like himself (one big bust, lots of underratedly good plays) in spring game.

CB Ja'Den McBurrows (Fr/Jr) [Last time: 27]

Got that dawg. Insiders: could be another DJ Turner "if he puts in the focus." Injury set him back, lack of playing time last year a worry. Was 2nd Nickel in spring, best bet to be the 3rd CB.

RT Trente Jones (Jr/5th) [Last time: 24]

Won the starting RT job last spring with minimal drama, did not win it back after some major pass-rushing florps in the early season, including several that ruined McNamara's attempt to compete, then injury. Impact blocker in space and on block-downs, athletic upside for days, still florping in spring game.

REDUCED ROLE

We're past the tickets but Michigan retains a few onetime starters (for them or another team) who should be set off from the rest of the contributors because they've already played quite a bit but are projected to maybe play less than they're used to next year.

S/LB RJ Moten (Jr/Sr) [Last time: here.]

Uncertain future after season of major regression and bowl game move to LB that stuck through spring ball. Used to be a good athletic safety prone to very visible dorfs. Might be preparing for a new hybrid role, or just WLB depth.

OT Myles Hinton (Jr/Sr) [Last time: here.]

Former 5* little brother of former DT Christopher, son of former Colts OT Chris. Struggled after being forced on the field too early as a True Fr and Soph, held back by injury most of last year. Wild card: could be the new LT, could redshirt to get his career back on track.

The rest of these categories are in positional order, not ranking.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

NOT STARTING BUT CONTRIBUTING

I am once again asking you to buy my Berry hype. [Bryan Fuller]

Either they’re trapped in a rotation by a solid depth chart, they have a hard ceiling in some facet of their game, or they’re some kind of specialist or situational hybrid. You will see them on the field, but probably not in the starting lineup unless the guy ahead gets injured.

QB Jack Tuttle (Sr/6th) [Last time: Getting late early]. Upgraded here after he was clearly #2 at QB in spring game. Indiana transfer who was a one-time 4-star and started when Penix was hurt. Likes to go, B+ athlete. Might go into coaching after.

RB Kalel Mullings (Jr/Sr). Moved from ILB to mooseback for the Fiesta Bowl, then fumbled a dive on the goal line for the margin. Position switch seems likely to stick now that there's depth at LB and he was never a good one. Probably #3 back this year.

WR Tyler Morris (So/So). I'm going to keep banging the drum, in case going to him on a crucial 3rd down at Rutgers didn't make the case. Was expected to redshirt from high school injury. Great hands, route artisan, believe me on this guy!

WR Peyton O'Leary (So/Jr). Michigan's Cooper Kupp, if spring game MVP holds up. Not coming from nowhere—program has mentioned him in practices often. Almost TE-like big possession receiver has a role as contested baller.

WR Darrius Clemons (So/So). Burned redshirt on special teams, was leading hype getter out of spring last year as M tried to showcase his deep ball. Nothing came of it but obviously they're seeing it in practice. Rumored to have been pushing Andrel Anthony enough to induce a transfer.

TE Matthew Hibner (Jr/Sr). Next TE up. Decent blocker, showed surprising speed when dusting NHG in spring game. Profiles as the standard athlete M usually brings up at TE. Tons of depth chart cleared out so make or break season. Leaning make after spring performance.

TE Max Bredeson (So/Jr). Surprising 3rd TE last year as RS Fr walk-on. Blocky type who sometimes lined up at fullback.

G Giovanni El-Hadi (So/Jr). Started a portion of the season when Keegan was out or had to play LT, looked good enough that we weren't too worried when Zinter/Keegan were looking at NFL entry. Superior athlete, heady.

ILB Jimmy Rolder (So/So). Forced into playing time by bad LB depth, wasn't half bad by the end of the season, passing Mullings to be the 3rd LB by the back third. Gedeon-level athlete, could have used a redshirt, M will get him involved since he and Hausmann are the future.

S Zeke Berry (Fr/So). Hyped 4* slot safety recruit who had one crazy awesome play during redshirting garbage time and one crazy awesome interception in spring game, and a string of other good plays. Seems to have stepped ahead of his loaded class.

CB Keshaun Harris (Sr/6th). Track athlete recruited to football in 2020 when CB depth chart was abysmal. Has looked solid in garbage time play, contributes on special teams. Jumped a slant for the spring game-winning PBU. Dark horse that Craig Ross picked but was behind German Green last year.

PUSHING FROM BEHIND

The kid from Cass is kicking ass. [Barron]

Category for younger players expected to graduate from “Waiting their turn” or more established but lower-ceilinged players hoping to hold off the next wave a little bit longer. Not expected to start, but wouldn’t be that big of a shock to see them on the field. Most will graduate to regular contributor eventually, but probably not this season.

QB Davis Warren (So/Sr). Walk-on who spent senior year fighting leukemia, freshman year gaining his weight back. Looked like a plausible Big Ten starter in limited appearances last year. Can run a bit too. Might have been a 4-star if not for the story. Might be Michigan's plan after JJ regardless. Just got put on scholarship and goes into this year as QB2.

RB CJ Stokes (So/So). Climbed a pretty weak post-Edwards depth chart, had flashes as a one-cut guy, but moment was too big for him and one-handed Edwards had to iron man the rest of the OSU game and Mullings was RB3 for the bowl. Higdon-esque.

C/G Raheem Anderson (So/Jr). Michigan-loving four-year starter at Cass Tech who didn't look half bad as a backup C last year in garbage time. Got a lot of spring talk, backed it up on plowing drive in spring game. Swapped spots with Crippen after.

LT Jeffrey Persi (So/Sr). Started in Hayes's place when he went out for Rutgers, didn't look half bad. Grow-a-TE "Frey" type who might have seamlessly moved into the position if not for the portal being so generous. Rough outing in spring game (at RT).

NT Cam Goode (Sr/6th). UCF transfer who was getting passed by freshman until he played a bunch of snaps, not particularly well, in the Fiesta Bowl. Limited upside but long on experience.

EDGE/OLB TJ Guy (So/Jr). Developing hybrid DE/LB that program hypes but doesn't play a lot. Hasn't flashed when he's been on the field except in spring game. Keep an eye out for him, also for accidental puns. Injured in spring.

S Caden Kolesar (Jr/5th). Kovacsian son of Johnny, was captain and MVP of special teams during height of the Pax Specialistica. Was in the rotation earlier. Brainy, QB of defense sort.

S Quinten Johnson (Jr/5th). Next safety in when Kolesar went out. Didn't score well, will have a hard time holding off the redshirted trio, but good athlete. Tendency to be part of major busts. INT in spring game was one.

CB Myles Pollard (Fr/So). Playmaking, speed-limited big corner in Will Johnson's class. Next most likely candidate for open CB job but it could be any of these guys or transfer. Baited an INT late in the spring game. CB depth is fluid—could be tied with Harris or ahead of him.

K Adam Samaha (Fr/Fr). Might be the new kicker for all we know, since the only other PK to attempt one last year was Rhett Anderson, who's out of eligibility. Was a top-rated PK in his class but committed to Michigan really early and others moved up.

WAITING THEIR TURN

Good time to get in on those Fredrick Moore stocks. [Fuller]

Grow-a-bodies, raw recruits, etc. expected to contribute down the line, so they're still right on track even if they're not generating much talk yet. Ordered by position group and rank in that group.

OFFENSIVE SKILL:

QB Alex Orji (Fr/So). Could see more time as a mop-up option QB or red zone guy to keep tread off JJ. Might have a future at EDGE or LB but has an arm.

RB Cole Cabana (Fr/Fr). True freshman Edwards type, top-150 recruit, has some oomph as well. RBs can play early, could assume RB3 role if Stokes isn't producing. Was out in spring.

RB Benjamin Hall (Fr/Fr). Haskinsback who fell down his HS depth chart as a senior then looked like a player in spring game. Did Hart find a gem?

TE Marlin Klein (Fr/So). Speedy German ATH via Rabun Gap-Nacoochie that they're turning into a tight end while I try to use the words Rabun Gap-Nacoochie as many times as I can.

WR Semaj Morgan (Fr/Fr). Early enrollee looked good as the Calvin Bell Memorial End Around man.

WR Fredrick Moore (Fr/Fr). Early enrollee looked good as a route artisan with decent size.

OFFENSIVE LINE:

C Greg Crippin (So/Jr). Second year in a row he got recruited over after coming from IMG and not redshirting in 2021 because he might have to start in 2022. Still lots of eligibility left, not a given he doesn't start either. Got back his redshirt last year.

G Reece Atteberry (So/Sr). Supposedly the G closest to starting who wasn't on the field last year. Got in some in 2021 when all the guards were hurt. Typical Colorado mauler.

T Andrew Gentry (Fr/So). Lots of buzz for a huge 2020 5* who took a 2-year Mormon mission.

T Tristan Bounds (So/Jr). Long-term project, still looked like a project in spring.

G Dominick Giudice (So/Jr). Low-ranked DT recruit who moved to offense and generated practice buzz.

G/T Connor Jones (Fr/So). Michigan flag-waiving Colorado grow-a-mauler.

DEFENSE:

EDGE Enow Etta (Fr/Fr). Top-ranked 2023 recruit (for now) in the class, could factor into the rotation early like Moore did.

EDGE Chibi Anwuna (Fr/So). Deep developmental walk-on with an NFL ceiling. Tipster says to keep an ear on him, but not expecting buzz until next year, earliest. Seen at tight end briefly.

DT Trey Pierce (Fr/Fr). Polished flip from Wisconsin, could find his way into the rotation early since Rooks left and Giudice is on offense.

DT Alessandro Lorenzetti (Fr/So). Bendy Canadian G prospect who fell off the sleeper tree and hit every recruiting industry blindspot branch on the way down, then got switched to DT in bowl practices. Will that stick?

LB Micah Pollard (So/So). Was supposed to start out at edge but moved to LB and generated lots of fall camp talk. Probably can afford a redshirt this year to get a year's separation from Hausmann and Rolder.

S Keon Sabb (Fr/So). Hyped 4.5* recruit who was more of a hybrid or big safety, got a lot of practice chatter last year, scattered playing time. Looked a bit lost still in spring game, but definitely a there there.

S Damani Dent (Fr/So). Dax-like that I like who was injured last year.

CB Jyaire Hill (Fr/Fr). Biggest win of Signing Day. Played FS for high school but ideal measurements, speed, playmaking. Probably needs half a year at least to adjust. Looked like a baller in spring, also looked not ready. Keep an eye out for him in the second half of 2023.

CB Kody Jones (Fr/So). Scrappy speedy nickel type who was brought in to play nickel after Sainristil graduates. M would probably prefer he focuses on that but could also compete for open CB job.

CB Cameron Calhoun (Fr/Fr). Long and tall recruit who enrolled early and drew a bit of praise from Clinkscale in bowl practices. OR

GETTING LATE EARLY

Kechaun Bennett has been officially seen. [Barron]

Category for players who haven’t seen the field much and are dealing with younger/same eligibility guys who have, or hyped recruits getting more talk of early playing time at their positions.

QB Jayden Denegal (Fr/So). Speight type who redshirted. Can it be late this early?

RB Tavierre Dunlap (So/Jr). Heavy type from Texas has looked like just-a-guy. Passed by two walk-ons (Franklin, Gash), a freshman, and a linebacker last year. May have future role as a Mullings?

WR Cristian Dixon (So/Jr). Had a pass early from JJ in 2021, now behind entire 2022 class, but same eligibility as they.

SLOT Eamonn Dennis (So/Sr). Moved to CB and back again to balance numbers with Sainristil. Has a role as special teams gunner.

NOSE Ike Iwunnah (So/Jr). Big body to develop from 2021 class, has since been passed by entire 2022 DT class.

EDGE Kechaun Bennett (So/Jr). Developmental Northeastern DE who hasn't seen the field yet. If he had some pass rush as a RS freshman you think he would have. Had one good play in spring game.

LB Joey Velazquez (Jr/5th). Baseball career has progressed, football career stalled. Like last year's RS freshmen, wasn't an option when M was starved for LB depth, got passed by true freshman Rolder.

LB Jaydon Hood (So/Jr). Bush-type for Brown defense arrived pretty raw after high school transfer to powerhouse showed him out of depth. Has barely been seen since despite last year's depth issues, which are no more thanks to 3 guys with sophomore eligibility behind the starters.

LB Tyler McLaurin (So/Jr). Smart but so-so DE/Edge tweener didn't get on the field when LB depth was terrible. Both McLaurin and Hood were apparently passed by Pollard as well last season.

CB German Green (Sr/6th). Twin brother of Gemon, only moved back to CB last year and was next on the depth chart but only played in garbage time. Special teams stalwart. If you're 4th on the depth chart, and 1 and 3 leave, and people are wondering who replaces them, it probably means it's not you.

FRESHMEN NOT ALREADY MENTIONED

Nothing to report yet. Some of these guys enrolled early but we don't have any takes on them yet.

• QB Kendrick Bell
• WR Karmello English
• TE Deakon Tonielli
• TE Zack Marshall
• OL Amir Herring
• OL Nathan Efobi
• OL Evan Link
• DT Brooks Bahr
• EDGE Aymeric Koumba
• EDGE/LB Breeon Ishmail
• ILB Semaj Bridgeman
• ILB Hayden Moore
• ATH Jason Hewlett
• CB/S DJ Waller