Michigan's Receivers Shine in Spring Practice

Talented group of pass-catchers turning heads on the field

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:12am

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Michigan's wide receiver corps, which has been a weakness in recent years, is now emerging as a strength for the Wolverines in spring practice. Led by returning freshman All-American Andrew Marsh and bolstered by key transfers and talented freshmen, the receivers are giving the defensive backs fits and generating optimism for the upcoming season.

Why it matters

Michigan's offense has often been overshadowed by the team's dominant defense in recent seasons, but the development of the wide receiver group could help balance the attack and make the Wolverines a more well-rounded team in 2026. If the receivers can live up to the hype, it would provide a major boost to sophomore quarterback Bryce Underwood and the entire offense.

The details

Marsh, who led Michigan in receiving as a freshman in 2025, is the clear leader of the group and has his sights set on becoming the program's first 1,000-yard receiver since 2013. Transfers JJ Buchanan (from Utah) and Jamie Ffrench have also impressed with their size and ability to stretch the field vertically. Freshmen Salesi Moa and Travis Johnson have also turned heads in practice, drawing comparisons to past Michigan standouts. The depth and talent of the receiving corps has been giving the defensive backs, led by Jyaire Hill and Zeke Berry, all they can handle in spring workouts.

  • Michigan's spring game is scheduled for Saturday, April 18 (2 p.m., Big Ten Network).
  • Buchanan transferred to Michigan from Utah prior to the 2026 season.

The players

Andrew Marsh

A returning freshman All-American who led Michigan in receiving in 2025, Marsh is the clear leader of the Wolverines' deep and talented receiving corps.

JJ Buchanan

A transfer from Utah, Buchanan is a big-bodied receiver who has impressed with his ability to stretch the field vertically.

Jyaire Hill

A cornerback for the Michigan defense, Hill has been challenged by the depth and skill of the Wolverines' receivers in spring practice.

Zeke Berry

Another Michigan cornerback who has faced a tough test from the team's deep receiving unit in spring workouts.

Bryce Underwood

Michigan's sophomore quarterback, Underwood is benefiting from the development of his receiving corps in spring practice.

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What they’re saying

“They're real good. The freshmen to the older guys. I feel like Salesi, he's real nice. I was just comparing him yesterday to like Roman Wilson or something like that. Like every level, stacked, the wide receivers.”

— Jyaire Hill, Michigan cornerback

“As far as the players and stuff like that, we're just, I feel like we're a completely different team on the field. So really, just being able to showcase that, I think our receiver room especially should have a great year.”

— Andrew Marsh, Michigan wide receiver

“He's somebody that can definitely help us stretch the field long ways. Somebody who could definitely go up and get it and even make those tough blocks, really get in there, use their size. I think he's a really good addition to the room.”

— Andrew Marsh, Michigan wide receiver

“We have a really deep receiver room. I feel like all the guys, no matter if it's fourth year guy, third year guy, you know, they're all going to give us some work.”

— Zeke Berry, Michigan cornerback

What’s next

Michigan's spring game on April 18 will provide the first public showcase of the team's talented receiving corps.

The takeaway

Michigan's wide receivers, long a weakness for the program, have emerged as a strength this spring. If the group can continue to develop and build chemistry with quarterback Bryce Underwood, the Wolverines' offense could take a major step forward in 2026 and complement the team's traditionally stout defense.