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Michigan's interior defensive line is built to control the run, and a run-stop-to-missed-tackle ratio above 8.0 would signal that the group is an asset; the 2025 unit finished at 7.0.
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The edge room generated pressure on 12.7% of pass-rush snaps last season; roughly 13.5% is the benchmark for the group to return to the level of Michigan's stronger recent units.
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Linebacker is the defense's least proven layer, making reliable tackling the immediate requirement; Nathaniel Staehling and Troy Bowles bring encouraging efficiency, while Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng and Chase Taylor must improve after freshman missed-tackle issues.
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Michigan returns three experienced corners with different strengths, but the ceiling depends on Zeke Berry, Jyaire Hill and Smith Snowden converting disruption into stronger overall passer-rating results.
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Explosive-pass prevention is the central safety concern: Mason Curtis, Chris Bracy and Jordan Young all allowed elevated yards per reception in 2025, while Rod Moore is still working to regain his prior movement and athleticism.