There are still some battles taking place along Michigan's offensive line, but with guys like Nathan Efobi in the mix, the unit should be a strong one.
Michigan offensive lineman Nathan Efobi believes the Wolverines' offensive line has a simple message heading into the 2026 season: Let the physicality do the talking.
"We don't really got to talk," Efobi said. "You're going to see it on the field, regardless of what we say."
That mentality has been a consistent theme for Efobi and the rest of Michigan's offensive line as they prepare for a season that will feature plenty of movement, tempo and physicality under offensive coordinator Jason Beck and head coach Kyle Whittingham.
Efobi enters the season in a much different place physically than he was a year ago. He said he weighs roughly the same as he did last season but has significantly reduced his body fat, going from about 23% to just 19%.
He looks great at north of 300 pounds and says that the transformation was on purpose.
"With the tempo, a lot of high movement, quick moving, you got to be able to move," Efobi said. "You can't be fat out there just walking around. You gotta be able to move, and that's been our emphasis."
Efobi believes the changes will allow him to maintain a higher level of performance deep into games.
"I think definitely with conditioning," he said. "I'll just be able to play at 100% for longer because I feel like that's the name of the game."
The physical improvements have also come with a change in mentality. Efobi said he feels stronger, leaner, faster and more prepared for the season than he did at this point last year.
That confidence extends throughout Michigan's entire offensive line room, where Efobi has developed a strong relationship with Brady Norton, who he's battling against. The two have competed heavily over the past two seasons, but Efobi views Norton as much more than just a teammate and competitor.
"That's my dog," Efobi said with a big smile. "We're always here to compete, always here to pus ourselves to the next level. Just knowing that he's there to have my back. Anytime he's got questions, I got questions. We're just here to help each other. It's just still love at the end of the day."
Efobi also praised Evan Link, who has primarily been a tackle but is now repping at guard. According to Efobi, Link's transition has been seamless.
"He can play it all," Efobi said. "Guard, tackle, no worry."
Michigan's offense also appears poised to lean heavily into its traditional strengths, particularly with gap-scheme concepts, pullers and the use of motion. Efobi said much of Beck's system feels familiar to the Wolverines' offensive linemen.
"It's really our game, our blood," he said. "Duo, gap scheme. We love it here, and we're just ready to show it."
The Wolverines are also expected to utilize their "Rhino" package, which puts a sixth offensive lineman on the field. Efobi hasn't been repping at that position, but he did say that the package can provide another physical presence in both the run and pass game. And when Michigan faces Oklahoma in week two in Ann Arbor, Efobi expects that pysical identity to be put to the test.
"It's revenge," he said. "They gotta come see us at our home, and it's going to be a great battle."
While plenty of attention has been placed on quarterback Bryce Underwood, the potent running back duo of Jordan Marshall and Savion Hiter and the revamped wide receiver room, the offensive line is shaping up to be a strength. With guys like Efobi battling it out to earn a starting role, the talent on the field should be solid with O-line coach Jim Harding calling the shots.
