Tomorrow, rising stars get their shot. Can these six reserves seize their moment and prove they're ready for the spotlight?
With head coach Kyle Whittingham reportedly opting to sit up to 18 key starters for tomorrow’s spring game, the narrative in Ann Arbor has shifted. This isn't just a scrimmage; it’s a high-stakes audition for the "twos" and "threes."
With stars like Bryce Underwood and Jordan Marshall watching from the sidelines, the depth chart is essentially a blank slate. If Michigan wants to defend its recent dominance, these six players—currently occupying the second and third tiers—must prove tomorrow that they are ready for the Big House.
Offense: The Battle for the Backup Roles
1. Tommy Carr (QB, Freshman)
With sophomore sensation Bryce Underwood sitting this one out, the quarterback battle falls to the next generation. All eyes will be on Tommy Carr, the grandson of legendary coach Lloyd Carr. While he is currently competing with Chase Herbstreit for the backup spot, Carr has the "pedigree" and a polished release that has generated quiet buzz this spring. Tomorrow is his chance to operate Jason Beck's offense under live fire. If he can show pocket poise and consistent accuracy, he could solidify himself as the primary insurance policy behind Underwood.
2. Savion Hiter (RB, Freshman)
With Jordan Marshall likely among the starters resting, the backfield belongs to five-star freshman Savion Hiter. Currently listed behind Marshall on most projections, Hiter is a dynamic, explosive runner who many believe is the future of the program. Because the first team is out, Hiter will get the lion’s share of the carries against a hungry second-team defense. Look for him to use his elite acceleration to hit holes that the power-backs might miss; a breakout performance tomorrow could force a "1A and 1B" situation come August.
3. Andrew Babalola (OL, RS Freshman)
The offensive line is undergoing a massive rebuild, and Andrew Babalola is the high-ceiling developmental piece sitting on the second string at left tackle. Buried behind veteran Blake Frazier, Babalola has the massive frame and footwork that NFL scouts drool over, but he needs game-speed reps. Tomorrow’s matchup against second-string edge rushers will be a barometer of his strength. If he can keep a clean pocket for Carr and Herbstreit, the coaching staff will feel much better about their depth on the blind side.
Defense: Finding the Next Generation of Stoppers
4. Jonah Lea’ea (DT, RS Junior)
A transfer who followed Whittingham from Utah, Lea’ea is currently a rotational piece behind Trey Pierce and Enow Etta. However, he brings a level of familiarity with the defensive scheme that few others possess. With the starters out, Lea’ea becomes the "Alpha" of the interior defensive line for the spring game. He needs to show that he can occupy double teams and disrupt the run game consistently. If he can collapse the pocket tomorrow, he’ll earn himself a spot in the heavy rotation this fall.
5. Shamari Earls (CB, Sophomore)
The secondary is deep, but Shamari Earls is the standout sitting just behind Jyaire Hill on the depth chart. Earls is a long, physical corner who has been praised for his "alpha" mentality in practice. Without the starters playing, Earls will likely be matched up against the most dangerous young receivers like Jaime Ffrench or I'Marion Stewart. This is his opportunity to show that his ball skills have caught up to his physical traits. A couple of pass breakups tomorrow could see him pushing for a starting role by mid-season.
6. Troy Bowles (LB, RS Junior)
The son of NFL coach Todd Bowles, Troy has an elite football IQ but has been waiting for his turn behind veterans like Ernest Hausmann. Currently deep in the linebacker rotation, Bowles has the range to be a sideline-to-sideline playmaker. Tomorrow, he’ll be the quarterback of the second-unit defense. The coaches want to see him direct traffic and excel in pass coverage against athletic tight ends. If his diagnostic skills translate to the field, he moves from a "depth piece" to a "dependable starter" in the eyes of the staff.
Tomorrow’s game might lack the star power of the 2023 National Championship team, but for these six players, the stakes couldn't be higher. They aren't just playing for a win; they are playing for their place in the new era of Michigan football.