Rayshaun Benny #26 of the Maize Team
Michigan Football’s Defensive Line Poised to Dominate Again in 2025
Michigan football’s defensive line was a force to be reckoned with in 2024, arguably the best in college football. While the Wolverines will lose standout talents like Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, and Josaiah Stewart—potential first-round NFL draft picks—the future remains bright in Ann Arbor.
With a strong core of returning players, bolstered by key additions from the transfer portal, Michigan is poised to maintain its dominance in the trenches.
Derrick Moore and T.J. Guy Lead the Charge
Derrick Moore showed flashes of All-American potential, particularly in a standout performance against Alabama. If he can consistently deliver at that level, Moore might follow in the footsteps of Graham and Grant as a first-round draft pick.
T.J. Guy is another player poised to take a significant leap. In a larger role next season, he’ll have the opportunity to elevate his draft stock and become a cornerstone of Michigan’s pass rush.
Rayshaun Benny: The Key to the Interior
Rayshaun Benny, one of the Big Ten’s top-graded interior defenders in 2024 per Pro Football Focus, is returning for another season. Benny’s 83.0 PFF grade ranked fourth in the conference and higher than Kenneth Grant, a projected first-round pick.
Though his 2024 stat line—29 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks—was solid, Benny’s impact went beyond the numbers. His performance against Alabama was particularly impressive, as he consistently pressured the quarterback and disrupted the pocket, proving himself to be unblockable at times.
Benny’s decision to return solidifies Michigan’s interior defensive line as a strength heading into 2025.
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Depth and New Additions Bolster the Unit
Michigan’s depth on the defensive line is unmatched. Alongside Moore, Guy, and Benny, players like Cameron Brandt, Trey Pierce, Enow Etta, and Dominic Nichols all gained valuable experience during the 2024 campaign, including in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
The Wolverines have also added elite talent via the transfer portal, landing Damon Payne from Alabama and Tre Williams from Clemson. Both are highly regarded defensive tackles who will add immediate impact and depth to the rotation.
Sustained Excellence in the Trenches
Despite losing three NFL-caliber linemen, Michigan’s defensive line is set to remain one of the Big Ten’s most formidable units in 2025. With proven talent like Moore, Guy, and Benny, as well as a deep pool of recruits and transfers, the Wolverines are positioned to continue dominating up front.
Michigan’s success in the trenches has been a cornerstone of its recent dominance in the Big Ten. With the pieces in place, don’t expect that to change anytime soon.
