Michigan’s O-Line Looks to Bounce Back With New Edge
Following a rough 2024 season, Michigan‘s offensive line appears to be turning the corner, and this time, the progress feels legit. Offensive line coach Grant Newsome has been vocal about the unit’s renewed energy, improved work ethic, and most importantly, the competition brewing at multiple starting spots.
A Clean Slate After Last Season’s Inconsistencies
Last year, Michigan shuffled through several different offensive line combinations and never quite found a rhythm. It was a tough watch at times, especially for a program that had prided itself on trench dominance in recent years. Heading into 2025, Newsome and the staff are emphasizing cohesion and internal accountability, and so far, it’s clicking.
“Every job is up for grabs, that competition is healthy. ”
-Grant Newsome via The Wolverine
Newsome is making it clear that experience alone won’t guarantee a starting role.
That includes the battle at left tackle and right guard, where players like Evan Link, Nathan Efobi, Lawrence Hattar, Jake Guarnera, and Brady Norton are all in the mix.
Evan Link: The Anchor at Left Tackle?
Link, who started 11 games last season at right tackle, shifted to left tackle for the ReliaQuest Bowl against Alabama, and held his own. He’s expected to stay there this fall, and Newsome didn’t hold back his praise.
“Left tackle… Link’s been there, played well in the bowl game, and he’s done a great job of elevating his play… I’ve been really, really impressed with the steps he’s taken this offseason”
-Grant Newsome via The Wolverine
Frasier Back in the Fold After Injury
Offensive lineman Blake Frasier, a name fans have been waiting to hear more from, is also back in action. After missing spring practices due to injury, he’s now working his way into the rotation.
-Grant Newsome via The Wolverine
“Blake Frasier has gotten himself back healthy, and he’s done a remarkable job for a guy who was out for spring of getting himself back in the mix there.”
Depth, Competition, and a Different Mentality
Unlike last year, where the Wolverines were scraping to fill gaps, this season’s line has depth, and according to Newsome, that’s a direct result of the players’ commitment to each other.
“I want to brag on my guys for a little if you’ll let me. We are much deeper than we were last year and it’s a credit to those guys and the investment they made in themselves. Not just individually but getting closer and tighter as a unit.”
-Grant Newsome via The Wolverine
The offensive line may not be grabbing headlines, but if Michigan is going to contend in the Big Ten again, it’ll start with what’s happening in the trenches, and this group seems ready to answer the call.
Watch Newsome’s press conference below.
Going Deeper
Reference Links:
- Michigan’s offensive line has a new attitude that has coaches taking notice
- How Michigan’s coaches are preparing for program’s most unusual schedule in decades
- Michigan OL opens up about body transformation after feeling ‘light’ in 2024
- Michigan’s offensive line position battles continue as season approaches
- Michigan Wolverines offensive line coach seeks answers for inconsistency
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