The Michigan defensive line has seen a lot of change this offseason. Three starters and a couple extra rotational pieces either graduated or moved on from the program. That includes Derrick Moore and Jaishawn Barham, two edge rushers picked in the early rounds of April\u2019s NFL Draft.<\/p>\n
But one name that stands out heading into 2026 is senior Cameron Brandt, who may be in line for a starting role this fall.<\/p>\n
Brandt was a three-star recruit coming out of high school, but it didn\u2019t take long for him to earn some playing time. As a true freshman, the California native appeared in 14 games, becoming a big factor on special teams while also appearing along the defensive line in six games.<\/p>\n
He earned a larger role in 2024, now a rotational piece on the defensive line while becoming a leader on special teams. By the end of the season, it appeared Brandt was up next in what was a long run of impressive edge rushers to play in Ann Arbor. That\u2019s because of a career game vs Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl, where he recovered a fumble and had a sack to cap off a solid sophomore season.<\/p>\n
A larger role was anticipated in 2025, but the emergence of several players in the linebacker room allowed for Barham to move from middle linebacker to edge rusher, bumping Brandt\u2019s snaps on the edge. Once again, Brandt played in 13 games, but most of his snaps were on special teams and he remained a rotational piece. He played 405 total snaps, per PFF, good for ninth-best on the defense last season.<\/p>\n
Kyle Whittingham brought one of his best players from Utah with him to Ann Arbor in edge rusher John Henry Daley, and he has the opportunity to be a superstar in the Big Ten if he can repeat his production from last year. What that means is another face in the room, though, could potentially impact Brandt\u2019s playing time again.<\/p>\n