2024 Michigan Football Captains Prediction

The Michigan Wolverines must replace all six captains from the 2023 roster, including linebacker Michael Barrett, defensive lineman Kris Jenkins, cornerback Mike Sainristil, running back Blake Corum, left guard Trevor Keegan and right guard Zak Zinter. While that’s a sizable group to replace, there’s no shortage of guys on Michigan’s 2024 roster who deserve the title of “captain” for the upcoming season.

It’s worth noting that the opportunity to be named captain at the University of Michigan is traditionally reserved for seniors and graduate students, meaning guys like Will Johnson, Colston Loveland, Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant aren’t necessarily in the running. It’s entirely possible that Sherrone Moore could Make an exception for all three, especially when you consider their leadership roles within the program. But assuming Moore continues the old tradition, here are the guys most likely to be named captain for the 2024 season.

Donovan Edwards, RB – Senior

This selection is a no-brainer. In addition to being undoubtedly the most dangerous offensive weapon on the roster, Donovan Edwards has also taken a huge step forward as a leader in the offseason. He is an advocate for mental health and tries to help those around him with his own issues. He is more involved in charitable work by hosting youth camps and visiting local schools, and he understands that his role as a Michigan Wolverine is far bigger than what he does on the football field.

Max Bredeson, TE – Senior

Max Bredeson isn’t a guy who gets mentioned often in the highlight videos, but he’s definitely a guy who’s vital to the Michigan offense – and the Michigan locker room, too. Every team needs a guy who’s willing to do the dirty work on the field, and Bredeson is that guy for Michigan. Whether in his role as a tight end or an H-back, Bredeson’s smash-mouth style of play is perfect for a Michigan offense that loves to bully you in the trenches.

Rod Moore, DB – Senior

A torn ACL could sideline Rod Moore for most of the 2024 season — if not the entire season — but there’s little doubt he’ll be a captain this season. He’s one of the top leaders on the roster and has used his injury to move into a more coaching role while he recovers. Defensive backs coach LaMar Morgan recently shared his thoughts on the veteran DB:

“I mean, he hurt his leg and the next day he’s in the front row of our meeting. I’ve never seen anything like that in my career. I know I haven’t coached in 40 years, but it’s just crazy how he ticks. He’s got a smile on his face, he’s just working on the treadmill and working on all these different things.”

Makari Paige, DB – PhD student

Makari may be relatively quiet on the microphone when speaking to the media, but he lets his play on the field speak for itself. The veteran DB started 13 times at safety during the 2023 National Championship season, and the absence of Rod Moore means it will be even more important for Paige to provide a leadership role on the football field in 2024.

Wild Cards

I don’t expect Davis Warren to be named the starting QB in 2024, but there’s no doubt he’s a leader on the roster. Alex Orji called him “a guru for all things QB mechanics” after the Spring Game, and I could see him working with JJ McCarthy during Michigan’s Pro Day. Considering his history and battle with leukemia, as well as his charitable work in the community, it’s not hard to imagine a scenario where Warren is named captain.

Honestly, it wouldn’t have been too surprising if Greg Crippen had entered the transfer portal at some point in the last two seasons. In his second year, he saw new transfer Olu Oluwatimi win the starting spot at center in 2022. In his third year, new transfer Drake Nugent took over the starting role. But instead of taking it personally and looking for greener pastures elsewhere, Crippen stuck with the program and continued to put in the work. By all accounts, he’s the Wolverines’ man at center in 2024. Persevering and earning your way (even if it’s difficult) is definitely something that can make you a captain at the University of Michigan.

Another guy on the offensive line who had to do his duty and wait his turn. Under different circumstances, Giovanni El-Hadi would have been a starter at the University of Michigan long before the 2024 season. The biggest problem is that he played behind two big NFL talents, Zak Zinter and Trevor Keegan, which meant he had to remain patient. However, he started 21 games on the offensive line in his first three seasons and even started three times at left guard in 2022 when Trevor Keegan was battling an injury.

Josaiah Stewart is an interesting choice. He was No. 2 on the team with 5.5 sacks during the 2023 season and made some big plays that helped lead Michigan to the National Championship. For the 2024 season, he switched from No. 5 to No. 0, a number that carries a lot of weight after Mike Sainristil wore it his final two years at Michigan. If Stewart does indeed receive the honor of becoming captain, he would be the first Michigan transfer to do so.

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