After a rough start to the season, Michigan’s defense got things rolling at the end of 2024, holding some impressive offenses like Indiana, Ohio State and Alabama below their usual outputs. Even after losing a handful of stars, there’s plenty of optimism that Michigan’s defense can once again be one of the Big Ten’s best in 2025.

In spite of the optimism, there are still plenty of unproven players Michigan will be relying on, particularly to fill the voids of Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant and Will Johnson. Furthermore, there are some players that have shown flashes of potential, but have yet to string together extended runs of great play.

Today, we’ll be taking a look at three defensive players we believe have the most to prove.

DT Rayshaun Benny

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