ANN ARBOR, Mich. — While fans and the media wait to learn just what the Michigan football offense under new offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey looks like, we can read a little bit between the lines based on what players and coaches say. And there’s no better indication as such than from people on the defensive side of the ball in fall camp, who are tasked with stopping the offense we can’t see as of just yet.
On Monday, linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary shared that he does believe that the offense has greatly improved under Lindsey, noting that there are more players flashing at this time compared to last year, and that the position groups that struggled in 2024 look much better at this point.
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“I think offensively, we see guys that flash maybe a little bit more with what Chip is doing,” Jean-Mary said. “Donaven McCulley has been one of the guys on offense that looks like he’s going to have a really good year for us. I love the running backs. I think they’re super deep there. I think they have four or five guys that could go out and play Big Ten football. I love, obviously, the progression for the offensive line. I think they’ve been good.”
Of course, what most people are paying attention to is the quarterback.
Though Sherrone Moore has not yet named true freshman phenom Bryce Underwood the starter, the expectation is that the former five-star and top overall player in the 2025 recruiting class will be the first under center on August 30 in the season opener.
Jean-Mary says that his linebacker group has had to defend more downfield passes, but he also says don’t expect the overall Michigan identity to change.
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“The thing with Chip, we’re going to throw the ball,” Jean-Mary said. “We love our quarterbacks. They’ve tested us probably a little bit more vertically in the passing game, which is good for us, but it’s still Michigan. I know there’s a difference, but we’re going to line up and we’re going to have a big offensive line and some tight ends, and we’re still going to play smash mouth, and that’s what we’re still going to hang our hat on.”
The Wolverines are just a week and a half away from taking the field for the first time in 2025. The game against New Mexico on August 30 will take place at night at The Big House.
This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Michigan’s offense flashes under Chip Lindsey, per Brian Jean-Mary
