Michigan Football Readies High-Impact Special Teams Units Amid Injuries

The University of Michigan football program is adopting an aggressive philosophy regarding its special teams units this season. With head coach Kyle Whittingham, a former special teams coordinator, heavily involved in the strategy meetings, the team is prepared to deploy its top playmakers in return roles rather than protecting them from potential injury.

Whittingham emphasized his desire to place the ball in the hands of his most dynamic athletes. Currently, the primary candidates for return duties include wide receiver Andrew Marsh, running back Savion Hiter, and defensive back Smith Snowden. Marsh, who is expected to be the team’s top wide receiver, took over punt return duties late last season. Despite a fumble in his debut, he showed significant improvement in the Citrus Bowl, returning four kicks for 43 yards. Snowden, an All-Big 12 selection at Utah last season, is projected to start at defensive back, while Hiter is anticipated to contribute significantly to the rushing attack as a true freshman.

In addition to the return game, Michigan is implementing changes to its kicking units. Following a difficult 2025 season, the special teams room has an updated look, with sophomore Trey Butkowski and junior Cam Brown slated to start at kicker and punter, respectively. The coaching staff expects these adjustments will lead to a significantly improved performance this year.

While the team has remained relatively healthy throughout fall camp, the offensive line has faced some setbacks. Andrew Babalola, a five-star offensive tackle who missed the entire 2025 season with a torn ACL, has missed practice recently due to a minor setback. Whittingham indicated that while Babalola is expected back before the season opener, his return may not be immediate. Furthermore, freshman interior lineman Ace Hamilton will miss the entire season after sustaining a leg injury.

On the defensive side, Dom Nichols, who was considered a contender for a starting role, has been absent from practice for several days due to an undisclosed injury. Whittingham noted that Nichols had been performing well prior to the setback.

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What to watch

• Andrew Marsh’s performance handling punt returns in the season opener.
• The medical status of Andrew Babalola leading up to the first game.
• Production of the new kicker and punter compared to last season’s metrics.

Source: original release