Michigan linebackers exceeding expectations, says coordinator Jay Hill
The short version
- Jay Hill says Michigan's linebackers have exceeded expectations three weeks into the 2026 season.
- Troy Bowles, Chase Taylor, Nathaniel Staehling, Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng, Aisea Moa and Max Alford have all seen the field.
- Taylor cited coverage against tight ends, including Oklahoma's Rocky Beers, as an area to improve.
- Michigan hosts Iowa at 3:36 p.m. EDT on CBS.
After entering the season viewed as the defense's question mark, Michigan's linebacker group has won over defensive coordinator Jay Hill three weeks in.
Three weeks into the 2026 season, Michigan defensive coordinator Jay Hill says the team's linebackers have outperformed the modest expectations placed on them. Before the opener, Hill had openly admitted he needed time to judge the group. Now he describes them as playing like NFL-caliber linebackers who have grasped the scheme quickly and brought consistent physicality.
Troy Bowles has stood out the most, with Hill praising his speed, intensity and football IQ and calling him a dream to coach. Chase Taylor and Nathaniel Staehling impressed during fall camp, while Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng, Aisea Moa and a recovering Max Alford have all contributed as well. Hill credited coach Whittingham for the group's overall development and noted the defense is running more of its package than he expected at this stage.
The unit has not been flawless. Taylor acknowledged room for improvement in coverage against tight ends, pointing to Oklahoma's Rocky Beers, who caught six passes for 94 yards, often on crossing routes matched against linebackers. Hill said occasional losses in coverage happen against quality players and called the group's coverage work solid overall.
The next test comes against Iowa and its strong run game. The matchup kicks off at 3:36 p.m. EDT at Michigan Stadium, with coverage on CBS.
