Harbaugh's Protégé Newsome Tasked with Reviving Michigan's O-Line

In the lead-up to the 2025 season, Michigan's offensive line has become a major focus for the Wolverines. Last year, the unit struggled, finishing tied for 73rd nationally in rushing at 157.2 yards per game, their lowest average since 2019. They also allowed a significant increase in tackles for loss and quarterback pressures compared to the previous season.

To address these issues, Michigan has made significant changes to its offensive line coaching staff. Head coach Sherrone Moore has praised the work of second-year O-line coach Grant Newsome, a former Michigan player who has quickly risen through the coaching ranks. Newsome is now leading a revamped group that includes two new assistant coaches, Nick Gilbert and John Morookian, as well as veteran Juan Castillo, who spent 2024 at UCLA.

The pressure on Newsome and his staff has only intensified with the arrival of highly touted freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood and the season-ending injury to five-star offensive tackle Andrew Babalola, who was expected to compete for a starting job. The Wolverines are now relying on returning starters like center Greg Crippen and guard Giovanni El-Hadi to lead the way, while also hoping for improvement from tackle Evan Link, who struggled with pass protection last season.

Newsome, who will earn $600,000 this season, has embraced the challenge, saying the offensive line must lead the team to success. With a talented but inexperienced group, he and his staff will be tasked with quickly developing the unit to support Underwood and the Wolverines' offense in their pursuit of a bounce-back campaign.