Unlocking Michigan Football’s Untapped Potential: How Jason Beck’s Offense Could Revolutionize Every Position

When Jason Beck took the reins last season, the shake-up he brought to Utah’s offense was nothing short of astounding—though, let’s be honest, it wasn’t quite turning water into wine. We previously dug into a handful of his go-to spread strategies, but this time around, I’m turning the spotlight on the players themselves—the ones who bring those plays to life. Utah’s rushing attack was a symphony of depth, boasting two backs well over 800 yards and a remarkable seven runners surpassing the 100-yard mark. Compare that to Michigan’s numbers, and the parallels are striking, yet there’s a shift afoot. This offense thrives as a true democracy, spreading opportunity far and wide, handing multiple Wolverines a real shot at starring in bigger, bolder roles. Buckle up as we unpack how Beck’s blueprint might distribute the ball next season, highlighting the dynamic mix of talents ready to ignite the field. LEARN MORE

It wasn’t quite water into wine, but Jason Beck’s transformation of Utah’s offense last season was nothing short of miraculous. We covered a handful of his favorite spread concepts a few weeks ago, and this week, let’s focus on the Jimmys and Joes instead of the X’s and O’s.

Last season, Utah had two rushers over 800 yards and seven (!) over 100. For comparison, the Wolverines had two rushers over 800 yards, but only four over the century mark. Similarly, the Utes had two receivers over 500 yards and six over 100; Michigan was identical.

This offense is a democracy—power is spread out and vested in the players, and several Michigan Wolverines will have a chance to shine in expanded and empowered roles. Let’s take a detailed look at how the production could be shared in Beck’s offense next season.

RUSHING

Beck’s leading rushers at Utah were running back Wayshawn Parker (981) and quarterback Devon Dampier (835). After the big two, it was backup quarterback Byrd Ficklin (513), two more running backs, a wide receiver, and a tight end. Beck’s vision for Michigan’s rushing attack will resemble last season, but it will not be a direct reflection.

Similar to receiving yards, health permitting, one player is an obvious choice to lead here– Jordan Marshall. Marshall rushed for nearly 1,000 yards last season and is expected to be one of the top backs in the country. After Marshall, the spreading of the wealth will look familiar to fans of the 2021 Wolverines, with more inflation further down the depth chart.

Hassan Haskins led the way in ‘21 with more than 1,300 yards, followed by Blake Corum’s 952, and Donovan Edwards’s 174. Let’s pencil in Marshall for north of 900 –Marshall had 150 carries last season and Parker had 149 – true freshman Savion Hiter for over 700 – a high mark for a rookie, but he has the IT factor – and Bryson Kuzdzal – ol’ reliable – for over 500. The fourth-leading rusher for Beck last year was over 300 yards and that feels like the perfect spot for Bryce Underwood.

Underwood is a capable runner; however, don’t expect him to produce at the pace of Beck’s former signal-caller. Dampier is a thicker, run-first (and second and third) style of player who, despite his durable frame, still battled through injuries last season. Underwood is a far more gifted passer and will be utilized closer to a 75/25 split of pass to run. Similar to J.J. McCarthy in 2022, who rushed for 306 yards, or Underwood last season, who was just eight yards shy of 400. But expect a dramatic uptick in efficiency.

Now it gets fun.

Beck’s three leading receivers did not register a carry last season, and with that in mind, it feels like Andrew Marsh, transfer J.J. Buchanan (who was third on the Utes as a true freshman), and one other have to be eliminated. For argument’s sake, let’s say it’s tight end Hogan Hansen. Tight ends were two of the top three targets for Utah and Hansen has yet to beat the “glass bones, paper skin” allegations.

Kendrick Bell feels like a great option here. Utah’s Nate Johnson is a quarterback-turned-receiver who rushed for over 200 yards last season on nearly 10 yards a carry. Bell’s quarterback background – and the welcomed departure of Semaj Morgan (if you are having a bad day, just remember you’ll never have to watch another Semaj Morgan incompletion, receiving or throwing) – has created an opportunity for Beck to maximize his dynamism as a runner and a dual-threat option in trick play situations. Speaking of dynamic…

One of, if not both, of the true freshmen could find a role here. Salesi Moa is fluid, fast, and physical. Emphasis on the latter from his defensive tape. And Travis Johnson has the burst and suddenness to turn a five-yard run into a 25-yard run, coupled with his feel for space and angles. After the two newbies, there are a few others to keep an eye on.

As the dust settled from the transfer portal, somehow Micah Ka’apana is still in Ann Arbor, entering year three in a crowded running back room. With experience toting the rock, this could be the breakthrough opportunity that kept him at Michigan. Transfer Jaime Ffrench is a natural with the ball in his hands, or if Beck wants to stick to his roots of mixing up positional carriers, tight ends Zach Marshall or Jalen Hoffman could be on deck. Moreso, Hoffman here with his experience repping at fullback, although who knows how many carries he actually got at practice.

But the darkhorse of the group is I’Marion Stewart. Banged up all last season, Stewart is a burner when healthy and if back to form, a few carries could be the way for him to prove himself to the new coaching staff as he competes for more true wide receiver snaps.

RECEIVING

Andrew Marsh, check! Marsh is a star and should challenge to be Michigan’s first 1,000-yard receiver since Jeremy Gallon in 2013. I know we said this for Jehu Chesson, Amara Darboh, Donovan Peoples-Jones, Nico Collins, Ronnie Bell, and Roman Wilson, but eventually it has to hit, right? Beyond Marsh, converted tight end J.J. Buchanan is a logical, big-bodied X-receiver to play opposite Michigan’s star, and Hogan Hansen – *forms prayer circle, recites healthy affirmations* – should finally lay claim to TE-1.

Fellow tight ends Marshall, Hoffman, and Tonielli will be in the mix next, but with Buchanan already serving as more of a receiver/tight end hybrid, look for Beck to add some juice here.

The freshmen will once again push for snaps here, but the path to touches is far more crowded. Ffrench is the next best all-around receiving talent, and Channing Goodwin’s willingness as a blocker could help him continue to get extended opportunities in this run-heavy attack—as long as his hands continue to improve. Also, don’t count out 6’5 Jamar Browder. His height makes him a unique piece for this offense, similar to Utah’s 6’5 Tobias Merriweather, who was the sixth and final Ute over 100 yards receiving last year.

Within Beck’s scheme, we know he likes to use receivers as primary runners, and he also likes to use runners as primary receivers. Parker – Beck’s leading rusher last season – was also the team’s fifth leading receiver. However, given Marshall’s checkered health history and expected load as the lead back, this is a great spot for either true freshman Hiter or Kuzdzal, who might be the fastest player on the team, to carve out an expanded role.

Other weapons to watch could come from the other side of the ball. Transfer Smith Snowden started 12 games at corner last season – where he led the room in tackles – and started two games on offense–one at receiver and one at running back. In the season-opener, Smith led the team with six catches for 61 yards and chipped in three carries for 15 yards and one touchdown. Already familiar with the offense, he could be in position for more timely receptions and carries again next season.

Converted safety Taylor Tatum is another player to watch. Once the nation’s top running back, Tatum will seek a new opportunity in the defensive secondary after transferring from Oklahoma. A move he was probably more receptive to, with Beck calling the offense, because the door to the offense will never be completely shut. And he’s not the only player in the secondary who has caught the ball before. Kainoa Winston and Jojo Edmond are both versatile players hungry for opportunity—especially the former, who was a decorated national high school sprinter.

The limit of who could find a role in this offense is seemingly endless, as if Beck shakes a magic eight ball and draws up a play for whatever name appears. For example, linebacker Lander Barton hauled in six catches for 44 yards and one touchdown last season. Similar numbers to Kendrick Bell. Could we see Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng catching passes in 2026? Is it time for Nathan Efobi’s goalline carriers? Never say never–in Beck’s offensive democracy, everyone is a candidate.