Michigan’s Top Tackler Jimmy Rolder Drops Surprise NFL Draft Bombshell—What’s Next for the Team?

Jimmy Rolder’s journey with Michigan football has been nothing short of a slow burn leading to a blazing breakout. When he first chose the Wolverines, visions of him becoming a dominant Big Ten linebacker were planted by none other than Jim Harbaugh himself. It took some time, and plenty of perseverance through injuries and lineup shifts, but by 2025, Rolder truly revealed the beast within. Despite starting the season as a backup with a shuffled defense, he seized the moment – racking up tackles and making his presence impossible to ignore. While many expected him to return for his final year of eligibility, Rolder stunned fans by declaring for the NFL draft, leaving Michigan to rely on rising talent and savvy transfers to fill the void. It’s been a wild ride for this Illinois native, who fought through setbacks to lead the team in tackles and leave a lasting mark on Ann Arbor. For the full rundown on Rolder’s decision and what’s next for the Wolverines’ linebacker corps, don’t miss out. LEARN MORE

When Jimmy Rolder committed to Michigan football, then-head coach Jim Harbaugh elicited imagery that he would be the next great Big Ten linebacker. And though it took a while, it ended up being a correct assessment.

It wasn’t a multiyear situation where Rolder was prowling the middle of the field, seeking souls to devour as they cowered in anticipated defeat. But in 2025, Rolder finally came into his own. Despite not being a starter entering the year, with the move putting Jaishawn Barham on the edge, Rolder started to come into his own.

Though a senior with one more year of eligibility remaining, the hope was that he would return for one more season with the Wolverines. However, he ended up declaring for the NFL draft on Sunday.

Rolder was a late riser as a recruit, getting attention from Michigan, Notre Dame, and Ohio State late in the cycle. Coming out of Illinois, he chose the Wolverines, but struggled with staying healthy intermittently. He did see early playing time as a true freshman, but missed most of his sophomore campaign due to injuries. He led the team with 73 tackles this season, having appeared in 12 games compared to Ernest Hausmann, who played in 10.

With Rolder departing and with Cole Sullivan having transferred to Oklahoma, the Wolverines will look to Troy Bowles, Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng, Chase Taylor, and likely a transfer portal target, with Cal linebacker Cade Uluave currently being on campus.

This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Michigan LB Jimmy Rolder declares for NFL draft after breakout season