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Connor Jones, Ex-Wolverine

Redshirt junior Connor Jones is entering the transfer portal for his final year of eligibility.

Jones played in twelve games throughout his career, including a redshirt in 2022 when he played in just two games. Most of his appearances came on special teams. Listed at 6’6″ and 320 lbs. this season, he played in seven games on specials in 2025.

Here’s what I had to say about Jones when he committed in December 2020 (LINK):

I see a lineman who is somewhat lumbering. He has heavy feet and his base gets too narrow. His turnover is not ideal in the run game. There’s a saying that “pass pro isn’t passive,” and that’s something that comes to mind when watching Jones’s highlights. He’s too passive in his sets and does not punch well or, in general, show as much aggression as I would like. He talks about being a finisher, but I don’t see that on film.

Overall, Jones has good size, but I don’t see him being able to do much more than wall off a side and make someone run around him. His lack of athleticism makes him unlikely to be able to reach a C-gap player without help or do a whole lot to be able to climb to the second level. I think his upside is that of a Juwann Bushell-Beatty, someone who could potentially become a late-career starter but without much of an NFL future.

I gave him a TTB Rating of 65, and he was a 247 Composite 3-star, the #90 offensive tackle, and #1012 overall.

Jones is a veteran lineman who might have been nice to have on the roster as a depth piece next year, but he had been passed by many of the younger players.

J.B. Brown, Ex-Wolverine

Michigan has relieved special teams coordinator J.B. Brown of his duties now that the season is complete.

If you’re a regular reader, you know that I do not make a habit of calling for the jobs of Michigan coaches, but I mentioned this one halfway through the season.

Punter Tommy Doman went from averaging 44.3 yards/punt in 2023 (under Jay Harbaugh) to 42.6 in 2024 under Brown, and then Doman – who had a vise grip on Michigan’s punting job – immediately ditched his home state program to head for Florida, where he averaged 44 yards/punt this year.

Michigan was #125 in kickoff return average (15.2 yards/return) in 2025.

Michigan was #126 in punt return average (3.8 yards/return) in 2025.

Placekicker Dominic Zvada was an All-American in 2024 and should have won the Groza Award after the team ranked #2 in field goal percentage, and by 2025 he constituted the #108 field goal percentage (68.2%).

Gone were the days when Michigan was scheming up kickoff return touchdowns by Giles Jackson and A.J. Henning and Jehu Chesson. Gone were the days when Michigan ran a fake punt from Michael Barrett to Dax Hill or blocked one or two punts per year.

For the past two seasons, the only excitement came from Zvada making almost all his field goals in 2024 . . . and then being jaw-droppingly inconsistent in 2025.

I have no idea who will replace Brown, but Michigan quite literally can’t really do much worse with whomever they hire to coach special teams for 2026.

All-Time Leaders: Top Performances Against Ohio State

On this Thanksgiving weekend, let’s give thanks for all the awesome performances Michigan players have had on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

SINGLE GAME PASSING YARDAGE LEADERS

1. 451 yards – Devin Gardner (2013)
2. 375 yards – Tom Brady (1998)
3. 328 yards – Chad Henne (2004)
4. 305 yards – Shea Patterson (2019)
5. 303 yards – Drew Henson (2000)

Hit the jump for more.

Top 10 Longest Plays vs. Ohio State

1. Desmond Howard 93-yard punt return TD (1991)
2. Dave Raimey 90-yard kickoff return TD (1960)
3. Donovan Edwards 85-yard TD run (2022)
4. Devin Gardner 84-yard pass to Jeremy Gallon (2013)
5. Charles Woodson 78-yard punt return TD (1997)
6. Jim Harbaugh 77-yard TD pass to John Kolesar (1985)
7. Denard Robinson 75-yard TD pass to Roy Roundtree (2012)
8. Donovan Edwards 75-yard TD run (2022)
9. J.J. McCarthy 75-yard TD pass to Cornelius Johnson (2022)
10. Drew Henson 70-yard TD pass to Anthony Thomas (2000)

Hit the jump for video of #1, #3, #4, and #8. Sadly, I couldn’t find video of Raimey’s kickoff return.

Preview: Michigan vs. Ohio State

RUSH OFFENSE vs. OHIO STATE RUSH DEFENSE
Michigan had a solid rushing effort last week against Maryland despite being down the top two running backs and ranks #10 nationally (223.5 yards/game) and #10 in yards per carry (5.59). Running back Jordan Marshall (143 carries, 871 yards, 10 touchdowns) should be back from the injury he suffered two games ago, while Bryson Kuzdzal (20 carries, 100 yards, 3 TD last week) had a bit of a breakout game and showed some nice speed, patience, and vision in his first career start. One key aspect may be the health of fullback/tight end Max Bredeson, who was in a boot by the end of last week’s game. The offensive line has improved somewhat in the running game, despite three redshirt freshmen starting. Meanwhile, Ohio State is #2 in rush defense (80 yards allowed/game) and #4 in yards allowed per carry (2.67). They have not allowed 100+ yards on the ground since week one against Texas. Senior LB Sonny Styles (6’4″, 243) leads the team with 62 tackles, followed by junior LB Arvell Reese (6’5″, 243) with 59. Junior DT Kayden McDonald (6’3″, 326) is a force in the middle of the defense with 47 tackles and 8 tackles for loss, and he’s been more productive than Detroit Lions 1st round pick Tyleik Williams was last season. Senior DE Kaden Curry (6’3″, 260) leads the team with 13 tackles for loss, and junior safety Caleb Downs (6’0″, 205) plays down in the box and has made 5 tackles for loss himself. This is going to be strength against strength.
Advantage: Ohio State

Hit the jump for more.