The Michigan Wolverines have officially named their captains for the 2024 season, and the choices are as steady as a Jim Harbaugh handshake. Seniors Donovan Edwards, Max Bredeson, and Rod Moore, along with graduate student Makari Paige, will lead Team 145. If you've been following Michigan football closely, this roster of leaders shouldn’t come as much of a surprise.
Donovan Edwards: The Headliner
Donovan Edwards , a household name in Michigan football, headlines the group. A five-star recruit from West Bloomfield, Edwards burst onto the scene with stellar performances during his freshman and sophomore seasons, only to experience a bit of a down year as a junior. Despite the dip, Edwards remains a key player, and this season marks his debut as the Wolverines' feature back.
Known for his electric runs and game-changing plays, Edwards is stepping into the spotlight with high expectations. After all, he's one of the three players gracing the cover of the upcoming College Football 25 video game. Reflecting on last season, Edwards admitted on "The L.A.B." podcast, as reported by The Detroit Free Press
"The season wasn't how I wanted it to be necessarily. And, just popping out the way that I did on the biggest stage, for me, it's like, that's great. But, you know, like, what's better than doing it again, you know, like, what's better than working hard in the offseason. So, that's what my mindset is, I'm still hungry."
And hungry he is. Despite a rocky start last season with just 393 rushing yards and three touchdowns over 14 games, Edwards redeemed himself in Michigan’s 34-13 national title win over Washington, rushing for 104 yards and two touchdowns. Now, with Blake Corum’s shadow behind him, Edwards is ready to shine.
Makari Paige: The Quiet Force
Joining Edwards as captain is Makari Paige , another West Bloomfield alum. Paige has been a steady presence in the Michigan secondary, playing in 41 games and starting 20 over his career. Last season, he recorded 41 tackles, two pass breakups, one fumble recovery, and a quarterback hurry, earning him a Big Ten honorable mention.
Paige may not be the loudest voice on the team, but his impact is undeniable. Defensive backs coach Lamar Morgan had high praise for the safety, stating,
"I think Makari is going to step up... he's a quiet guy. Makari is going to step up and he's going to do a great job, I'm excited about him."
Max Bredeson: The Heartbeat
Max Bredeson might not be a stat sheet superstar, but his value to the Wolverines goes beyond numbers. Bredeson, a former walk-on who has worked his way into a leadership role, requested to be listed as an H-back on Michigan’s roster—a hybrid position that reflects his versatility. Despite only catching seven passes for 98 yards over four years, Bredeson has become a crucial part of Michigan’s identity, especially in the run game.
"Max Bredeson is as important of a player that we have," said tight ends coach Steve Casula . "He may not show up each and every week on the stat sheet but when you want to talk about someone who allows us to establish our identity in terms of running the football, Max is vital to that."
Bredeson was also a Burlsworth Trophy nominee in 2023, an award given annually to the most outstanding FBS college football player who began his career as a walk-on. This year, he has a decent shot at taking home the trophy.
Rod Moore: The Uncertain Leader
Rounding out the captain quartet is safety Rod Moore , who would have been a media day representative if not for a knee injury sustained early in spring practice. The injury required surgery, and while there’s hope for his return, his status for the season remains in question.
Transfer graduate safety Wesley Walker hinted that Moore might be sidelined for a significant portion of the season, saying he wouldn't have come to Ann Arbor without Moore's situation. Despite the injury, Moore remains actively involved, a testament to his leadership. Defensive backs coach Lamar Morgan shared:
"I haven’t met anybody that got hurt that is willing to come up here and meet with players, and he might not be able to play the first half of the season. It takes a special person to do that. He hurt his leg and the next day he’s in the front row of our meeting. I haven’t seen that in my career."
A Legacy of Leadership
These four captains follow in the footsteps of last year’s six captains, all of whom are now in the NFL: Michael Barrett, Blake Corum, Kris Jenkins, Trevor Keegan, Mike Sainristil, and Zak Zinter. As Team 145 prepares for another season, the new captains are ready to lead the Wolverines with a blend of experience, grit, and determination.
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