He won’t be catching passes right away, but Andrew Marsh’s first step into Michigan’s lineup says plenty about his upside. The true freshman wideout from Katy Jordan High School (Texas) will open the 2025 season as the Wolverines’ primary kick returner.
That role alone highlights his game-breaking speed and playmaking instincts—but if he proves himself on special teams, Marsh could quickly earn snaps in an offense searching for answers at receiver.
A decorated high school career
Marsh arrives in Ann Arbor with a résumé that screams instant-impact potential. He finished his high school career with over 3,500 receiving yards and 36 touchdowns, setting a school record his senior year with 1,172 yards on 65 catches.
He also flashed as a returner, including a 90-yard kickoff return touchdown, and dominated on the track as an AAU All-American in the high jump. With a 36-inch vertical and the ability to win contested balls, he enters Michigan as more than just a straight-line athlete—he’s a polished playmaker with versatility both outside and in the slot.
Michigan’s need for explosiveness
That matters because Michigan’s passing game desperately needs a spark. In 2024, the Wolverines ranked near the bottom of the FBS with just 129.1 passing yards per game and 12 total passing touchdowns. Defenses had little reason to respect the deep ball, stacking the box to contain the run-heavy attack.
Enter freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, the nation’s No. 1 recruit, tasked with raising the ceiling of a stagnant offense. Underwood’s arm talent allows Michigan to stretch defenses vertically—but he’ll need weapons who can win downfield. Marsh’s blend of reliable hands, ball skills, and burst could make him a natural target as the season progresses.
Chip Lindsey’s vision
New offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey has emphasized that Michigan’s identity will remain physical but more explosive in 2025.
“I want us to be a physical football team that creates explosives,” Lindsey said. “We’ve got the ability, whether some receivers or the quarterback, to really push the ball down the field when it makes sense.”
For now, Marsh’s audition comes in the open field as a return man, where every touch is a chance to showcase the speed and vision that made him a coveted recruit. But his opportunity doesn’t stop there. If he proves himself reliable, Michigan may have little choice but to expand his role, especially with an unproven receiver group still looking for consistency.
The bottom line
Marsh might not be penciled in as a starting receiver, but don’t mistake his special teams role as small. Kick return duty gives him a platform to earn trust and rhythm, and if his track record is any indication, big plays will follow.
With Bryce Underwood growing into his role and Lindsey pushing for a more dynamic passing attack, Andrew Marsh could evolve from return specialist to offensive difference-maker—and give Michigan the vertical threat it has been missing.