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The Michigan football team is historically known for having standout talent at the linebacker position. While Jaishawn Barham and Jimmy Rolder are the most recent additions, there are currently more than 10 former-Wolverine linebackers active in the NFL. Entering 2026 though, this group remains one of the key questions for Michigan and coach Kyle Whittingham. Seemingly lacking a spotlight talent, the Wolverines are instead balancing a group of skilled linebackers who will share the limelight. “There’s really five or six guys that I feel comfortable playing in games,” defensive coordinator Jay Hill said August 20. “I’d like to see some of those guys just completely cement themselves as the starter, but that’s a good problem that we have right now.” While the group may have more depth, one name has yet to stand out amongst the others and truly take control of the room. Throughout fall camp, seven or so guys have been said to be making strides and making a case for a starting spot on Hill’s defense. But none so much so as graduate linebacker Nathaniel Staehling. Staehling joined Michigan after four years at North Dakota State and wasn’t a part of spring practices due to a shoulder injury. But through fall camp, Staehling has reportedly been a welcome surprise to the linebacker core. After joining the Wolverines with only FCS experience and coming off of a nagging injury, there was some speculation as to what impact Staehling could realistically have. Staehling set those doubts straight after showing off his speed and physicality during fall camp. “He’s a lot faster than he looks,” senior linebacker Troy Bowles said of Staehling Monday. “So (Staehling) just adds more speed to the room. I think we’re all fast, but now he’s fast, and obviously he’s, I think he’s a fifth year, so he’s smart. He’s definitely expanded his mind to us and the younger guys in the group.” While Satehling has been a positive surprise to the linebacker group, he seemingly hasn’t taken the reins of the room — in fact, no one has. But Bowles has certainly spent fall camp making a case for being that guy for the linebackers. As one of the only returning veterans of the group, Bowles brings familiarity to the position and program. And according to him, this fall is the best he’s felt he’s performed while at college. From a combination of staying healthy, understanding the play book and executing on each play, Bowles is certainly working for the opportunity to be a key contributor on the defense. As of right now though, he has yet to secure the position he’s striving for. “(The competition) pushes you to be your best every day,” Bowles said. “You can’t take a day off because somebody might take your spot. So we’re all battling in the room, all rotating.” Besides Staehling and Bowles, few other names have been thrown around as potential difference makers in the group. Sophomores Chase Taylor and Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng return to Michigan after making sparse contributions last year while graduates Aisea Moa and Max Elford join the Wolverines with limited linebacker experience, notching a mere six total starts at the position combined over the last four years. The group has spent fall camp rotating through reps, as Hill looks for the best possible combination at the position. But exactly how long this rotation will remain in flux is still up in the air. “I think we’re gonna shock a lot of people,” Staehling said Thursday. “I know how these guys work. I know how they are physically. I know how they are mentally. Like these guys, I’m really excited about this group.” As Week 1 approaches, Michigan remains without a clear answer for who is going to step up at the linebacker position. And while the Wolverines may be able to have some buffer in figuring out their rotation against Western Michigan, without a clear answer, Michigan is in for a rude awakening as the season continues.