With so many major contributors from last year’s squad now in the NFL, there are numerous Wolverines that might breakout on offense this fall.

What has felt like an eternity of an offseason is almost over, as coming off of a National Championship, thousands will throng The Big House to see the Michigan Wolverines take the field next month.

With so many major contributors from last year’s club leaving to the NFL, numerous guys on offense could step up and be breakout prospects in 2024. Here are three players who might truly make a name for themselves in the redesigned offense this fall.

Semaj Morgan, Wide Receiver

With both Roman Wilson and Cornelius Johnson both in the NFL, Morgan could easily be the main pass receiver for the Wolverines in 2024.

In a good freshman season, Morgan caught 22 passes and gained 271 total yards and four touchdowns, two on the ground and two through the air. He did receive an All-Big Ten honorable mention by the coaches and media after turning heads in a small role. Morgan also returned kicks and punts last season, including an 87-yard return against Iowa in the Big Ten Championship game.

WHAT A PUNT RETURN BY MORGAN

@UMichFootbal pic.twitter.com/fbF0RRCDEA

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) December 3, 2023

That play nicely summarizes why the wide receiver could break out this season; he makes defenders miss, he’s got blazing speed, and as we saw in the Purdue win, he can turn the momentum of a game on a dime with a big play. And following his freshman season, he told reporters he’s lot more comfortable after acquiring some confidence last season.

“I feel like they’re getting me ready,” he remarked. “The whole process of being a college (player), going through my freshman year, (it’s) a process of growing and seeing things. I feel like it’s gonna help me excel this year and the next year. I’m just starting to grasp things more now. Right now, I feel like I’m in a place where I can keep getting better every day.”

He’ll need to be more consistent, but as my colleague Dan Plocher discussed in Morgan’s prediction for next season, he’s probably going to be in motion a lot and he’ll have plenty of possibilities for a huge sophomore season.

Alex Orji, Quarterback

This one almost feels too apparent to include here, but with his dual-threat talent, Orji has the capability to thrive in on a Sherrone Moore side that prioritizes offensive line play and smash football.

Jack Tuttle has more experience at the collegiate level than Orji, and could start Week 1 because of that. Even if he doesn’t win the starting job, the Wolverines may still use Orji in a Wildcat-style, change-of-pace look that was seldom used last season.

With how much Sherrone Moore wanted to run the ball last season, I’d like to see Orji be a significant part of the running game, whether he wins the starting position or not. Orji provides Moore and new offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell the chance to be creative with read options and designed quarterback runs behind an offensive line that should still be one of the finest in the country.

Michigan has have to find a way to utilize Alex Orji this season pic.twitter.com/BbffjqiXeM

— 〽️att Hartwell (@MaizeCrusader) April 3, 2023

He’s also one of the greatest athletes on the roster, so even if he’s not throwing the ball all the time, he’s sure to earn his way on the field.

Being the starting quarterback at Michigan is difficult, especially considering that the passer will be filling the shoes of one of the best in school history in J.J. McCarthy. Orji is a guy with a lot to show this season, especially with his arm, but with greater playing time and his athleticism, he’s an obvious breakthrough possibility.

Marlin Klein, Tight End

The Wolverines proved last season that two tight ends can thrive in their offense, with Colston Loveland likely to be one of the top pass catchers in 2024 and A.J. Barner presently working with the Seattle Seahawks in training camp.

The Wolverines will need to replace Barner to keep defenses honest and not overburden a top target in Loveland, and Klein seems like the “next man up” at that position. Like Morgan and Orji, Klein is a breakout prospect because of his athleticism.

“Marlin is the fastest tight end, probably the strongest tight end, biggest tight end, so he’s got it all there,” Loveland said this spring. “He’s done a great job this spring of taking that next step — actually starting, real playing time, and he’s just embraced it and done a damn good job in practice.”

Klein has played infrequently over the last two seasons, appearing in 12 games and catching only one pass, against Michigan State. He’s going to win playing time due of his blocking ability, showcasing a terrific double team and getting to the second level in the Spring Game.

The only was to start a game: power.

Real great double team by Marlin Klein (17) & Andrew Gentry (75).
Good kick by Amir Herring (50).
Typical block by Bredeson (44)
And excellent patience & burst by Donovan (7) pic.twitter.com/uoJSxovqST

— Due# (@JDue51) April 21, 2024

We haven’t seen very much of Klein so far, but his speed and blocking skills will help him stay on the field. With defenders tuned in on Loveland, Klein will have plenty of opportunity to break out this season as long as he can run effective routes and catch passes regularly.