There are some who don't give Michigan football much of a chance of improving upon the 8-5 season a year ago, but with much of the defense returning (including the entire staff on that side of the ball), the onus will be on the offense to pick things up from a year ago.
In 2024, the Wolverines had the No. 129-ranked offense out of 134 teams, but they're changing things up in a big way with a new quarterback room -- led by No. 1 overall recruit in 2025, Bryce Underwood -- and a new offensive coordinator in Chip Lindsey.
One of the new components to the offense is wide receiver Donaven McCulley, the former Indiana quarterback and wideout. At 6-foot-5, he'll add size to a receiving corps that lacked that a year ago. What's more, he has fresh eyes on what this new-look Michigan offense is, and he says that while it will have some similarities to things of old, there will be some things that fans aren't used to seeing that should tantalize as well as make it more productive.
"Fast-paced, we're gonna throw the ball down the field. And I think that's his vision," McCulley said. "Of course, we're gonna set the -- what's it called? The line of scrimmage and stuff like that, like with the run game, of course. But I think he really wants to get the ball down the field a lot more."
Of course, he wouldn't be in Ann Arbor if the offense was set to look like it had a year ago, thus he's excited to be utilized in the way that Lindsey intends. But bringing in Underwood as well as Lindsey showed McCulley the commitment to revamping the offense and becoming a more pass-happy attack.
"It kind of showed me what they wanted to do in the passing game," McCulley said. "And bringing in Coach Lindsey, that helped a lot. Bringing in quarterbacks and you got guys that could really throw the ball.I think that really helped me to make a decision on coming here."
As for McCulley, being with a new team, in a new system, he feels like this is a fresh start, and one where he can maximize his potential.
"I'm going into every situation with a chip on my shoulder," McCulley said. "Head on straight, tunnel vision. And I'm just here to add to the greatness that's already here."
Fans will get their first opportunity to see McCulley in action in the annual spring game which is set for April 19 at The Big House.
This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Donaven McCulley says what Chip Lindsey coordinated offense looks like
