Underrated Michigan defender already receiving rave reviews from scouts across the NFL while becoming a weapon for the Wolverines
Underrated Michigan defender is already turning heads of NFL evaluators
When you think of the Michigan Wolverines in recent memory, besides for cheating, you are going to think about the tremendous players they have had on the defensive side of the football. With names like Aidan Hutchinson, Mason Graham, and Will Johnson, it is quite the run that program is on. They have just been pumping out future NFL defenders.
On the 2025 version of the Wolverines, they are not quite as loaded on that side of the football. They have some solid 2026 NFL Draft prospects such as Derrick Moore, Rayshaun Benny, Jaishawn Barham, and Ernest Hausmann, but none of them are considered elite players. Funny enough, the best draft prospect on that Michigan defense might be someone not many are familiar with, junior safety Brandyn Hillman.
After serving mostly on special teams his first year and a half with the program, Hillman finally got his chance to play a ton down the stretch in 2024. That included during the game against Alabama in the bowl game, the first start in the career of the Virginia native. Hillman made his presence felt against the Crimson Tide, and quickly made it known that he would be a focal point of the long-term plans on the back end.
It’s only one game into the season, and it was just against New Mexico, but Hillman just put together his best game in the maize and blue. On the day, Hillman managed to collect five total tackles, a tackle for loss, and his first career interception. The 6-0, 200-pound athlete showcased his diverse skill set. He can do a little bit of everything in the secondary.
At his core, the former Notre Dame signee is a premier alley runner. He likes to make his presence known on the football field, possessing a tremendous combination of short-area explosiveness and physicality. You will see it from Hillman in run support, where he comes to balance well and strikes as a tackler.
Even if Hillman is a physical presence in the middle of the field, he also has the requisite range to make some big plays on the back end. The Wolverines have asked him to play both two and single high at times, and he has made plays from both alignments. Hillman is more of an eraser than a playmaker in coverage, but he has a propensity to always be around the football.
Just a junior this season, there’s no telling if Hillman will end up entering the 2026 or 2027 NFL Draft class. He is, however, already creating buzz in NFL circles for the upside he brings to the table. If you aren’t familiar with the name, make sure to turn on a Michigan game this season. No. 6 on the back end is a player to keep close tabs on.
Michigan Wolverines News
Bryce Underwood and Michigan Wolverines find critical answer on offense as they defeat New Mexico in Week 1 action
Michigan Wolverines have their new de facto WR1 to replace Colston Loveland
