Michigan Wolverines incredible duo featured on national award watch list as they likely anchor Sherrone Moore’s defense in 2025
The Michigan Wolverines might be replacing several pieces of their defense thanks to the departure of talents like Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, and Will Johnson to the NFL Draft, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t still absolutely stacked on that side of the ball.Sherrone Moore still has some absolute studs up and down the roster […]
The Michigan Wolverines might be replacing several pieces of their defense thanks to the departure of talents like Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, and Will Johnson to the NFL Draft, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t still absolutely stacked on that side of the ball.
Sherrone Moore still has some absolute studs up and down the roster heading into 2025, and one incredible duo that should anchor the defensive side this season was properly recognized this week via the Butkus Award Preseason Watch List.
Ernest Hausmann and Jaishawn Barham deemed two of the best linebackers in the nation on Butkus Watch List
Ernest Hausmann and Jaishawn Barham put together solid performances last year for Michigan, both racking up over 60 tackles and allowing less than nine yards per reception in coverage. It’s no wonder they both made the Butkus Award Watch List. For those unfamiliar with the award, it’s given to the “nation’s best linebacker” every single year.
Jaishawn Barham’s mix of pass rush ability and downhill run defense kept opposing offenses guessing last year. Hausmann’s consistency and leadership held the entire unit together as Michigan’s offense couldn’t stay on the field at all last year. This duo was already special a year ago. They might be even more important in 2025.
Michigan was one of just a few programs that saw multiple players honored on the Butkus preseason list for 2025. Not a single program had three players make the list. Can Hausmann or Barham actually win the award this year?
Last year’s winner was Jalon Walker of Georgia, who brought immense value as both a run stopper and pass rush artist. However, Walker was a bit of an exception for the award, because generally the Butkus winner has far more tackles (Walker only had about 60). However, in an era where pass rush is more important than ever, it seems players who bring a balanced skill set to their game are valued higher than just the tackle monsters of yesteryear.
Hausmann will have no problem racking up 80+ tackles once again, but he may need to add some coverage stats or a few sacks if he wants to be in the mix. Barham on the other hand has already shown he can bring pressure (over 20% pass rush pressure rate last season) in the pass game and stuff the run with one of the lowest missed tackle rates in the country. Barham just needs to prove he’s not a liability in coverage, converting a few more pressures into sacks, and he might be firmly in the mix.
Regardless of who wins, it’s promising to see two of Michigan’s most important defensive players honored before the season even begins. Wolverines fans should just hope that translates to success on the field too.
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