ANN ARBOR – In a notable turn of events for Michigan’s football team, the Wolverines took the field against USC with their top two tight ends, fifth-year Marlin Klein and sophomore Hogan Hansen, both healthy for just the second time this season. Despite their availability, the duo made minimal contributions in the passing game, combining for only one catch that gained five yards while each played just under half of the offensive snaps.
Historically, tight ends have played a significant role in Michigan’s offensive strategy, but this season, their involvement in the passing game has noticeably declined. Klein, who serves as a team captain, started strong in the season opener against New Mexico, where he led the team with six receptions for 93 yards and a touchdown. However, his performance has waned since then, totaling just six catches for 39 yards over the following four games. Hansen, on the other hand, has recorded three catches for 43 yards in three contests this season.
Michigan’s first-year offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey pointed out that the coverage faced by the Wolverines often influences the distribution of the ball. “Sometimes the coverage dictates where the ball goes,” Lindsey noted, acknowledging that while Klein had a strong start to the season, factors such as single high coverage have affected offensive tactics in subsequent games.
Last year, the Wolverines made a concerted effort to integrate All-American tight end Colston Loveland into the game plan regardless of the opposing team’s defensive setup. Loveland excelled, finishing with a team-high 56 catches for 582 yards and five touchdowns despite missing three games due to injury. However, this season, the passing game has looked different with the emergence of Indiana graduate transfer Donaven McCulley as the leading receiver, although he currently ranks 18th in the conference with an average of 58 receiving yards per game.
The Wolverines continue to emphasize a run-heavy approach, resulting in fewer opportunities for tight ends in the passing game. Michigan tight ends coach Steve Casula highlighted the urgency for his unit to step up as he remarked that “the time is now” to elevate their performance.
In their recent matchup against Wisconsin, Klein managed two catches for 13 yards, while back-up tight end Zack Marshall had one reception for 11 yards. Hansen could not participate in that game due to injury. Casula expressed satisfaction with the tight ends’ performances thus far but also acknowledged the potential for significantly higher output as the season progresses.
Historically, Michigan has seen its tight ends among the top receivers on the team, with five tight ends drafted since 2015, three of whom were selected in the first two rounds: Loveland, Jake Butt (2017), and Luke Schoonmaker (2023). Currently, Klein ranks fourth on the team in receiving in an offense that is positioned 12th in the Big Ten.
Despite the diminished role of tight ends this season, Marshall remains optimistic. He compared their performance fluctuations to the stock market, suggesting that while there are ups and downs, progress is inevitable. “When it ramps up, you feed the hot hand,” he said, indicating a willingness to adapt to the flow of the game.
Lindsey affirmed that the game plan will adapt according to the strengths of the players and the defense they face, indicating a possibility for the tight end group to be heavily utilized in different formations. Klein, who has grappled with a lower-leg injury since Week 2, played 52 offensive snaps in the season opener, but has seen diminishing on-field time in recent games. Meanwhile, Hansen recorded a season-high 24 snaps against USC, signaling a gradual return to form.
As Michigan continues to navigate the season, the hope is that the tight ends will find their rhythm in the offense and contribute significantly to the team’s success.