Michigan OL Jake Guarnera reveals key areas of focus ahead of 2026

This week on the In the Trenches podcast, Jon Jansen interviewed Michigan center Jake Guarnera, who is taking over for Greg Crippen at center. He’s got quite a bit of experience under his belt after starting 10 games and playing in all 13 games a season ago. His play even earned him an All-Big Ten honorable mention.

Now he’s heading into his third year with the program and looking to build on his growth as a sophomore. Here’s what he had to say on the podcast:

On how he’s been adjusting to all the new stuff

Guarnera told Jansen that the jump from position to position in college is easier than the jump from high school to college. He’s using what he learned from Crippen last year, and things have been easier to adjust to for him regarding reading coverages and running schemes they’ve already run.

However, Guarnera also said center is different than playing at guard. He’s on the ball and able to see more of the defense, and he enjoys getting to see that much of the field.

On what he needed to work on this spring

Guarnera said he knew a lot of things he needed to work on after last year. Now, he’s using each practice to focus on and improve one thing on his list. He said he realizes even one practice can help make a difference. He told Jansen he’s focusing on his footwork for when they run outside zone, specifically.

On getting re-recruited

Many of us were pretty bummed when Guarnera entered the transfer portal in the offseason. Thankfully, he was convinced to stay at Michigan. Jansen asked about the re-recruitment process, and Guarnera said it was a pretty stressful few days. He wanted to know all of his options, and decided to come back due to his development, the tradition of the program and his education.

On having different people around him on the line

Guarnera said he’s been challenged this offseason when it comes to the position group. He’s been trying to get used to playing with different guys around him, and he doesn’t always notice who’s on the line with him. He says they’re working on the different plays and different calls to improve ahead of the fall.

On the status of the offensive line

Jansen asked Guarnera where the offensive line is at after spring practices. With the new look, the Wolverines are trying to make sure everyone is ready to go come the start of the season. Guarnera thinks they need to keep working on spending time outside of practice, and he is hoping they continue to bond in the offseason.

On how QB Bryce Underwood is developing

Guarnera has a unique perspective on the development of Bryce Underwood since he’s snapping the ball to him this season. He told Jansen that Underwood is working on trusting the line to let plays develop.

On the challenging schedule ahead

Guarnera said they all expected a tough schedule playing in the Big Ten and they know they’ve got some tough games this season. He said the guys on the field know that’s what they signed up for when they decided to play for Michigan, and they’re doing everything they can to prepare for the season.

On what the group is working on ahead of fall camp

Guarnera once again focused on the need for the position group to spend time together off the field to build momentum ahead of fall camp. It’s not the first time we’ve heard players on the offensive line talk about the importance of building familiarity and comfort with their teammates so they can have success on the field.