Veteran DL could have a breakout season for Michigan Football in 2026

Defensive lineman Enow Etta was a solid addition for the Michigan Wolverines when he was a four-star recruit coming out of high school, but he hasn’t found his time to shine quite yet. He has been steadily improving throughout his career, and this could be the year he has the opportunity to breakout.

The story so far

Etta committed to the Michigan football program back in July 2022. He came to Ann Arbor from Covenant Christian Academy in Colleyville, Texas in the 2023 recruiting class. Like most true freshman, he did not see a lot of action during his first year in college. However, he did play in three games and even recorded his first tackle vs UNLV. Etta ended up redshirting that season.

He then had a small role during the 2024 season, appearing in 10 games line and recording his first start against Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl. Etta finished the season with four total tackles and half of a sack.

One aspect of Etta’s Michigan career that is encouraging is his steady improvement. His role increased last season as well, as he was good enough to play in all 13 games. He managed to rack up 15 tackles and another half of a sack. He hasn’t had that breakout year yet, but he has gotten better and better with each passing season.

Outlook for 2026

Expectations were high for Etta when Michigan earned his commitment, as he was one of the best players at his position in the 2023 class. This season is when things very well could start paying off for the Wolverines.

At this point, Etta should be good enough to earn a starting job along the defensive line at the beginning of the season. He has been in the program for three years and has shown a good amount of growth since he stepped foot on campus. The defensive line has been a major strength throughout Etta’s time in Ann Arbor, and there just wasn’t room for him to be a starter because of all that talent.

But that is now no longer the case. Etta has patiently waited for his turn, and he is now one of the best interior defensive linemen on the team alongside fellow veteran Trey Pierce and Utah transfer Jonah Lea’ea. This defense has the potential to wreak a ton of havoc on opposing quarterbacks in 2026, and that will certainly be the case if Etta finally lives up to his potential.