At least one Michigan football captain will return by 2025.
Max Bredeson, a former walk-on became captain and leader of Team 145, stated on social media Wednesday afternoon that he will not join the 2025 NFL Draft, instead returning to Ann Arbor for his fifth and final season with the Wolverines.
“Team 146 lets do it,” Bredeson’s post read. “Go blue.
Bredeson, an H-back who plays both tight end and fullback in Michigan’s scheme, has only three catches for 24 yards this season, but his position on the team cannot be defined solely by statistics. He was the athlete who created the term ‘buy in week’ when Michigan re-dedicated itself late in the season following a loss at Indiana that dropped the team to.500.
The Wolverines responded by defeating Northwestern 50-6, shocking the Buckeyes 13-10 in Columbus, and securing a bowl berth against Alabama by defeating them 19-13 in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
“Yeah, we discussed lessons rather than losses,” Bredeson stated after the game. “We had a lot of lessons this year, and just learning from them helped us understand the things we needed to know to end up on the positive side, which we did in these last three games.
“Finishing on a strong note was huge for us and will build great momentum going into the off-season.”
There’s little doubt that the comeback will make a positive impact in the locker room. Bredeson was nominated a finalist for the 2024 Burlsworth Trophy, which is given to the most excellent player who began as a walk-on and has been referred to as the team’s ‘heart and soul’ by his teammates.
“He’s the ultimate competitor, the ultimate leader, everything you want in a captain, and a guy you want on your team,” head coach Sherrone Moore said of Bredeson before oU-M’s season-ending game. “As physical as any college football player I’ve seen. He embodies everything you look for in a team leader. He has a significant impact on our club both on and off the field, ensuring that the locker room is united in every aspect.
“I can’t speak highly enough about that young man. I’m very excited for him and his commitment in whatever he does.”
Bredeson’s two older brothers also played at Michigan. Jack pitched on the baseball team, while Ben was a four-year starting offensive tackle (and two-year captain) who now plays in the NFL for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Bredeson has 10 career catches totaling 121 yards.
