CHUCK FILIAGA

A long-time member of the Michigan offensive line appears ready to transfer. Chuck Filiaga, who appeared in 39 games over four seasons for the Wolverines, entered his name into the NCAA transfer portal on Friday, team spokesman Dave Ablauf confirmed to MLive. Related: Running out of time, Michigan OL Chuck Filiaga turns ‘nasty’In his four seasons at Michigan, Filiaga slowly worked his way into a starting role, getting the nod at left guard in all six games during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. He began 2021 as the starter at right guard, but injuries and competition set him back. Filiaga started three games at right guard and one at left guard along Michigan’s offensive line, honored with the best-in-the-nation Joe Moore Award.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — With time running out for Chuck Filiaga, Michigan’s fifth-year senior offensive lineman turned over a new leaf during the offseason. Filiaga says he was known as being the jokester of the group, a funny, welcoming figure that wanted to get along with everyone. “Sometimes when I got onto the field, I would bring that with me,” Filiaga told reporters on Tuesday. Filiaga reviewed his future goals and how he wanted to be remembered at Michigan. I had to dig deep for that.”Filiaga is part of a Michigan offensive line trying to establish itself as a big, physical group this year — borne out in the Wolverines’ 334 rushing yards against Western Michigan.

Prepare every single week like we’re playing Ohio State. Michigan has lost eight straight games and 15 of the last 16 to Ohio State, winners of four straight Big Ten championships. “We’re preparing every day like we’re playing Ohio State,” starting tight end Joel Honigford said. Players of the past, and even Harbaugh himself, would often take the “one game at a time” approach when asked about Ohio State. When practice comes or the way we’ve been practicing — just practice like we’re preparing for Ohio State.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The scene outside Michigan Stadium reminds me of years past. Inside the stadium, Michigan’s football team has taken the field. There have been rumors about banged up players along the offensive line, which would explain why the coaching staff has remained so coy about starters. Zak Zinter was in uniform and present early on wit ha club on his right hand, leaving in doubt his eligibility. Look for Ojabo and Taylor Upshaw to split time there; Michigan is going to do everything it can to deploy Hutchinson.

It seems like every season a handful of true freshmen step into significant roles for Michigan football, but could it only be one this year?

Michigan’s football team closed spring practice with three starters determined along its offensive line. “There’s just a battle going on to get to the five best,” Harbaugh told host Jon Jansen. “Very good players,” Harbaugh said to describe all three. Zinter started four games at right guard in 2020, suggesting that might be his preferred spot. Michigan only lost one starter from its offensive line in 2020; right tackle Jalen Mayfield, who declared for the NFL draft.

Michigan’s third-year offensive line coach acknowledged that he had a new group of starters (minus right tackle Jalen Mayfield), but pointed to their familiarity. And perhaps more importantly, it opened up a few massive holes for the running game. More: QB Joe Milton sparkles, and sheds a tear, in first Michigan start• Which is where we’ll start, at 12:23 of the first quarter with Michigan trailing 7-0. But what made this play so successful was Filiaga recognizing (and blocking) Minnesota defensive back Jordan Howden on the right side. That creates an open running lane on the right side for Milton, who found a hole for a 23-yard pickup.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan football has to replace four offensive linemen from last season, and Jim Harbaugh revealed the new starting five during his Monday press conference. Jalen Mayfield and Ryan Hayes will be the starting tackles, which is no surprise since both have prior starting experience. Stueber and Mayfield were in a battle for the starting right tackle spot last August before that injury, and now Stueber has moved inside. LATEST: Michigan vs. Michigan State will kick off at noon on HalloweenFormer walk-on O-lineman Andrew Vastardis will start at center as a fifth-year senior. “He has been the leader on the offensive line for several months, since the season ended, since last year ended,” Harbaugh said.

TRANSFER NEWS: Charles Thomas enters transfer portal as future linebacker room gets crowded“They have been through a lot,” Harbaugh said. I feel really good about them in terms of competitiveness, and oneness -- probably the most important thing. “A lot of really good leaders, a lot of guys who are really invested and a lot of guys who really like each other,” Harbaugh said. “(Nordin)'s in a real competitive battle with (Jake) Moody, who’s also doing a really good job, so it’s still playing out,” Harbaugh said. I feel the talent is really good, and I think they’ll all eventually see action, but those are really tight battles."

Even with Jalen Mayfield planning a return to Michigan, the football team’s offensive line has some work to do this fall. Among the group, Gattis singled out Andrew Vastardis, the fifth-year senior, as having taken over a leadership role. And offensive line coach Ed Warinner has praised the ability and ceiling of redshirt sophomore Ryan Hayes — who started two games for Jon Runyan last fall — at left tackle. “Obviously getting the great news that Jalen’s coming back (helps),” Gattis said, pointing to the honorable mention all-Big Ten selection’s desire to improve his play while helping bolster Michigan’s offensive line. But the offensive line is an all-or-nothing unit.