Michigan Football Player Given Notable Preseason Honor After Big Season With Wolverines

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Meyer | Last updated Jul 2, 2025 2:10 AM ET

The Michigan Wolverines have been known for several different aspects of their team in recent years including the running game, defensive backs, defensive line, tight ends and more.

One underrated and mostly unheralded aspect of the team that has gone overlooked has been the special teams unit, spearheaded by strong performances in punt coverage, kick coverage, punting and kicking.

The Wolverines' special teams helped pave the way for the biggest win of the season in 2024 against the Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus, Ohio, and now a hero of that game is being honored with a First-Team All-America slot.

Zvada was named to Athlon Sports' First-Team All-America Team as a Specialist on Tuesday, a player who joined Michigan from the Arkansas State Red Wolves during the 2024 offseason and went on to become a game winning player for coach Sherrone Moore's team.

Zvada hit 21-of-22 field goals during his first year in Ann Arbor, converting on an impressive 7-of-7 kicks of 50 yards or more including a long of 56 yards.

Zvada has now made 55-of-62 field goals during his time as a college football player including two seasons in Jonesboro, Arkansas with the Red Wolves.

The selection of Zvada was followed up by the choice of defensive end Derrick Moore to the Fourth Team by Lassan after Moore eschewed the NFL in favor of returning to Lou Esposito's stellar defensive line in Ann Arbor.

Moore is expected to step up his play with a goal of leading Michigan back to the Big Ten Championship Game after the departures of program legends Kenneth Grant and Mason Graham to the NFL.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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