Story byTony Garcia, Detroit Free PressSun, January 11, 2026 at 8:44 PM UTC·2 min readJimmy Rolder, Michigan football's standout linebacker, has declared for the 2026 NFL Draft. Rolder spent his first three seasons in Ann Arbor as a backup before becoming a key cog of the U-M defense in 2025 and now will not return to Michigan for the 2026 season. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHe posted on social media on Sunday, Jan. 11, that he has "made the decision to take the next step in my journey and declare for the NFL draft."Although Rolder played four years in Ann Arbor, he had one more year of eligibility that he will now forgo. He made just six appearances in 2023, with two of those games being in the postseason and not counting toward the redshirt. Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder (30) celebrates a Michigan State turnover during the first half at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Saturday, October 25, 2025."To the University of Michigan – thank you for four unforgettable years," Rolder's post read in part.