#81
Malik Denkins
Returning to Central Michigan for 2026
This season's coverage starts August 26 — check back once kickoff hits.
Malik Denkins
Limited signal — not enough coverage for a story yet.
Career Arc
HS
Recruit
—
CFB
College
Central Michigan
NFL
NFL Draft
—
Coaching Lineage · 2022–2025
2 coaches2022
Central Michigan
2024
Central Michigan
2025era →
Matt Drinkall
Central Michigan
Coaching transition mid-career: Jim McElwain → Matt Drinkall. Worth noting in scheme + development context.
2025 snapshot
Season context · Team result + system
2022Central Michigan4-8HC: Jim McElwain · Run-leaning
2024Central Michigan4-8HC: Jim McElwain · Run-leaning
2025Central Michigan7-6HC: Matt Drinkall · Run-heavy, slow tempo
Career stats
| Season | Team | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Central Michigan | 5 | 1 | 0.5 | 0.0 | -- | -- | -- |
| 2024 | Central Michigan | 4 | 1 | 0.5 | 0.5 | -- | -- | -- |
| 2022 | Central Michigan | 1 | 1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | -- | -- | -- |
| Career | 10 | 3 | 1.0 | 0.5 | -- | -- | -- |
Signature game
SIGNATURE GAME · Week 4 · 2025
W 49–10
vs Wagner
2 TOT · 0 TFL
Dominant 39-point win at home against Wagner.
How he plays
2026 Outlook
Central Michigan
2026 Depth chart
Projected starter
Defensive line · Central Michigan
Returning around him
- 10% of 2024 offensive production back (Heavy turnover)
- Transfer portal: -5 net (12 in / 17 out)
2026 Award watch
No preseason watch lists yet (most drop June 15 – July 15)
Central Michigan · Last season: 7-6 · Talent rank #121 · 2026 recruiting class #94
Heisman trajectory
Heisman Trajectory · 2025
Peak #11234
Peaked at #11234 this season.