Michigan has five commitments in the transfer portal this offseason to date. What else do the Wolverines need before the window closes?
As of this writing, Michigan has received five commitments in the transfer portal: WR Donaven McCulley (Indiana), OL Brady Norton (Cal Poly), DL Damon Payne (Alabama), CB Tevis Metcalf (Arkansas), and S T.J. Metcalf (Arkansas). However, the Wolverines are in on several others and have more needs before the winter portal closes on December 28th.
Today’s discussion question is this: what needs does Michigan still have?
The obvious answer is a bridge quarterback but I don’t actually think that’s the most glaring need. It’s clear that the coaching staff would prefer not to start Bryce Underwood from day one but the options in the portal aren’t great. Michigan has been in contact with Dequann Finn (Toledo/Baylor) and Mikey Keene (Fresno State) after striking out with Billy Edwards (Maryland). Finn was a star at Toledo two years ago but missed most of last season with injuries at Baylor. Keene has ties to new OC Chip Lindsey but it remains to be seen if he’s starter quality at a place like Michigan. Starting Underwood immediately does not appear out of the question.
At running back, the Wolverines have been mentioned by a few portal players such as Justice Haynes (Alabama), but it’s unknown how serious those talks are. Michigan may opt to run it back with a combination of Jordan Marshall, Ben Hall, and Micah Ka’apana. All three saw playing time down the stretch with Marshall being the most touted of the bunch.
To me, wide receiver is the position of most need. Unless Tyler Morris changes his mind and withdraws from the portal, the only experienced returning receivers are Semaj Morgan, Fred Moore, Kendrick Bell, and Peyton O’Leary. While still very young, this group was pretty dreadful this season and doesn’t inspire much confidence moving forward. McCulley certainly helps that, but I don’t know that a starting trio of McCulley, Morgan, and Moore is even average in the Big Ten next season.
The tight end spot is loaded with highly-ranked recruits who have yet to see much playing time. Marlin Klein and Hogan Hansen got some run this season but should both be breakout candidates in 2025. Brady Prieskorn should also take a step forward. Michigan has been rumored to be in on a transfer tight end or two, but I don’t see this as a position of real need.
On the offensive line, Michigan simply needs experienced bodies. There is talent galore in last year’s recruiting class (Andrew Sprague, Blake Frazier, Jake Guarnera, etc.) but rushing offensive lineman is never a good idea (see: Evan Link). Hopefully one or two are ready to contribute but if not Michigan needs to have serviceable starting lineman for next year.
The defensive line is rounding into shape with the addition of Damon Payne, the move of Jaishawn Barham to EDGE, and the announced return of both Derrick Moore and T.J. Guy. A rotation of Moore, Guy, Payne, Barham, Rayshaun Benny, Cam Brandt, Enow Etta, and Ike Iwunnah is solid. It may not be a world-beating defensive line but Mason Graham’s and Kenneth Grant’s don’t grow on trees.
At linebacker, Ernest Hausmann returns but could probably use some help. Jimmy Rolder and Jaydon Hood played admirably down the stretch this year but would make me a bit nervous as full-fledged starters in 2025.
Lastly, the secondary appears to be in okay shape but you can never have too many corners. With the departure of Will Johnson, it will be on Jyaire Hill and Jo’Ziah Edmond primarily to step up. We could also see early playing time for true freshman Shamari Earls. Zeke Berry is likely to stick at nickel with Rod Moore, Mason Curtis, Brandyn Hillman, and Jaden Mangham manning the safety spots in some order. In all, the secondary is in a good spot, if not elite.
In total I see two glaring holes on this projected 2025 roster: wide receiver and offensive line. Both still must be addressed even further than they already have. A bridge quarterback and a linebacker or two would be very nice to have, but aren’t essential in my mind. You never say no if there are interested corners as well.
What do you think? Which positions does Michigan need to address the most in the remaining time of the transfer portal? Which positions are they set at? Who in the portal do you want to be a Wolverine the most?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.