When asked who he thinks could be the next great wide receiver at Michigan, position coach Ron Bellamy didn’t hesitate when he said Indiana transfer Donaven McCulley. Here is how McCulley is “on track” to do so:
Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Donaven McCulley is slated to bring big-play ability, experience and size to the wide receiving corps in his first year with the program. After developing into an All-Big Ten performer at Indiana, McCulley transferred to Michigan in December and has an opportunity to become the program’s next great wide receiver, according to position coach Ron Bellamy.
The 6-foot-5, 200-pounder will provide a bigger, more physical target the Wolverines’ offensive attack didn’t have a year ago. Bellamy and head coach Sherrone Moore have told the media this offseason that the coaching staff wanted to acquire more size and length in the revamped receiver room, and McCulley certainly fits the bill.
“We wanted to get bigger in the receiver room and we had some attrition. We tried to make up for that via the portal and McCulley has been a great addition,” Bellamy said. “Most of (the bigger receivers) have basketball backgrounds and the ball being in the air is just rebounding to them. That’s something we didn’t have last year for the most part and we do now.”
Bellamy and the wide receivers often discuss the storied legacy of elite pass catchers that went to Michigan, referencing a wall in the facilities covered with images of some of the best wide receivers in program history. Guys like Anthony Carter, Braylon Edwards, Desmond Howard, Mario Manningham, David Terrell and Amani Toomer fill that wall.
There’s a rich tradition of receivers at Michigan.
Who’s next? pic.twitter.com/5WoGCTZJ7E
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) April 7, 2025
“There’s a rich tradition of receivers at Michigan and you can see the boys take pride in that,” Bellamy said. “On the wall, there’s a collage of guys throughout the history of Michigan football and it’s like ‘Who’s going to be the next one of you guys in this room that enters that wall?’ You really have to get to work to get on that wall so it’s been pretty cool.”
When asked who he thinks could be the next great wide receiver at Michigan, Bellamy mentioned McCulley.
“Donaven McCulley is the oldest guy in the room and he has the most experience,” Bellamy said. “He’s played more than 1,000 snaps in his college career so, quite naturally, you would think he would be the next guy on the wall, and that’s what he’s ascending to. He’s on track to do that, but he just has to keep attacking and challenging himself everyday.”
Due to his dynamic blend of size and skill, McCulley is in position to elevate Michigan’s receiving corps and potentially carve out his own place in the rich legacy of Wolverine wideouts. He recorded 66 receptions and 834 receiving yards in four years with Indiana, which included receiving All-Big Ten recognition after leading the Hoosiers in receiving in 2023.
In a room filled with promising young players, McCulley’s four seasons of experience at Indiana make him an invaluable asset for the Wolverines’ offense this fall. It’s easier said than done, but if he’s able to fulfill his potential, he is primed to leave his mark on the program.