Chip Lindsey is hoping to revamp the passing game and create a more balanced offense at Michigan. If there’s one WR who can play a role in helping that become a reality, it may be former Indiana WR Donaven McCulley, who Lindsey is “excited” about:
The Michigan Wolverines have lacked a true X-wide receiver for some time now, dating back to current Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins in 2019. Sure, there have been some productive big-bodied receivers over the last several seasons, but none of Roman Wilson, Cornelius Johnson, Tyler Morris or even Ronnie Bell stood 6-foot-3 or more.
But help is on the way, as former Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Donaven McCulley committed to Michigan out of the transfer portal in December. The 6-foot-5, 200-pounder appeared in 34 games with 15 starts in three seasons in Bloomington, compiling 66 receptions for 834 yards and eight receiving touchdowns at the wideout position. Before he transition from quarterback to wide receiver, he also had 71 rush attempts for 139 rush yards with three touchdowns, and completed 37-of-82 pass attempts for 542 yards and three touchdown passes.
Not only does McCulley have size, but he has proven he can win in space, against tight coverage and on 50-50 balls.
Thinking about this Donoven McCulley touchdown catch and how we get to see him in play in Curt Cignetti’s offense in 77 short days! #iufb pic.twitter.com/a5kyVF1XOy
— Martha the Mop Lady (@TheMopLady) June 15, 2024
“He’s a long, athletic guy that’s somewhat of a veteran guy, a little bit older,” offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey said of McCulley at a press conference on Tuesday. “And just watching him move around in the drill work, stuff that (strength and conditioning coach Justin) Tress and those guys do with him. He can really sink his hips and get in and out of breaks, which I think for a tall guy sometimes is a hard thing to do. I’ve been really impressed with that.
“We know he can catch the football. That’s something that he’s shown and proved on film. So he brings us a little more length in that room and (I am) excited about him, ready to get him out on the field.”
Transfer Donaven McCulley could be an important piece to Michigan’s passing game in 2025
Big 6’5” target who can come down with the ball. Will help Michigan create more chunk plays.
Go Blue 〽️ pic.twitter.com/qS1YLvgHd0
— Jake B 〽️ (@MichFootballBEL) January 16, 2025
Michigan’s receiver room was stacked with experience and depth during its 2023 National Championship run, but the Wolverines have since lost their top four targets from that period. Besides McCulley, Michigan’s receiver room consists of Semaj Morgan, Fred Moore, Kendrick Bell and Peyton O’Leary, all of whom have played a complementary role so far. Without a true No. 1, Lindsey and the coaching staff are still trying to figure out who can be the guy.
“We have some talented players there,” Lindsey said. “I think my challenge to those guys has been, who’s going to be the playmaker? We’ve got to figure that out. Who do we need to get the ball to? We’ve got to figure out who those guys are, and we’re hoping somebody will step to the front. That’s what we’re banking on, and that’s why spring ball is so fun. It’s just an opportunity to put them out there and let them play. Not a lot of thinking. Let’s just go play and compete every day and see what happens.”
Lindsey comes to Ann Arbor with a mission to revitalize the passing game, something he did at each of his previous destinations. In 2023 at North Carolina, Lindsey led an offense that averaged 292.2 passing yards per game (14th, NCAA), and his quarterback, Drake Maye, ended up becoming the No. 3 overall pick in the NFL Draft . A strong passing game comes with a balanced rushing attack and strong blocking up front, but it also heavily relies upon receivers to make consistent plays.
Michigan ranked 130th in passing offense in the FBS last season (out of 133), averaging 129.1 passing yards per game, averaging 8.38 yards per completion and throwing 13 interceptions.
The Wolverines’ leading receiver, Colston Loveland, tallied 582 receiving yards on 56 catches, placing him 184th in the country . Michigan’s leading wide receiver, Tyler Morris, had just 248 yards on 23 catches, placing him outside the top-400 . For comparison, McCulley brought in 48 passes for 644 yards and six touchdowns during his last full season in 2023.
It can’t just be one person, but with McCulley’s big frame and experience, Lindsey and company hope he can become a playmaker on the outside to help revamp the passing attack, leading to a more balanced overall offense.