In the transfer portal era, rebuilding a football program is easier and quicker than ever. What positions should Michigan be looking to upgrade during the upcoming transfer portal window?
No one at this site will try to convince you the 2024 Michigan Wolverines football season has been a success. Program-wide failures have occurred both on the field and off the field.
Because of that, changes must be made. Fortunately for head coach Sherrone Moore, today’s era of college football makes rapid change more possible than ever. Many fans (myself included) have clamored for a change at one or both coordinator positions. Whether that happens or not remains to be seen. However, there is one change that is inevitable: additions and subtractions via the transfer portal.
If the Wolverines want to be a contender in the conference, let alone nationally, it’s clear they must bring in talented players via the portal. With quarterback being an obvious need — even with five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood committing to Michigan last night — fans should expect the Wolverines to be incredibly active in the quarterback market once the portal opens up in December.
The question I pose to you today is this — where else does Michigan need to get help at from the transfer portal?
On the offensive side of the ball, wide receiver is a need. While most of the blame is pointed at the quarterback situation, the wide receivers aren’t doing their part to help out Davis Warren and company. Michigan could use a rangy, tall outside receiver or two.
The offensive line could also use some help, but that is arguably the toughest position to find talent at in the portal. Michigan has had success in the form of Olu Oluwatimi and Drake Nugent in recent years, but they are the exception, not the norm. Michigan could use all of the talent it can get, regardless of which offensive line position.
Defensively, you can never have too much talent on the defensive line. Assuming the Wolverines lose Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant and Josaiah Stewart to the NFL Draft , those are some massive shoes to fill. T.J. Guy and Rayshaun Benny have performed admirably as role players this year, but they could use some help next season.
At the linebacker level, a lot will depend on Jaishawn Barham’s decision. Momentum has been gathering in recent weeks that he may be back in Ann Arbor next season, which would be huge.
In the secondary, Michigan will be losing Will Johnson, Makari Paige and Aamir Hall, at the very least. While there is some talent returning such as Zeke Berry and Jyaire Hill — and maybe Rod Moore — there’s no reason Michigan couldn’t pick up a lockdown corner opposite Hill.
Michigan will have some returning talent, but will need to focus heavily on development over the offseason. In the portal, I would prioritize Michigan’s needs as quarterback, offensive line, defensive line and secondary, in that order.
How would you prioritize Michigan’s transfer portal needs? Do you have any names in mind you hope enter the portal? How realistic is it Michigan can find and get a high quality starting quarterback via the portal? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.