The NCAA transfer portal has officially closed its doors, and the Michigan Wolverines are left to ponder a critical question: Did they emerge stronger or weaker? But here's the real kicker: In the unpredictable world of college sports, can anyone ever truly feel secure? Let’s dive into a position-by-position analysis to uncover the truth, complete with a few surprises along the way.
Quarterbacks
Key Retainees: Bryce Underwood
Key Losses: Mikey Keene, Jadyn Davis, Davis Warren, Jake Garcia
Key Additions: Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi, Colin Hurley
Verdict: Upgrade. Retaining Bryce Underwood was the top priority, and while some experienced backups are gone, Fowler-Nicolosi steps in as a reliable second option. With Hurley and incoming freshmen in the mix, the quarterback room’s potential has skyrocketed. And this is the part most people miss: The loss of Jake Garcia actually raises the floor for this group, making it more consistent overall.
Offensive Line
Key Retainees: Andrew Babalola, Blake Frazier, Jake Guarnera, Evan Link, Andrew Sprague, Nathan Efobi, Brady Norton, Lawrence Hattar, Marky Walbridge, Malakai Lee
Key Losses: Gio El-Hadi, Greg Crippen, Kayden Strayhorn, Ty Haywood
Key Additions: Houston Ka’aha’aina-Torres
Verdict: Upgrade. Despite losing depth with Strayhorn and Haywood, retaining Jake Guarnera and the versatility of the returning linemen make this group stronger. But here's where it gets controversial: The addition of offensive line coach Jim Harding could be the game-changer, maximizing every player’s potential and solidifying this unit for 2026.
Running Backs
Key Retainees: Jordan Marshall, Bryson Kuzdzal, Savion Hiter
Key Losses: Justice Haynes, Jasper Parker
Key Additions: Taylor Tatum
Verdict: Slight Downgrade. Losing Justice Haynes, a proven All-Big Ten talent, is a significant blow. While Savion Hiter’s five-star potential is exciting, it remains untested. The real question is: Can Bryson Kuzdzal’s reliability offset this loss, especially with the ever-looming threat of injuries?
Wide Receivers
Key Retainees: Andrew Marsh, Kendrick Bell, Channing Goodwin, Jamar Browder, I’Marion Stewart, Travis Johnson
Key Losses: Semaj Morgan, Peyton O’Leary, Fred Moore
Key Additions: Jaime Ffrench, J.J. Buchanan, Salesi Moa
Verdict: Upgrade. Andrew Marsh’s return and Semaj Morgan’s departure alone make this a win. But with Salesi Moa’s addition and a crop of promising young receivers, this group is poised for a breakout season. And this is the part most people miss: No position group has improved more year-over-year than this one.
Tight Ends
Key Retainees: Zack Marshall, Hogan Hansen, Jalen Hoffman, Deakon Tonielli
Key Losses: Marlin Klein, Max Bredeson, Brady Prieskorn
Verdict: Downgrade. Losing two team captains and key contributors in both passing and rushing attacks is a tough pill to swallow. While Michigan has the talent to fill the gaps, the group’s success hinges heavily on Hogan Hansen’s health.
Defensive Tackles
Key Retainees: Trey Pierce, Enow Etta, Manuel Biegel, Alister Vallejo, Titan Davis
Key Losses: Rayshaun Benny, Tre Williams, Damon Payne Jr., Ike Iwunnah
Key Additions: Jonah Lea’ea
Verdict: Downgrade. This group will rely on several players to step up, but the experience of Pierce, Etta, and Lea’ea should prevent inexperienced players from being overwhelmed. The real question is: Can the unproven talent rise to the occasion in a rotational role?
Defensive Ends
Key Retainees: Cameron Brandt, Dominic Nichols, Nate Marshall, Carter Meadows
Key Losses: Derrick Moore, Jaishawn Barham, T.J. Guy, Devon Baxter
Key Additions: John Henry Daley
Verdict: Upgrade. John Henry Daley’s addition is a game-changer. With stats rivaling Michigan legends like Brandon Graham and Aidan Hutchinson, Daley’s impact is undeniable. But here's where it gets controversial: Even with significant NFL losses, the addition of Daley and five-star Carter Meadows makes this group more exciting and potentially better in 2026.
Linebackers
Key Retainees: Troy Bowles, Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng, Chase Taylor
Key Losses: Jimmy Rolder, Ernest Hausmann, Cole Sullivan, Jaydon Hood
Key Additions: Max Alford, Christian Pierce, Aisea Moa, Nathaniel Staehling
Verdict: Downgrade. Losing Cole Sullivan and Jaishawn Barham leaves a massive void. While the retainees showed promise, can they lead this unit through a grueling Big Ten season? The real question is: Will Nathaniel Staehling’s FBS transition be seamless enough to mitigate these losses?
Cornerbacks
Key Retainees: Zeke Berry, Jyaire Hill, Shamari Earls, Jojo Edmonds, Jamarion Vincent
Key Losses: Caleb Anderson, T.J. Metcalf, Jayden Sanders, Elijah Dotson
Key Additions: Smith Snowden
Verdict: Upgrade. Despite long-term concerns, the addition of Smith Snowden and the return of Hill and Berry make this group stronger next season. And this is the part most people miss: With new leadership, Edmonds and Earls could be on the verge of breakout seasons.
Safeties
Key Retainees: Rod Moore, Mason Curtis, Jordan Young, Kainoa Winston, Jacob Oden
Key Losses: Brandyn Hillman, Jaden Mangham
Key Additions: Chris Bracy
Verdict: Upgrade. But here's where it gets controversial: The departures of Hillman and Mangham are not losses. With Rod Moore’s return and Chris Bracy’s addition, this group is set for improvement. The real question is: Can Jordan Young step into a starting role, and will Bracy’s success at Memphis translate to the Big Ten?
Specialists
Key Losses: Dominic Zvada, Greg Tarr, Hudson Hollebeck, Beckham Sunderland, Evan Boutorwick
Key Additions: Trey Butkowski, Cam Brown, Nico Crawford, Gavin Magorien
Verdict: Upgrade. Dominic Zvada’s inconsistent performance and the coaching change make this group better by default. But here's the real kicker: With new talent and leadership, this unit is poised for a fresh start.
Final Thoughts
Michigan’s roster has seen significant changes, but the overall verdict is a mix of upgrades and strategic downgrades. The real question is: Did they do enough to stay competitive in the Big Ten? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with these assessments, or do you see it differently?
