It wasn’t all that much of a secret in 2025 that Michigan was playing with one of the youngest rosters in the Big Ten, with freshmen and sophomores getting regular playing time at quarterback, wide receiver, the offensive line, and in the secondary. Heading into the offseason, the youth movement might only be further be reinforced thanks to a handful of starters graduating or heading to the NFL.
However, that sentiment can quickly change over an offseason thanks to the transfer portal. The portal is
officially open from Jan. 2-16, during which we should expect to see the Wolverines be pretty active participants.
With several anticipated needs for the 2026 team, here’s a look at the three positions that stand out the most and need to be at the top of the wish list for the program.
Pass-catchers
We’ll lump wide receivers and tight ends together here because they’re both effectively serving the same purpose — more guys for Bryce Underwood to throw to.
For the second straight year, Michigan’s passing attack wasn’t where it needed to be. Of course, part of that was due to a freshman quarterback taking his lumps, while part of it was due to some head-scratching game plans and play-calling. But above all, the Wolverines largely lacked the playmakers that could get open on a consistent basis.
We Wolverines grab Donaven McCulley in the portal last winter, but Michigan needs to make it a priority to go after players with longer track records of making plays than what McCulley offered. Just look at how Texas A&M went out and got K.C. Concepcion, or LSU with Barion Brown — these are the kinds of impact players Michigan will need to go after to pair with Andrew Marsh so he’s not the singular focus for opposing defenses next year.
The same could be said for tight end, a position Michigan’s offenses have historically been generous to. Marlin Klein may or may not be back, while Hogan Hansen battled the injury bug in 2025. Folks have been high on Hansen’s future prospects and he’s been impressive in his time on the field, but there’s at the very least a need for depth at the position, if not a more proven option.
Overall, between wide receiver and tight end, the Wolverines need to add at least two higher upside options to pencil into the starting lineup.
Edge Rusher
The defense as a whole is facing plenty of attrition this offseason, but the edge rusher group is going to be the hardest hit of the bunch with Derrick Moore, T.J. Guy and Jaishawn Barham all out of eligibility. Michigan already wasn’t as productive in its pass rush this year as it has been historically, so adding edge rushers to the equation would’ve likely been a priority. With three regular contributors leaving, adding through the portal is all the more important.
Now, the cupboard won’t be left totally bare with Dominic Nichols, Nate Marshall and Cameron Brandt all slated to return, while five-star freshman Carter Meadows is coming in. All four guys could see a good deal of snaps in 2026, but none of them are particularly experienced, so the Wolverines could greatly benefit from adding another proven player or two. After all, Michigan faces an uphill battle just to match its pass rush productivity from 2025, but the goal should be to exceed it.
Linebacker
Similar to the edge rusher group, off-ball linebacker is also getting hit pretty hard this offseason. The Wolverines were fortunate to return their two starters from 2024 with Barham and Ernest Hausmann, but neither will be back with the program in 2026. Jimmy Rolder will be graduating as well after a breakout year, and while he has a year of eligibility left, it’s no guarantee he returns.
On the bright side, Michigan will bring back Cole Sullivan for his junior year. He has the makings of a star, but there’s some uncertainty as to who could line up next to him. Michigan got Troy Bowles last offseason, but he’s underwhelmed in the snaps he’s gotten so far. Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng and Chase Taylor could both be in line for increased workloads, but the coaching staff might feel more comfortable with another veteran added to the room, particularly one that’s good at stopping the run.
Other positions to watch: Backup quarterback, offensive line, defensive tackle, safety, special teams
