Michigan has made another big addition to its defense through the transfer portal, as Utah defensive lineman Jonah Lea’ea has committed to Michigan.
Lea’ea committed to the program after making a visit to Ann Arbor on Thursday. It likely helped the appeal that his teammate and All-American edge rusher John Henry Daley committed to the program as well, while former Utah edge coach Lewis Powell joined the coaching staff as well.
Michigan has lost several players up front defensively since the end of the season, with Derrick Moore, T.J. Guy, Jaishawn Barham, Rayshaun Benny, Damon Payne Jr. and Tre Williams all moving on.
A Las Vegas native, Lea’ea played high school football at Bishop Gorman High School alongside current Michigan running back Micah Ka’apana. He was ranked as a three-star recruit as the No. 1,238 overall player on the 247Sports composite in the class of 2023.
Lea’ea is entering his senior year after having a breakout performance for the Utes this season, finishing with 38 tackles, one sack and one forced fumble. Listed at 6-foot-5 and 271 pounds, he lined up at defensive tackle for Utah, but could play on the edge as well depending on the defensive package.
With Daley and Lea’ea now in the fold for 2026, the Wolverines are starting to build their front seven back up. More players might still be needed, but the cupboard certainly won’t be bare with these two and other guys like Trey Pierce, Cam Brandt, Dominic Nichols and Nate Marshall returning.
