Michigan made some key additions via the transfer portal this offseason, among them being receiver JJ Buchanan.
Buchanan, a Utah transfer, had 26 receptions as a true freshman last season with 427 receiving yards and five touchdowns. Per PFF, Buchanan ranked No. 1 in contested catches (10) among Power Four freshmen receivers and tight ends.
New Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham was Buchanan’s coach at Utah and has a firm grasp on what he brings to the Wolverines. If Whittingham’s assessment is accurate,
Buchanan could have an incredible 2026 season.
“J.J. Buchanan is a special receiver. He’s, at times, unguardable in practice,” Whittingham said, per Alejando Zuniga of The Michigan Insider. “The 50-50 ball, the contested catch up the field, he’s as good as anybody I’ve ever been around. He’s got size — 6-3, 215 pounds. He can run. He can jump. He’s tough. He’ll block. He’s a complete receiver in all aspects.”
Buchanan has been impressive in fall camp and is will be an integral part of Michigan’s passing game. While Andrew Marsh is considered Michigan’s WR1, Buchanan could wind up being WR1B. Buchanan is expected to line up all over the field for Michigan.
“We’ll move him all over,” Michigan offensive coordinator Jacon Beck said in March. “So they’ll play inside, outside, left, we’ll move him all over.”
With Buchanan’s height, speed and route-running chops, he’s bound to be a matchup nightmare in Beck’s scheme.
“I really like how I could be outside, I could be inside, I could be in-line from time to time,” Buchanan said in March. “I just think the diversity that his offense is able to use is just very appealing to me.”
