What does Michigan football need to do in transfer portal?

Hold onto your hats, Michigan football fans, the spring college football transfer window is officially open. That means it could be a stressful couple of weeks.

From April 16th to April 30th, players can enter the transfer portal. There has been plenty of talk of SEC schools coming to the transfer portal to fill needs and Michigan football has been a popular topic of conversation.

That’s because the Wolverines have some of the best players in college football. Mason Graham, Will Johnson, Kenneth Grant, and Colston Loveland could all be first-round picks in the 2025 NFL draft. The are other names too such as Josaiah Stewart, Derrick Moore, Makari Paige, Rod Moore (injured), Donovan Edwards, Myles Hinton, and others who are likely going to be drafted next season.

The hope is that Michigan can keep its best players and add some via the portal. Is that realistic? We’ll offer some thoughts on the top priorities for the Wolverines.

Player retention is the priority

Michigan could use a proven quarterback and if one enters the transfer portal, I’m sure the Wolverines will kick the tires. I don’t know how likely that is though. I do think it’s likely that other programs take a run at the names listed above or even some names down the depth chart.

Michigan football isn’t known for huge NIL money and big dollars could lure some players to the portal like we saw with Keon Sabb, who also worried about a lack of playing time.

But Michigan could not add a single transfer via the portal and be the biggest winner in college football over the next two weeks. The Wolverines don’t need to add. They just need to retain and if they keep their big guns heading into next season, I feel good about a 12-team playoff berth.

Michigan football transfer portal needs

Quarterback is obvious. Alex Orji gives me hope though. I also think Jack Tuttle could do a pretty good Cade McNamara 2021 impersonation. But if a proven winner is available, you try to get him.

The situation still has to be right. You don’t want to mess with the quarterback room too much and Jadyn Davis looks like a future star with some proper time to develop. A multi-year guy probably doesn’t make sense or anyone for that matter if it’s not clear they would be the starter.

It makes no sense to add another inexperienced arm to the quarterback competition. That won’t help anyone. So unless a proven starter/upgrade enters the portal, Michigan should stand pat.

However, the Wolverines could use a big wide receiver. They have some nice options on the roster, but none that are in the mold of Cornelius Johnson. Colston Loveland lessens that need, but still, if the chance comes Michigan should act on it.

The Wolverines could also use defensive depth at all three levels. Whether that’s safety, linebacker, or another pass rusher, you can never have enough talent — something Michigan showed last season.

Depth is a commodity and if players make sense, Michigan shouldn’t hesitate to add talent.