How losses in transfer portal will affect Michigan football

Michigan's football team took a hit Monday, with three former starters entering the transfer portal. One has already picked a new school. Here is how their departures will impact this season's team:

1. A.J. Henning | WR/KR/PR

While Henning, a rising senior, played sparingly at wide receiver during his three years with the team, he made a lasting impact in Ann Arbor as a big-play threat and a dynamic punt and kick returner. 

During his sophomore season, Henning scored his first collegiate touchdown on a 74-yard end around, returned a kickoff 81 yards for a TD on a trick play and amassed 107 all-purpose yards — including a rushing touchdown — in Michigan's playoff-clinching victory over Ohio State.

Last year, after returning a punt against Connecticut 61 yards to the house, Henning became just the fourth player in Wolverines history to record a kick and punt return for a touchdown.

Losing Henning's explosiveness stings, as having a reliable return specialist in college is far from a sure thing. However, Michigan's roster is loaded with athletes, and with options such as Roman Wilson, Semaj Morgan and Cole Cabana, the Wolverines will be able to overcome Henning's absence. 

2. R.J. Moten | Safety

Moten, a veteran in Michigan's secondary who started a combined 15 games the past two seasons, appeared to be the odd man out in a stacked defensive backs room. 

With Rod Moore and Makari Paige penciled in as the team's starting safeties, Moten understandably wants to explore his options elsewhere. 

After all, he was a frequent starter on Michigan teams that won back-to-back Big Ten championships and is coming off a season in which he had 30 tackles, 1.5 sacks and one interception.

Fortunately, the Wolverines' secondary next season will be overflowing with established playmakers and highly touted underclassmen (Zeke Berry and Keon Sabb) who are eager to play.

3. Nikhai Hill-Green | Linebacker

Although Hill-Green missed the 2022 season due to injury, he started six games the season prior, recording 50 tackles. 

His decision to enter the portal comes as a bit of a surprise, as he was expected to compete for a starting spot at middle linebacker. At the very least, Hill-Green would have been a fixture in the linebacker rotation and helped anchor the middle of the field.

But given the return of sixth-year linebacker Michael Barrett, starter Junior Colson and the arrival of Ernest Hausmann, a coveted transfer from Nebraska, Hill-Green transferred to Charlotte, where he will be reunited with former Michigan assistant Biff Poggi, the 49ers new head coach.