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Michigan Targets UMass WR in Transfer Portal

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Wright | Last updated Jan 10, 2025 4:25 PM ET

ANN ARBOR - After landing Indiana transfer Donaven McCulley early in the portal window, Michigan continues its search for additional wide receiver talent to aid incoming quarterbacks Mikey Keene and Bryce Underwood. Recent reports indicate that UMass transfer Anthony Simpson is emerging as the Wolverines' latest WR target.

Simpson, who played under current Michigan tight ends coach Steve Casula at UMass, caught 57 passes for 793 yards and three touchdowns in 2023 before injuries limited his 2024 campaign to just two games. The Wolverines will have to act quickly as the 5-foot-11, 180-pound receiver is also drawing interest from Michigan State, Northwestern, and Oklahoma State.

Desperate to improve their passing game, the Wolverines' receiver search is gaining momentum after missing out on several early targets, including UConn's Skyler Bell and Yale's David Pantelis. Sources close to the program indicate Michigan is still pursuing Appalachian State's Kaedin Robinson and Louisiana Tech's Tru Edwards.

Robinson, a 6-foot-2 first-team All-Sun Belt selection, led App State with 53 receptions for 840 yards in 2024. Edwards, who has one year of eligibility remaining, posted a breakout season with Louisiana Tech, recording 84 catches for 986 yards and six touchdowns.

Michigan needs more than just one or two additions to the receiver room. They're looking at a significant overhaul of the position group for 2025.

Fortunately for Michigan, a program of their size does have the opportunity to wait for potential late entries from playoff teams, who have a five-day window to enter the portal after elimination. Internal development remains another option, with Fred Moore showing promise in the ReliaQuest Bowl and freshmen like Andrew Marsh joining the program.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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