As the Michigan Wolverines prep for their final game of the season, everyone’s already eyeing what’s next. With early signing day coming up and the transfer portal about to open in just over a month, the Wolverines are plotting their moves to build a tough team for 2026.
Even with a young roster, Michigan’s got to use the transfer portal to fill key spots and bring in some veteran leadership. Let’s dive into the six positions Michigan football should target when the transfer portal opens on January 2, 2026.
Wide Receiver: Seeking Star Power and Depth
The Wolverines will lose Donaven McCulley but keep rising star Andrew Marsh. Jamar Browder and freshman Travis Johnson should also play big roles.
Still, relying too much on freshmen is risky. Michigan should try to land two wide receivers in the portal:
- A legit star receiver: Someone who can be the top guy for a year while Marsh keeps developing.
- A third receiver: A productive player who can rotate with Browder, ready to step up but not overshadowing the others.
Getting three elite playmakers would be perfect, but let’s be real, it’s tough in today’s roster shuffle.
Defensive Line: Filling the Gaps
Edge Rusher
Michigan’s losing a lot of talent on the defensive line, especially at edge rusher. Cam Brandt, Dom Nichols, Nate Marshall, Lugard Edokpayi, and freshman Carter Meadows all have a shot to step up.
Still, grabbing an experienced edge rusher in the portal would give the group a big boost and some stability right away.
Defensive Tackle
With Rayshaun Benny, Tré Williams, Damon Payne, and maybe Ike Iwunnah leaving, defensive tackle looks thin. Trey Pierce and Enow Etta will anchor the group, but they’ll need help from younger guys like Manuel Beigel and Deyvid Palepale.
Michigan needs to find an elite, starter-level defensive tackle in the portal to keep the line strong.
Offensive Line: Strengthening the Center
Michigan’s got a bunch of young talent on the offensive line, but center is a spot they can’t gamble on. Jake Guarnera’s doing well at right guard, but moving him back to center would stretch the depth chart.
The Wolverines have done well in the past by bringing in top centers from other programs, so they should absolutely look for an experienced center in the portal. Some possible lineups could include:
- Blake Frazier
- Link or Nathan Efobi at guard
- A new center
- Guarnera at right guard
- Andrew Sprague
Cornerback: Lockdown Coverage Needed
Michigan’s secondary has some promise with guys like Zeke Berry, Jyaire Hill, Jayden Sanders, Elijah Dotson, and Shamari Earls. But the Wolverines struggled against top receivers in the big moments.
They need a true lockdown corner who can erase the opponent’s best receiver, letting the rest of the rotation handle the rest. That kind of addition would make a difference while the younger group keeps learning.
Tight End: Adding Veteran Presence
Michigan’s got a solid group of tight ends, but this year’s production hasn’t been up to their usual standards. With Marlin Klein leaving and Zack Marshall and Deakon Tonielli showing some late-season flashes, it makes sense to go after a veteran tight end in the portal.
The Wolverines use tight ends aggressively, and transfers like AJ Barner have thrived here—that’s a good pitch for any portal targets.
Linebacker: Seeking Savvy Veterans
With Ernest Hausmann and Jaishawn Barham gone and a not-so-great recruiting class, linebacker’s a concern. There’s young promise in Troy Bowles, Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng, and Chase Taylor, but Michigan needs a veteran who can start from day one.
If Jaydon Hood comes back healthy, that helps a bit. Still, grabbing a starting-caliber linebacker from the portal would take the defense up a notch.
Special Teams: Addressing the Kicking Game
Special teams have been a weak spot for Michigan this year. With Luke Bauer retiring and Dominic Zvada leaving, the Wolverines suddenly need both a kicker and a punter.
They can’t afford to ignore these positions again. If they don’t find the right players in the transfer portal, we might see another special teams mess next season.
Honestly, it feels like the transfer portal will make or break Michigan football’s 2026 season. The team needs help at wide receiver, defensive line, offensive line, cornerback, tight end, linebacker, and—of course—special teams.
If you’re curious about the full list, you can check out the article on the positions Michigan football should target in the transfer portal on Wolverines Wire.
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