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USA Today
7 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Michigan football all-transfer portal team: Top Wolverines stars revealed
Michigan football all-transfer portal team: Top Wolverines stars revealed In the not-so-distant past, it was something of a rare occasion that you'd see teams like Michigan football taking in many, if any, transfers. But with the transfer portal now essentially unrestricted, especially with NIL, if you're not bolstering your team with incoming transfers, you're not trying very hard to win games. Michigan football has gotten on board in recent years, not going as portal crazy as some other teams -- relying more on recruiting out of high school -- but the Wolverines have added some key pieces that have helped the team win. So we're doing a bit of a thought exercise: what would an all-transfer portal team look like for the maize and blue? Given that Michigan hasn't been as prolific in the portal as some other programs, there are some key positions that don't have more than one player. And some of our inclusions are current players on this 2025 team -- whether they've been on campus for a while or they're just joining. With that in mind, here is our all-transfer portal team for the Michigan Wolverines. Offense QB - Shea Patterson Former school: Ole Miss We're getting controversial right out of the gates. Patterson was a former five-star who didn't quite rise to the level that Michigan fans expected. He had a solid year in 2018, helping the Wolverines go from 8-5 the year before to 10-3. In 2019, he was injured on his first play from scrimmage, but by the year's end, he was firing on all cylinders, with three 300-plus yard games to close out the regular season. Alternate: Jake Rudock, Iowa RB - Justice Haynes Former school: Alabama Haynes has yet to play an actual game for the Wolverines, only the spring game, where he rushed six times for 51 yards. But he's expected to be a co-starter along with Jordan Marshall, and has very high expectations as he enters his junior year. Alternate: Ty Isaac, USC TE - AJ Barner Former school: Indiana Michigan actually does a stellar job recruiting tight ends out of high school so it's pretty rare that it goes out and gets one in the transfer portal. Yet, despite Colston Loveland emerging as a potential star at the end of 2022, it went out and got Barner to pair with him, and he ended up being stellar for the Wolverines as a pass-catching threat. Alternate: None LT - LaDarius Henderson Former school: Arizona State We could have gone with Myles Hinton here, but since he's played on both sides, we've chosen Henderson here. It took a few games to get going, but he ultimately settled in at left tackle, en route to Michigan's 2023 national championship. Alternate: Brady Norton, Cal Poly LG - Josh Priebe Former school: Northwestern Though expectations were very high that Priebe would come in and look the same as the previous few years' transfers along the offensive line, he didn't quite rise to that level. It took him most of the season to find his groove, but he ended up being OK once he got fully acclimated. Alternate: None C - Olu Oluwatimi Former school: Virginia The greatest of the O-line transfers for the Wolverines, Oluwatimi was a standout and engine for the best offensive line in the country. Not only did he become an alternate captain, but he won the Rimington Trophy, given to the nation's best center, and helped lead the OL to a second-straight Joe Moore Award. Alternate: Drake Nugent, Stanford RG - Lawrence Hattar Former school: Ferris State Little is known as of yet about Hattar, who arrives on campus this summer. But due to a lack of incoming transfers, we've slotted him in here. Alternate: None RT - Myles Hinton Former school: Stanford Hinton makes the list after all. He was hit-or-miss in 2023, his first year in Ann Arbor, despite getting the nod to start right away. But he improved greatly, actually, after moving to left tackle in 2024, which allowed him to get drafted in 2025. Alternate: None WR - Donaven McCulley Former school: Indiana It actually speaks volumes that Michigan football doesn't have a productive wide receiver transfer who's already played in games at the top here (because there really aren't any), thus we're going with the expected No. 1 wideout coming into 2025. McCulley had a solid 2023 in Bloomington, had one catch in the spring game for the Wolverines this year, for 25 yards, and should be formidable in the new-look Chip Lindsey offense. Alternate: C.J. Charleston, Youngstown State WR - Anthony Simpson Former school: UMass Even less is known about Simpson, who was productive for UMass in 2023. He comes to Ann Arbor as the receiver on the roster with the most yards (at the FBS level) and figures to be a factor in 2025. Alternate: Amorion Walker, Ole Miss (via Michigan) WR - Daylen Baldwin Former school: Jackson State There were high hopes for Baldwin when he came in 2021, but his big highlights were a pair of touchdown catches in garbage time against Western Michigan and Wisconsin (both from then-freshman J.J. McCarthy). He never quite settled in beyond that and left some potential on the table. Alternate: None Defense EDGE - Mike Danna Former school: Central Michigan Danna was one of the bright spots for Michigan football in 2019 and he showed out as a reserve edge rusher. We strongly considered fellow one-year rental Eyabi Okie-Anoma, but ultimately went with Danna, who played so well he ended up being a draft pick by the dynastic Kansas City Chiefs. Alternate: Eyabi Okie-Anoma, Alabama DT - Cam Goode Former school: UCF Goode took a full year before he started to come on strong, but in 2023, even as an alternate, it was hard to take him off the field once he got into the rotation. He was a solid player, despite going undrafted in 2024. Alternate: Damon Payne, Alabama DT - Tré Williams Former school: Clemson Like we did a bit on offense, there's a bit of projection here with Williams, who has yet to play a down (outside of the spring game) for the Wolverines. But expectations are high for the transfer who very well could be a starter for the maize and blue this year. Alternate: Jordan Whittley, Oregon State EDGE - Josaiah Stewart Former school: Coastal Carolina One of the feel-good stories, Stewart was a very good player as a freshman with the Chanticleers, but would the undersized edge rusher see his game translate to the Big Ten? The answer ended up being a resounding yes, with big plays made in the 2023 Rose Bowl, in addition to what he did in his senior year. Alternate: None LB - Ernest Hausmann Former school: Nebraska A current player, Hausmann was solid as a reserve in 2023 before stepping into a starting role in 2024. Now expected to be a team captain in his senior year, he's one of the best linebackers in the Big Ten. Alternate: Troy Bowles, Georgia LB - Jaishawn Barham Former school: Maryland Another current player (Michigan didn't start getting transfer linebackers until quite recently), Barham has all of the talent in the world and certainly could find himself being called on day one of the 2026 NFL draft if all goes right. With freaky athleticism, he checks all the boxes, but he also took almost the entire 2024 season before he started playing within the confines of the defense. Alternate: Edward Warinner, MSU CB - Josh Wallace Former school: UMass Wallace was a late addition to the 2023 team, coming aboard in the summer. But he got the nod as a starter in Week 1 and though there was a bit of a learning curve, he eventually became a solid defensive back who was pivotal in the Wolverines national championship run. Alternate: Ricky Johnson, UNLV NB - Tevis Metcalf Former school: Arkansas Nickelback is a premium position for the Wolverines, which means they recruit the position well without much of a loss of talent. We're slotting second-year defensive back Tevis Metcalf in here due to his production in the spring game, though we haven't seen him play the position in real games yet. Alternate: None S - Wesley Walker Former school: Tennessee Walker started all season for the Vols but didn't quite replicate his performance in Knoxville while in Ann Arbor. However, he was OK as a reserve but had a big moment in the ReliaQuest Bowl, picking off Alabama QB Jalen Milroe to really help Michigan put its knee on the Crimson Tide's throat early in the game. Alternate: Jaden Mangham, MSU S - TJ Metcalf Former school: Arkansas Strongly expected to be a standout for the Wolverines this year, it's unclear if the 2025 transfer will be a starter at safety, a key reserve, or play nickel. Still, there has been a lot of talk about how good the former Razorback might be in Ann Arbor. Alternate: None CB - Aamir Hall Former school: Albany Like his transfer predecessor, Josh Wallace, it took some time for Hall to come around. Perhaps a bit longer than it did Wallace. But once he did, he was solid, making huge plays in the Ohio State game and the ReliaQuest Bowl. Michigan certainly wishes it had another year with Hall in the defensive backfield. Alternate: None Special teams K - Dominic Zvada Former school: Arkansas State It didn't seem likely that anyone would come in and make Michigan football fans forget about Jake Moody, the Wolverines' most prolific kicker, yet Zvada appears to have done just that. A standout in 2024, he should be a likely candidate to win the Lou Groza Award in 2025. Alternate: None P - Hudson Hollenbeck Former school: Mississippi State We're going with Hollenbeck here, not only because there haven't been a lot of incoming transfer punters, but also because he's played in games (the ReliaQuest Bowl) whereas incoming transfer, Luke Bauer, has yet to earnestly put on a winged helmet. Alternate: Luke Bauer, Missouri
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Nation's Top Cornerback Shares Intel on Michigan Wolverines After Official Visit
Nation's Top Cornerback Shares Intel on Michigan Wolverines After Official Visit originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Michigan Wolverines are still working to build momentum with their Class of 2026 on the recruiting trail in hopes of following up what was a stellar 2025 class. Advertisement Michigan has less than ten recruits in their 2026 class so far, and most of them are not in the high-four to five-star range as coach Sherrone Moore was worked to identify diamonds in the rough. On Sunday, Michigan fans were filled in on the latest recruiting update from the nation's top Class of 2026 cornerback, Davon Benjamin, as the Corona (Oaks Christian High School), California prospect revealed what stood out about the Michigan Wolverines in comparison to his other visits so far. Davon Benjamin (L) escapes a tackle from Kaden Glover. © JOE LUMAYA/SPECIAL TO THE STAR / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images "Michigan stood out with how serious they are about player development," Benjamin, number one overall prospect among cornerbacks, said on Sunday after his official visit to Ann Arbor. Advertisement "They're all about building you up on & off the field, & you can tell they've got a plan to help you succeed long term." Benjamin is listed as a strong Oregon Ducks lean with a probability of over 94 percent to attend school in Eugene next fall. The Ducks have offered along with fellow Big Ten powers USC and Ohio State, with the Miami Hurricanes currently bringing up the rear. Michigan has become one of the top destination schools for defensive backs after the success of players including Will Johnson, Mike Sainristil and Rod Moore who led the team to three straight Big Ten titles and a national championship. Related: Heisman Trophy Winner's Son Announces Big Offer From ACC Power This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson is impressing early in OTAs.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson is impressing early in OTAs. originally appeared on Athlon Sports. While the Pittsburgh Steelers did trade for wide receiver DK Metcalf earlier this offseason, they also dealt away one of their stars in George Pickens. Advertisement As a result, the team would love someone to step up and take a bigger role. And amid even more trade gossip … there may be an emerging candidate who is already on the roster. Pittsburgh just began its OTAs, and former 2024 third-round pick Roman Wilson has reportedly been the player that has been impressing the most so far. He spoke with reporters and said that he is ready to get on the field. "My goals for the season: get better every single day," Wilson said. "Treat every day like it's game day. Come prepared to ask coaches after practice. Just be mentally, physically locked in every single day. And just give it my all. Give it all I've got every single day so I can be ready for whenever my time is." Advertisement An ankle injury sidelined Wilson all of last summer, so he did not get to properly prepare for the season. Then as soon as he was close to making his debut, a hamstring issue kept him out for the rest of the season. He finished with just under 800 yards in his senior season at Michigan, so the Steelers know he can get it done. So they will be hoping that he can stay on the field and make an impact in his sophomore season. Pittsburgh would love for that to happen, as Pickens - for all of his controversial behavior - was a very productive player for them, so they could use someone to help fill the void that he left behind. Related: Steelers Swaps Earn ESPN Criticism Related: Steelers Star Ripped After Seahawks Trade This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Business Journals
3 days ago
- Sport
- Business Journals
Houston scores millions in multibillion-dollar sports tourism industry
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 8: The Michigan Wolverines celebrate after defeating the Washington Huskies 34-13 in the CFP National Championship game at NRG Stadium on January 8, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo)
New York Times
6 days ago
- Business
- New York Times
How has Michigan football fared in the portal? Ranking the Wolverines' top 10 transfers
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The transfer portal opened for business in October 2018 and revolutionized the way college football programs build a roster. Michigan was slower than other programs to capitalize on the portal revolution, in part because of the school's strict requirements for transferring credits. Michigan dialed in its portal strategy just in time to sign a wave of players who became key contributors during the Wolverines' three-year run atop the Big Ten. As the strategy evolved under coach Sherrone Moore, Michigan has been a savvy shopper in the portal, adding a mix of high-profile transfers and role players at positions of need. Advertisement For the purposes of this list, we considered only transfers who signed with Michigan during the portal era. (Sorry, Jake Rudock and Shea Patterson.) Here's a totally subjective ranking of Michigan's top 10 portal acquisitions dating back to 2019. Danna, Michigan's first portal acquisition, was an all-conference defensive end at Central Michigan who made good on his lone season in Ann Arbor. Danna played on a loaded defensive line that included a pair of first-round picks in Aidan Hutchinson and Kwity Paye, plus a second-round pick in linebacker Josh Uche. Though he wasn't an every-down player at Michigan, Danna contributed in Michigan's sub packages and had three sacks in 2019. Since leaving Michigan, he's won a pair of Super Bowls and appeared in two others as a fifth-round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs. Haynes hasn't played a snap at Michigan, but he merits inclusion on reputation alone. The Alabama transfer was a five-star prospect in high school and averaged nearly 6 yards per carry in two seasons with the Crimson Tide. Investing heavily in a running back of Haynes' caliber shows where Moore's priorities are: He wants Michigan to be a team that runs the ball at will, with multiple backs who can wear down the defense. If we revisit this list a year from now, there's a good chance Haynes will be in the top five. Henderson, a transfer from Arizona State, was the starting left tackle on Michigan's 2023 national championship team, and that alone ensures him a spot on this list. Without the benefit of spring practice, Henderson needed time to adjust and didn't lock down the job until a month or so into the season. Michigan's tackles had their struggles that season, especially against Penn State, but they protected J.J. McCarthy when it mattered. Michigan needed everything it got from Henderson, especially after Zak Zinter went down with a broken leg against Ohio State. Advertisement Hinton and Henderson both transferred to Michigan from Pac-12 schools (at the time), and both became late-round draft picks. While Henderson was the more impactful player in 2023, Hinton contributed to Michigan's national championship run and had another full season as the Wolverines' starting left tackle. Coaches have been enamored with Hinton's potential since he was a high school prospect, and the Philadelphia Eagles are the latest team to bet on his upside as a sixth-rounder. Though Hinton didn't hit his first-round ceiling at Michigan, he wasn't a bust, and his two seasons at Michigan were enough to earn him a spot on this list. Most people had no idea what Michigan was getting when Zvada transferred from Arkansas State before last season. He's turned into one of the best kickers in college football with the range to boom field goals from 55-plus. It's appointment viewing every time Zvada runs onto the field, and that's not something that can be said about most kickers. And he does it with flair, which only adds to the aura. 'He came in the other day with a reversed Phoenix Suns Kevin Durant jersey,' Moore said during spring practice. 'It's like, 'You're the only kicker in the country that can wear that much swag.' It was beautiful.' Maybe you've noticed a theme on this list: A lot of Michigan's top transfers were offensive linemen. Moore, Michigan's former offensive line coach, has a good eye for players who fit the scheme, and the Wolverines needed linemen from the portal to fill gaps in recruiting and development. Nugent, a transfer from Stanford, filled one of those gaps as Michigan's starting center in 2023. He's not the most physically gifted offensive lineman to come through Ann Arbor, but he was one of the toughest. It's a compliment that you can say 'Michigan needs to find a Josh Wallace,' and people will know exactly what you mean. A Josh Wallace is a transfer from a smaller school (in this case, UMass) who arrives in the summer and fills a glaring hole in the roster (in this case, cornerback). While several players on this list contributed to Michigan's national championship season, it's hard to argue that any were more important than Wallace. The Wolverines didn't need him to be a star — they just needed him to be serviceable enough that the second cornerback spot wasn't the Achilles' heel of an otherwise dominant defense. Wallace was that and more. Advertisement Starting-caliber players with multiple years of eligibility are some of the most valuable prospects in the portal. While this list is heavy on one-year graduate transfers, Hausmann is the rare transfer who will play three years at Michigan, all as a major contributor. There's a case for Jaishawn Barham on this list, too, but I give the edge to Hausmann because he's played two distinct and valuable roles at Michigan. He was the third linebacker behind Michael Barrett and Junior Colson on the national championship team, and now he's entering his second season as Michigan's starting middle linebacker. Nebraska's loss has been Michigan's gain. Stewart's career represents everything good about the portal. He was an undersized, lightly recruited defensive end who signed with Coastal Carolina and tore up the Sun Belt as a freshman. Signing with Michigan allowed him to prove himself against the best players in college football, and that's exactly what he did. Stewart was one quarter of a dominant edge rotation in 2023 and was right in the middle of the biggest stop of Michigan's season, the fourth-down stuff of Jalen Milroe in the Rose Bowl. He returned in 2024, led Michigan with 8.5 sacks and became a third-round pick of the Rams. Oluwatimi is by far the most decorated transfer to play at Michigan during the portal era. Rimington Trophy. Outland Trophy. First team All-American. Starting center for an offensive line that won the Joe Moore Award in 2022. If there was something Oluwatimi could win, he probably won it. Michigan was still new to the portal game when Oluwatimi transferred from Virginia, and he charted a path for other transfers by stepping in as a leader on a team that started 13-0 and won the Big Ten. His season at Michigan was proof that signing the right players from the portal can enhance a team's culture rather than detracting from it. (Top photo of Olu Oluwatimi: Mark J. Rebilas / Imagn Images)
