Report from the Michigan football transfer portal: Needed positions and possible targets
ANN ARBOR, Michigan: At this same time last year, Michigan was searching the transfer portal for players who could help the program return in 2023 while getting ready for the College Football Playoffs.
It was successful, as all nine of Michigan’s transfers had some role in the team’s 13-0 record and third-consecutive CFP berth. Michigan is approaching the December transfer window in a similar manner as it gets ready to play Alabama in the Rose Bowl, searching through the sea of names for players who could make an impact the following season.
That’s just college football,” defensive coordinator Jesse Minter said. “You’re always thinking about roster construction and the best way to build your team. We know what we’re going to have until hopefully Jan. 8. After that, you’ve got to have eyes towards what you want the roster to look like next year.”
Whereas last year’s team returned all but a few of its major contributors, this year’s team stands to lose key players at virtually every position. That could make for a more active transfer window, though the portal is only one avenue for filling those roster spots.
Of the more than 500 players who entered their names in the portal on Monday, only a small percentage could realistically contribute at Michigan. The Wolverines have developed internal depth to offset the departures of up to 18 starters who are seniors or draft-eligible juniors, but Michigan will be monitoring the portal for players who could ease the transition.
“Similar to last year, you’ve got to keep your eyes on guys,” Minter said. “We have some positions where we’re really looking, knowing we may or may not have some guys back. That’s part of it in college football. The timing of it is different than the NFL where you play the season and free agency opens down the road. With the portal, it’s an ongoing deal.”
Here’s a look at a few positions of need and players who might fit.
Defensive back
Mike Sainristil and Josh Wallace are fifth-year seniors who used their extra year of eligibility in 2023. Safety Makari Paige is a true senior with a year of eligibility remaining, and Rod Moore is a third-year junior who will be eligible for the NFL Draft.
At a minimum, Michigan will have new starters at nickel and cornerback next season. Ja’Den McBurrows has worked his way into the rotation as a backup nickel, but Amorion Walker hasn’t challenged for a starting job as originally projected. Adding a player or two with experience in the secondary would make a lot of sense.
Upton Stout, a transfer from Western Kentucky, is a player to keep an eye on. He posted about an offer from Michigan on social media. Stout, a playmaking cornerback in the vein of Sainristil, stands five feet nine inches tall and has five interceptions in his two seasons with the Hilltoppers.
Upton Stout, a Western Kentucky CB transfer, made an incredible play here. For PBU, the top of the screen extends across the entire field. #Michigan and other states have already made offers. The previous two years of 5 INT at @upton_5tout pic.twitter.com/Cgn7O6Lwsc
