Michigan Football Reloads Roster With Transfers And Top Recruits

The Michigan Wolverines are gearing up for the 2026 college football season with a roster that’s nearly set, but the story is far from over. As the dust settles from a whirlwind of transfer portal activity, coaching changes, and high-profile recruiting coups, Michigan’s football program finds itself at a pivotal moment—one brimming with both uncertainty and promise. With the addition of dynamic new talent and a reshaped coaching staff, the Wolverines are poised to make waves in the Big Ten and beyond. But will these bold moves pay off when the season kicks off?

Let’s start with the defense, where Michigan’s depth chart has undergone significant changes. The Wolverines’ defensive line boasts a formidable mix of experience and budding stars. John Henry-Daley, one of the top-ranked EDGE players in the nation and a top-100 pick for 2026 by On3, headlines the group. Despite recovering from a leg injury announced in December, Henry-Daley reassured fans via social media that he’ll be back in action by the end of June. In 2025, he racked up an impressive 11.5 sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss, making him a critical force for the upcoming campaign. Alongside him, Cameron Brandt—solid against the run—will likely anchor the line on early downs, while younger standouts like Nate Marshall, Dominic Nichols, and Carter Meadows are expected to provide valuable depth and impact.

The interior defensive line is no less stacked. Trey Pierce, who trailed only Rayshaun Benny and Derrick Moore in solo tackles last season, returns as Michigan’s best defensive tackle. Utah transfer Jonah Lea’ea brings a wealth of experience, having recorded 38 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and a sack in 13 games for the Utes in 2025. Enow Etta, another highly touted player, rounds out the starting trio. The backups—Manuel Beigel, Deyvid Palepale, Alister Vallejo, and Titan Davis—add both depth and promise, with some observers speculating they could mirror the freshman impact of past Wolverines like Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant.

At linebacker, the Wolverines will lean on Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng and North Dakota State transfer Nathaniel Staehling. Staehling’s resume is nothing to scoff at: 75 tackles, six tackles for loss, and three interceptions in 2025. Owusu-Boateng, a five-star talent, is expected to make a significant leap this season. The supporting cast—Troy Bowles, Chase Taylor, Aisea Moa, and Max Alford—offers both experience and versatility. Bowles and Taylor combined for 37 tackles, while the depth across the unit should give defensive coordinator Jay Hill plenty of options.

The secondary looks to be a major strength. Cornerbacks Zeke Berry, Jyaire Hill, and Smith Snowden all earned all-conference honors last season. Hill, a projected NFL first-rounder, broke up six passes in 2025, while Berry added 10 more. Snowden, who transferred from Utah, made a splash with 58 solo tackles, 17 passes defended, and six interceptions over his past two seasons. Backups like Shamari Earls and Jo’Ziah Edmond provide quality depth, making this one of the Big Ten’s most formidable defensive backfields.

Safety play will be anchored by Rod Moore and Chris Bracy. Moore, limited to just three games last season due to injury, flashed elite ability—especially in the Wisconsin game, where he made three impact plays in just 18 snaps. If he stays healthy, he’s expected to be one of the top safeties in college football. Bracy, a transfer from Memphis, brings a hard-hitting presence after tallying 81 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, nine pass breakups, and an interception in 2025. Jordan Young and Mason Curtis, both with starting experience, round out a deep and talented safety group.

But the story of Michigan’s offseason isn’t just about established stars. The Wolverines have made headlines with their aggressive approach to recruiting and the transfer portal. Perhaps the most intriguing addition is Salesi Moa, a four-star signee and the No. 45 overall prospect in the 2026 class. Moa’s journey to Ann Arbor is a tale of perseverance and family ties. After starring at Fremont High in Utah—where he helped turn a struggling team into a 17-7 powerhouse over two seasons—Moa initially committed to Tennessee, then flipped to Utah on signing day. But when Utah’s Kyle Whittingham took the reins as Michigan’s head coach, Moa entered the transfer portal and joined the Wolverines.

Moa’s versatility is his calling card. At Weber High, he eclipsed 800 receiving yards in each of his first two years, but it was at Fremont where he blossomed as a safety, racking up 97 tackles and five interceptions—two of which he returned for touchdowns. According to his uncle and high school coach, Nate Tuatagaloa, “Defensively, he can track the ball. I think he’s an elite post player as a safety. And offensively, that ball’s in the air, if he’s not coming down with it, nobody else is.” Moa is expected to start his Michigan career primarily as a receiver, with the potential to see more defensive snaps as his college journey unfolds. He’s also pegged to contribute on special teams, particularly in the return game—a role where he dazzled in high school.

Special teams, in fact, have been another area of focus for Michigan’s staff. The Wolverines recently landed kicker Jacob Baggett from Charlotte (NC) Providence Day School, ranked as the No. 8 kicker in the 2026 cycle by Chris Sailer Kicking. Baggett connected on 6-of-7 field goals in 2025, with a long of 48 yards, and converted 121-of-131 extra points. His leg strength is evident, boasting 55+ yard range on field goals and kickoffs consistently over 65 yards with 4.15+ seconds of hang time. Kerry Coombs, retained by Whittingham as special teams coach, has played a pivotal role in revamping the unit—adding not just Baggett, but also a punter and two long snappers from the transfer portal, offsetting key losses at those positions.

Coombs’ impact is already being felt, with expectations high that Michigan’s special teams will rebound from a recent dip in performance. Under Jim Harbaugh and Jay Harbaugh, the unit was among the nation’s best, but it struggled under former coordinator JB Brown. Now, with Coombs at the helm and a fresh influx of talent, the Wolverines are aiming for a return to special teams dominance.

Of course, the offseason hasn’t been without its setbacks. The departures of Cole Sullivan to Oklahoma, along with Jayden Sanders and Elijjah Dotson, stung—especially with Sullivan’s potential to be a First-Team All-Big Ten selection. Yet, Michigan’s ability to reload through the portal and recruiting has kept optimism high in Ann Arbor.

With Michigan listed at +4000 on Caesars to win the 2026-27 college football championship, expectations are measured but hopeful. The Wolverines’ blend of seasoned veterans, promising newcomers, and a revitalized coaching staff under Whittingham has the fan base buzzing. As spring practice approaches and the final roster tweaks are made, all eyes will be on Ann Arbor to see if this new-look squad can live up to its considerable potential.

For Michigan, the pieces are in place. Now, it’s all about putting them together on the field. The journey to the 2026 season opener is underway, and with so many storylines converging, it’s shaping up to be a campaign to remember.