Michigan’s roster might not be fully locked in just yet, but with the transfer portal window closing and spring ball on the horizon, it’s starting to take shape-and it’s looking strong. New head coach Kyle Whittingham wasted no time putting his stamp on the program, bringing in not just talent, but experience and production from the portal. That includes a handful of players from his former Utah squad and a few under-the-radar names who could be sneaky-impact additions.
With that in mind, let’s break down five new faces who look poised to contribute right away for the Wolverines in 2026.
Trey Butkowski, Kicker
Let’s start with a position that rarely gets the spotlight but absolutely deserves it: kicker. Michigan’s kicking game was a liability in 2025-plain and simple. Missed field goals in tight losses to Oklahoma and USC loomed large, and the Wolverines paid the price in the win-loss column.
Enter Trey Butkowski. The former freshman standout brings consistency to a position where Michigan desperately needed it.
He drilled 20-of-23 field goals last season, including 6-of-9 from beyond 40 yards. He didn’t attempt anything from 50-plus, but his leg strength isn’t in question.
In today’s game, where margins are razor-thin and championships can hinge on a single kick, having a reliable leg is non-negotiable. Butkowski gives Michigan that confidence, and don’t be surprised if he wins the Wolverines a game or two outright this fall.
JJ Buchanan, Wide Receiver
If you’re looking for a potential game-changer, JJ Buchanan might be your guy. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound receiver brings size, speed, and a whole lot of upside to a Michigan offense that’s quietly reloading with serious firepower.
Buchanan averaged 16.4 yards per catch last season and finished strong, posting a reception of 29 yards or more in each of his last three games. He also averaged 71 receiving yards over that stretch, showing he can be a consistent downfield threat.
What makes Buchanan even more intriguing is that he’s got three years of eligibility left. Paired with high-upside talents like Andrew Marsh and Bryce Underwood, the Wolverines are building a young core that could be dangerous for years to come. Whether he lines up outside or in the slot, Buchanan is going to be a matchup problem-and a major asset for Michigan’s new-look offense.
Smith Snowden, Cornerback
Whittingham didn’t just bring over talent from Utah-he brought over players who know how to play in his system. Smith Snowden is a perfect example. The 5-foot-10, 185-pound cornerback is coming off two highly productive seasons and is expected to slide into the nickel role in Jay Hill’s defense.
That’s not just a rotational spot anymore. In today’s college football, the nickel is a starter in all but name. Snowden brings quickness, instincts, and ball skills to the position, with four interceptions and 17 pass breakups over the past two seasons.
He joins a secondary that already features Jyaire Hill, Zeke Berry, and second-year standout Shamari Earls. That’s a deep group, and Snowden’s presence gives Michigan flexibility and depth. In Hill’s scheme, the nickel plays more like a true corner than a hybrid safety, and that fits Snowden’s skill set to a tee.
Chris Bracy, Safety
If you’re the kind of fan who digs past the star ratings and into the stat sheets, Chris Bracy is going to catch your eye. Ranked well outside the top 1,000 in the portal by some services, Bracy is one of those players whose production tells a much different story.
At 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, Bracy racked up 81 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, one interception, and nine pass breakups last season-leading the American Conference in PBUs. For context, Rod Moore, Michigan’s returning veteran at safety, has eight career pass breakups.
Bracy won’t be handed a starting job-Moore is back, and young talents like Jordan Young and Mason Curtis are pushing for snaps-but he’s going to be in the mix. Michigan is likely to rotate three or four safeties depending on the matchup, and Bracy’s versatility and physicality make him a strong candidate to see the field early and often.
John Henry Daley, EDGE
When you lose a double-digit sack guy like Derrick Moore, you don’t just replace him with the next man up-you go find someone who’s proven they can get after the quarterback. That’s exactly what Michigan did with John Henry Daley.
Daley comes in as the No. 62 overall player in the portal and the No. 8 EDGE, and for good reason.
He posted 11.5 sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss last season before a leg injury cut his year short. The expectation is he’ll be ready to go by June, and once he’s back in rhythm, he could be a force off the edge.
At 6-foot-4 and 255 pounds, Daley brings size, bend, and a relentless motor. With TJ Guy underwhelming last year and no clear heir apparent on the roster, Daley fills a major need. If he gets back to full strength, he could be one of the Big Ten’s most disruptive pass rushers in 2026.
Final Thoughts
Michigan didn’t just plug holes in the transfer portal-they added players who can elevate the ceiling of this team. From special teams to the trenches, the Wolverines addressed key needs with players who bring both production and upside.
Whittingham’s early fingerprints are all over this roster, and if these five names hit the ground running, Michigan could be right back in the national conversation come fall.