As we inch closer to spring practices, Michigan Football’s offseason under new head coach Kyle Whittingham is starting to take shape - and it’s clear the Wolverines haven’t wasted any time retooling the roster. The headline additions like wide receivers JJ Buchanan and Jamie Ffrench, or two-way athletes Salesi Moa and Smith Snowden, have understandably drawn plenty of buzz.
But dig a little deeper into the transfer portal haul, and there are a few under-the-radar pickups that could quietly play pivotal roles in 2026. Let’s take a closer look at three names that deserve more attention.
QB Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi (Colorado State)
Let’s be clear: Bryce Underwood is the future in Ann Arbor. The five-star phenom is expected to take the reins sooner rather than later, and the Wolverines are building around his immense upside. But that’s exactly why the addition of Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi is so important - and maybe a little overlooked.
Michigan’s quarterback room was thin to begin with, and that was before Davis Warren and Jadyn Davis exited stage left. Even with Underwood in the fold, depth matters.
Fowler-Nicolosi brings something Michigan desperately needed: experience. In 2023, he threw for 3,460 yards and 22 touchdowns at Colorado State.
That kind of production doesn’t happen by accident. Sure, the 16 interceptions that season show he’s still working on decision-making, but he’s battle-tested - and that counts for a lot in a room full of youth.
Give credit to Whittingham and his staff for pulling in a veteran who’s willing to compete and mentor while providing a reliable insurance policy. In a long season, having a capable backup who’s seen live bullets can make all the difference.
LB Aisea Moa (Michigan State)
Statistically, Aisea Moa’s time at Michigan State won’t blow you away. But context matters - and Moa brings something Michigan’s defense will value in 2026: familiarity and fit.
Moa played under new defensive coordinator Jay Hill during his stint at BYU, where he logged 16 tackles and a forced fumble. That connection could be key.
Michigan’s linebacker room, once a position of strength, has thinned out heading into next season. Adding someone who knows the system, the terminology, and what Hill expects on the field is a smart move.
And while much of the offseason attention has gone to his younger brother, Salesi, don’t sleep on the elder Moa. He’s got the experience, the system knowledge, and the opportunity to carve out a role in a defense that’s undergoing some transition. Don’t be surprised if he’s making meaningful contributions by midseason.
DL Jonah Lea’ea (Utah)
Michigan’s defensive front has some pieces, but there’s room for growth - and Jonah Lea’ea might be just the kind of player who quietly helps raise the floor.
Lea’ea wrapped up the 2025 season with 38 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, and a pass deflection. That last stat might seem minor, but it speaks volumes about his motor and awareness.
Not every defensive lineman is trained to get their hands up when they can’t get home - Lea’ea is. That kind of effort play can swing momentum or kill a drive.
With edge rusher John Henry Daley grabbing most of the headlines, Lea’ea’s arrival has flown under the radar. But he’s a strong rotational piece who could end up being more than that. He’s active, disruptive, and brings a physical presence that this defensive line can use.
Bottom Line: Whittingham’s first offseason in Ann Arbor has been about more than just splashy names. It’s been about building depth, adding experience, and finding players who fit the system.
Fowler-Nicolosi, Moa, and Lea’ea might not be the flashiest additions, but they’re the kind of pickups that help win games in November. Keep an eye on all three as spring ball kicks off - they could be bigger pieces of the puzzle than people realize.