Michigan’s 2026 offseason has been all about smart roster management - and that means hitting the transfer portal with purpose. The Wolverines didn’t need a full rebuild, but after losing some key defensive pieces, they had to reload. And they did just that, quietly adding a few under-the-radar transfers who could play major roles this fall.
Let’s be clear: Michigan’s defense took some real hits. The Wolverines lost their top two pass rushers, their best interior defensive lineman, both starting safeties, and their top two linebackers.
That’s a lot of production to replace, especially for a unit that’s been the backbone of the program’s recent success. Some of those gaps will be filled by returning talent, but Michigan didn’t leave it to chance.
They went shopping in the portal - and came back with three names that might not have made headlines, but could make a big difference.
Chris Bracy, S (Memphis)
When you look at Michigan’s safety room, the biggest storyline is Rod Moore’s return from injury. If Moore is back to full strength, it’s a massive boost for the secondary. But he’ll need a running mate on the back end - and that’s where Chris Bracy comes in.
Bracy isn’t a household name. In fact, he’s ranked outside the top 1,200 overall in the portal by 247Sports.
But rankings don’t always tell the full story. Bracy was one of the most productive safeties in the American Athletic Conference last season, racking up 81 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 9 pass breakups (which led the conference), and an interception.
That’s not just solid - that’s playmaker-level production.
Sure, there are questions about how his game will translate to Big Ten speed and physicality. But Michigan’s new defensive staff has a strong background in developing defensive backs, and they clearly see something in Bracy. If he picks up the scheme quickly and continues to play with that same instinctive edge, don’t be surprised if he’s lining up next to Moore in Week 1.
Nathaniel Staehling, LB (North Dakota State)
Linebacker was a major area of concern after Michigan lost two starters. Enter Nathaniel Staehling, a captain and starting inside linebacker from FCS powerhouse North Dakota State. He’s not going to wow anyone with combine numbers, and he doesn’t carry a flashy recruiting profile - ranked outside the top 1,000 overall and just 99th among portal linebackers by Rivals.
But Staehling is a football player, plain and simple. He finished last season with 76 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, and 3 interceptions.
He’s a smart, physical presence in the middle of the field, and he knows how to find the football. That’s the kind of steady presence Michigan needs next to rising star Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng.
He might not have the upside of a Cole Sullivan, but Staehling brings experience, leadership, and toughness - all traits that translate, no matter the level. If he can hold up in coverage and stay disciplined in run fits, he could be a key piece of the linebacker rotation.
Jonah Lea‘ea, DL (Utah)
You can’t replace elite defensive linemen with just one player - but adding Jonah Lea‘ea certainly helps. The former Utah starter brings size (6'5", 285 lbs), versatility, and experience to a defensive front that needed reinforcements. He started 12 games last season and put up a solid stat line: 38 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and a pass breakup.
Lea‘ea is the kind of player who can line up at multiple spots - whether it’s at three-technique inside or sliding out to five-technique depending on the front. That flexibility will be huge for Michigan, especially as they look to rotate bodies and keep pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
With Enow Etta and Trey Pierce already anchoring the line, Lea‘ea gives the Wolverines a reliable, battle-tested presence in the trenches. And when you factor in edge contributors like John Henry Daley and Cameron Brandt (especially on early downs), plus young talents like Nate Marshall and Carter Meadows, this defensive line group is starting to take shape.
Michigan didn’t chase stars in the portal - they went after fits. Guys who can fill specific roles, bring experience, and raise the floor of the defense.
Bracy, Staehling, and Lea‘ea might not have the recruiting pedigree or national buzz, but they’re exactly the kind of players who help you win in November. And if they click in Ann Arbor, they might just be the unsung heroes of Michigan’s 2026 campaign.