As the transfer portal window winds down, Michigan football has emerged with a revamped roster and a clear vision for 2026. The Wolverines didn’t just plug holes-they reloaded, especially on offense and special teams, where they’ve added speed, versatility, and depth. There’s a lot to like about what they’ve built, and on paper, this team looks like a legitimate Big Ten contender with national upside.
But even with all the portal wins, there are still a few position groups that raise questions heading into spring ball. Some key departures-particularly at linebacker, safety, and tight end-leave Michigan with more uncertainty than they’d probably like. Let’s take a closer look at the three biggest areas of concern as the Wolverines finalize their roster for the 2026 season.
1. Linebacker: A Room in Flux
No position has been hit harder by turnover than linebacker. Michigan is saying goodbye to its top three contributors-Jimmy Rolder, Jaishawn Barham, and Ernest Hausmann-all of whom are moving on to the NFL or graduation.
That alone would be a major shakeup, but the loss of Cole Sullivan, who was expected to step into a starting role, adds another layer of concern. Sullivan’s decision to transfer to Oklahoma leaves the Wolverines without a proven leader in the middle of their defense.
There’s talent in the pipeline-freshman Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng has a high ceiling-but there’s a steep learning curve ahead. The Wolverines also brought in North Dakota State transfer Nathaniel Staehling, a solid depth piece with experience, but it’s unclear if he’s ready to anchor a Big Ten defense week in and week out.
Michigan also missed out on Cade Uluave, a transfer from Cal, reportedly due to admissions hurdles. That one stings.
He could’ve provided immediate help. As it stands, the linebacker group is long on potential but short on proven production.
If no late additions arrive via the portal, Michigan could head into the 2026 season with one of its most inexperienced linebacker units in recent memory.
2. Safety: Depth Tested by Injuries
Michigan managed the cornerback room with precision-retaining Jyaire Hill and Zeke Berry while adding Utah’s Smith Snowden gives them a solid trio to work with. But safety? That’s a different story.
Rod Moore and Mason Curtis are back, but both are coming off injuries. Moore, in particular, is a wild card.
When healthy, he’s an All-American-caliber player who can change games from the back end. But health has been elusive-he’s battled injuries for two straight seasons, and his status heading into 2026 is far from certain.
The Wolverines were in the mix for BYU All-American safety Faletau Satuala, who would’ve reunited with Jay Hill in Ann Arbor, but that deal never materialized. Meanwhile, Brandyn Hillman and TJ Metcalf both hit the portal, thinning out the depth chart even more.
Michigan did land Chris Bracy from Memphis, a physical, versatile defender who can help, but the safety room still feels like it’s one injury away from a crisis. If Moore can stay healthy and Bracy adjusts quickly, this unit could stabilize. But right now, it’s a position group that bears watching closely.
3. Tight End: From Strength to Question Mark
For years, tight end was a foundational piece of Michigan’s offense-reliable, productive, and often a mismatch nightmare for opposing defenses. But 2025 was a different story. Injuries and inconsistency turned a position of strength into a liability, and the Wolverines never really found their rhythm in the passing game because of it.
You’d think that would’ve prompted an aggressive portal push to land an experienced tight end. Instead, Michigan took a more measured approach.
The only addition was JJ Buchanan from Utah-a dynamic athlete who was listed as a tight end but spent most of his time split out wide. He’s a playmaker, no doubt, but he’s not your traditional in-line option.
With Marlin Klein graduating, the tight end room now leans on Hogan Hansen and Zack Marshall. Hansen missed most of 2025 with injuries, and Marshall recently announced he underwent surgery in early January. That’s a lot of uncertainty at a position that Michigan has historically leaned on in big moments.
Unless someone takes a major leap or a late transfer arrives, this group could be a limiting factor in the Wolverines’ offensive ceiling.
Final Thoughts
Michigan’s offseason work in the portal has been impressive overall. The offense looks explosive, special teams got a much-needed facelift, and there’s enough talent on both sides of the ball to compete at the highest level. But linebacker, safety, and tight end remain question marks-and in a conference as deep as the Big Ten, those gaps can make all the difference.
If the young talent steps up and the injury luck turns, Michigan could be in for a special season. But until those questions get answered on the field, these three position groups will be under the microscope.