Michigan football is heading into 2026 with a fresh coat of paint - and not just a touch-up. With a near-complete overhaul of the coaching staff and significant roster turnover, the Wolverines are entering a new era that’s bound to look and feel different. Gone are many of the familiar faces who helped fuel Michigan’s recent success, but in their place comes a wave of intriguing talent - both via the transfer portal and from a strong freshman class.
Let’s dive into five newcomers - three transfers and two freshmen - who are poised to make an immediate impact in Ann Arbor this fall.
Transfer: WR/TE JJ Buchanan
Don’t let the “tight end” label fool you - JJ Buchanan is more of a hybrid weapon than a traditional in-line blocker. At Utah, Buchanan lined up primarily in the slot, and as a freshman, he made the most of his opportunities: 26 catches, 427 yards, and five touchdowns. That kind of efficiency, especially from a first-year player, is hard to ignore.
What makes Buchanan such a compelling addition to Michigan’s offense is his ability to work the middle of the field - an area that’s been a bit of a blind spot for the Wolverines in recent years. With neither the tight ends nor slot receivers offering consistent production last season, Buchanan’s skill set fills a glaring need. He’s physical at the catch point, slippery after the grab, and has a knack for finding soft spots in coverage.
That could be a game-changer for freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, who has shown a tendency to look over the middle when improvising on the move. Sometimes that leads to magic, threading tight-window throws into traffic.
Other times, it ends in turnovers. With Buchanan as a reliable target patrolling that space, Underwood’s margin for error just got a lot wider - and Michigan’s passing game a lot more dangerous.
Freshman: RB Savion Hiter
Michigan’s running back room has been a factory for NFL talent, but rarely do true freshmen crack the rotation in a big way. Savion Hiter might be the exception.
A five-star recruit out of Virginia, Hiter brings a blend of speed, vision, and pass-catching ability that could earn him early touches behind projected starter Jordan Marshall. He’s not just a between-the-tackles bruiser - Hiter is dynamic in space and has the kind of wiggle that makes defenders miss in the open field.
There’s also a schematic fit here. Offensive coordinator Jason Beck utilized a two-back system at Utah, often pairing a lead runner with a change-of-pace option and a mobile quarterback.
That bodes well for Hiter, especially with Taylor Tatum reportedly moving to safety and Bryson Kuzdzal as the only other major competition for RB2 snaps. Don’t be surprised if Hiter gets on the field early and often - and makes the most of every touch.
Transfer: CB Smith Snowden
Michigan’s secondary took a hit in the transfer portal, but the Wolverines landed a major piece in Smith Snowden - and he might just be the most important addition of the offseason.
Snowden brings experience and versatility, having started 23 games over the last two seasons at Utah. He’s not just a plug-and-play corner - he’s a proven playmaker.
In 2025, he earned All-Big 12 honors with 37 tackles, nine pass breakups, two interceptions, and even some gadget work on offense (13 catches, 57 yards; eight carries, 40 yards and a score). While it remains to be seen if Michigan taps into that two-way potential, his value on defense is undeniable.
He’s expected to slide into the nickel corner role, flanked by Jyaire Hill and Zeke Berry on the outside. That trio gives Michigan a solid foundation in the secondary - and Snowden’s ability to cover shifty slot receivers, blitz off the edge, and support in the run game makes him a key chess piece for the Wolverines’ defense.
Freshman: WR/DB Salesi Moa
Technically a transfer after a brief stint at Utah, Salesi Moa is still a freshman in every meaningful way - and his impact potential is real on either side of the ball.
At 6-foot-1, 180 pounds, Moa was one of the top-rated athletes in the 2026 class, and it’s easy to see why. He’s smooth with the ball in his hands, showing strong run-after-catch ability and natural ball-tracking skills. Offensively, he could add depth to a receiver room that already includes Andrew Marsh, Nae’Shaun Ffrench, JJ Buchanan, and returners like Channing Goodwin and Jamar Browder.
But the more immediate path to playing time might be on defense. With Hill, Snowden, and Berry holding down starting roles, the depth behind them is thin - and Moa’s versatility could allow him to slot in at corner or even safety. His athleticism and instincts make him a strong candidate to contribute on special teams and in sub-packages early in the season.
Transfer: DE John Henry Daley
Michigan’s edge rushing unit took a hit with the departures of Derrick Moore, T.J. Guy, and Jaishawn Barham. Enter John Henry Daley - a first-team All-American in 2025 who racked up 11.5 sacks and brings instant credibility to the Wolverines’ front seven.
Daley did suffer a lower leg injury late last season, but he publicly stated in December that he expects to be back within six months. Even at less than full strength, Daley is the kind of pass rusher who demands attention. He brings a relentless motor, polished technique, and the kind of burst off the edge that keeps offensive tackles up at night.
With no other proven edge rushers returning, Daley should step into a starting role immediately. He’ll be the focal point of Michigan’s pass rush - and a player opposing offenses will have to account for on every third down.
Final Thoughts
Michigan’s 2026 roster is a blend of old and new, with a heavy emphasis on the latter. The departures were significant, but the additions - particularly Buchanan, Snowden, Daley, Hiter, and Moa - offer real upside. Whether it’s veteran transfers bringing experience and production or blue-chip freshmen ready to carve out roles, the Wolverines have reloaded with purpose.
There will be growing pains, sure. But if these five players hit the ground running, Michigan might not just survive the transition - they could thrive in it.