In his first month at the helm in Ann Arbor, Kyle Whittingham hasn’t wasted any time putting his stamp on Michigan football. The longtime Utah head coach, now donning maize and blue, dove headfirst into the transfer portal-and the early returns are turning heads.
As of Thursday morning, Michigan’s transfer class ranks 17th nationally and 13th in average player rating, according to 247Sports. But it’s not just about the numbers.
It’s about the names-and the impact they’re poised to make.
Leading the charge are four highly regarded transfers from Whittingham’s former Utah squad, each earning four-star ratings from 247Sports. And three of them cracked CBS Sports’ final top-100 portal rankings, signaling just how much talent Michigan is bringing in to reshape the 2026 roster.
Let’s start with the headliner: wide receiver JJ Buchanan. Ranked 19th overall in the portal and No. 5 among wideouts, Buchanan is a rising star with a unique background.
A former tight end, he made the switch to receiver and wasted no time making an impact. As a true freshman last fall, he racked up 427 receiving yards-15th among freshmen-while hauling in five touchdowns and averaging a gaudy 16.4 yards per catch, good for fifth in the class.
At 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, Buchanan brings a rare combination of size, athleticism, and after-the-catch explosiveness. He’s the kind of weapon who can line up outside the numbers or work the middle of the field, and he’s expected to be a major asset for five-star freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood. Simply put, Buchanan gives Michigan a playmaker who can stretch the field and win contested catches-something the Wolverines have lacked in recent years.
On the defensive side, Michigan landed one of the most versatile backs in the portal in Smith Snowden. Ranked 51st overall and third among cornerbacks, Snowden is a do-it-all defender who can line up at safety, corner, or nickel.
Last season, he posted 37 tackles, two tackles for loss, two interceptions, and nine pass breakups. Oh, and he chipped in 40 rushing yards and 57 receiving yards on offense-because why not?
Snowden is projected to start at nickel for Michigan, where his quickness, instincts, and positional flexibility will be key in a secondary that already features Zeke Berry and Jyaire Hill. He’s the kind of player who doesn’t just fill a role-he expands it. Whether it’s locking down slot receivers or providing run support, Snowden gives the Wolverines a chess piece on defense.
Up front, Michigan added a pass-rushing force in John Henry Daley. At 6-foot-4 and 255 pounds, Daley was a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks last fall, tallying 17.5 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, and 47 pressures in just 11 games.
That kind of production doesn’t happen by accident. Ranked No. 62 overall and No. 8 among edge defenders in the portal, Daley plays with relentless motor and old-school toughness.
He might not be flashy, but he’s flat-out effective. Daley is expected to be a cornerstone of Michigan’s defensive front and could be in the mix for All-Big Ten honors if he picks up where he left off.
The fourth standout from Utah is incoming freshman Salesi Moa, a four-star athlete who could contribute on either side of the ball. Ranked No. 36 in the 2026 Composite and No. 10 among cornerbacks, Moa brings versatility and upside. Whether he ends up in the secondary or finds a role elsewhere, he’s a high-ceiling addition to a class that’s already loaded with proven talent.
Altogether, Michigan brought in 16 players from the portal-a strong haul for a program in transition. But as is often the case in the transfer era, it’s not just about who you gain-it’s also about who you lose.
One of Michigan’s 22 departures, running back Justice Haynes, also made the top-100 list. Ranked No. 57 overall and No. 4 among running backs, Haynes had a breakout season before a foot injury sidelined him in late October.
He still managed to eclipse 800 rushing yards and score 10 touchdowns during the regular season. Now, the Georgia native returns home to help Brent Key at Georgia Tech, where he’ll be tasked with reinvigorating the Yellow Jackets’ ground game.
For Michigan, the portal moves under Whittingham reflect a clear vision: build a tough, versatile, and dynamic roster that can compete right away. With proven production, positional flexibility, and high-end potential across the board, this transfer class gives the Wolverines a strong foundation heading into a new era.
And if these additions live up to the billing, Michigan might not just be reloading-they could be retooling for another Big Ten title run.