As the college football offseason heats up and the transfer portal prepares to swing open, all eyes are on Utah - and more specifically, on the players who might follow Kyle Whittingham to Michigan. So far, the Utes haven’t seen a mass exodus, but that could change quickly. Whittingham’s move to Ann Arbor has opened a new chapter, and while he’s leaving behind some serious talent in Salt Lake City, the door is wide open for a few key names to join him in maize and blue.
Let’s take a closer look at three Utah players who could be on the move - whether that means declaring for the NFL Draft, staying put, or entering the portal with an eye on Michigan.
Caleb Lomu - Offensive Tackle
If you're building an offensive line, Caleb Lomu is the kind of cornerstone you want to start with. He’s draft-eligible and widely regarded as one of the top tackle prospects in the country.
The numbers back it up - over 800 snaps at tackle in 2025, zero sacks allowed. That’s elite protection, plain and simple.
And it’s not just about the pass-blocking; Lomu’s durability is a major selling point. He hasn’t missed a start in two years.
Now, the decision gets interesting when you consider what Michigan’s offensive line room looks like. Evan Link and Andrew Babalola are both coming off injuries, while Blake Frazier is pushing hard for the left tackle job.
That creates a bit of a logjam, and Lomu has to weigh whether stepping into that mix is the right move. But if Whittingham wants to bring a familiar face to stabilize the trenches in Ann Arbor, Lomu would be a massive addition.
John Henry Daley - Defensive End
When you rack up 11.5 sacks in a season, people take notice. John Henry Daley broke out in a big way in 2025, showing off a relentless motor and a knack for getting home off the edge.
His performance earned him a 92 grade from Pro Football Focus - a number that puts him in elite company nationally. He’s currently viewed as a Day 3 NFL Draft pick, but there’s a wrinkle: a non-contact lower leg injury kept him out of Utah’s season finale, and it could delay his timeline heading into next season.
For Michigan, Daley’s potential fit is obvious. The Wolverines are losing three edge rushers to graduation or the draft, and they’ll need reinforcements to keep the pressure coming in 2026. If Daley opts for one more year of college ball and wants to reunite with Whittingham, the Wolverines could be a perfect landing spot - assuming he’s healthy by September.
Dillon Curtis - Kicker
Don’t overlook the kicking game - especially not when you’ve got a freshman who drilled multiple 50-plus-yard field goals in his first year. Dillon Curtis has a big leg and a bright future, and with Dominic Zvada heading to the NFL, there’s a clear path for Curtis to step into a starting role wherever he lands.
At Michigan, the special teams picture is still developing. One key question is whether Kerry Coombs will remain on Whittingham’s staff - a factor that could influence Curtis’ decision if he’s considering a move. Either way, Curtis has the tools to be a difference-maker in tight games, and he’s only getting started.
Looking Ahead
While quarterback Devon Dampier still has a year of eligibility left, most of the attention right now is centered on Bryce Underwood, who’s sitting at the top of every recruiting board. That adds another layer to the quarterback situation and could influence how the dominoes fall.
But for now, the spotlight is on Lomu, Daley, and Curtis - three players with real decisions to make and the talent to make an immediate impact wherever they go. Whether they turn pro, stay at Utah, or follow Whittingham to Michigan, their next moves will be worth watching. The portal opens soon, and the ripple effects could shape the landscape for both programs heading into 2026.