As the dust settles on this year’s transfer portal window, Michigan fans have every reason to feel cautiously optimistic - but not without a few lingering concerns. Despite a near-total overhaul of the coaching staff just before the portal opened, the Wolverines managed to piece together a roster that looks competitive heading into 2026. They brought in key reinforcements on both sides of the ball, shored up special teams, and - perhaps most importantly - held onto the core of their top-tier talent.
Still, no portal season comes without a few tough losses, and Michigan wasn’t immune. A handful of players slipped away, and three in particular stand out as departures that could leave a noticeable impact on the field this fall.
Cole Sullivan - Linebacker
Let’s start with the one that stings the most. Cole Sullivan wasn’t a household name coming out of the 2024 recruiting class, but by the end of 2025, he was on the verge of becoming a staple in Michigan’s defense. After cutting his teeth on special teams as a freshman, Sullivan carved out a larger role as a sophomore, flashing the kind of instincts and athleticism that had the staff penciling him in as a 2026 starter.
And with good reason. Michigan’s linebacker room has been hit hard - Ernest Hausmann retired, Jaishawn Barham and Jimmy Rolder are off to the NFL, and Sullivan was next in line to anchor the middle of the defense. He had the look of a breakout candidate, someone who could’ve been among the best linebackers in the Big Ten this season.
But instead of stepping into that spotlight in Ann Arbor, Sullivan hit the portal early and committed to Oklahoma. Michigan didn’t go big in terms of replacing him either. They brought in three linebackers - Chase Taylor, Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng, and Troy Bowles - all of whom have upside, but none with the game experience or proven production that Sullivan was poised to bring.
So now, it’s on the young guys. Taylor and Owusu-Boateng are still developing, and Bowles has shown flashes, but none have logged meaningful snaps in high-leverage situations.
That’s a big ask for a defense that’s been one of the most consistent in the country over the past few years. Sullivan’s departure leaves a hole in the heart of Michigan’s defense - and it’s going to take more than potential to fill it.
Jayden Sanders - Cornerback
Another young defender who looked ready to take the next step, Jayden Sanders is now suiting up for Notre Dame. Sanders was part of the 2025 class and saw the field early, earning his first start just three games into his freshman season. He stepped in after Zeke Berry went down, and while he gave up the job once Berry returned, Sanders still played meaningful snaps throughout the year, finishing with 23 tackles and a pass defended.
That kind of early impact is rare for a freshman corner, especially in a program like Michigan’s that doesn’t rush young players onto the field unless they’re ready. Sanders showed the kind of poise and physicality that had him in line to be a long-term piece in the secondary - not just for 2026, but as a potential cornerstone for 2027 and beyond.
Michigan did well to reload at corner, adding Smith Snowden and retaining Berry and Jyaire Hill. That trio should hold it down this season, but all three could be gone after 2026. Sanders represented continuity - a young, ascending player who could’ve stepped into a starting role next year and carried the torch forward.
The Wolverines still have Shamari Earls waiting in the wings, and there’s always the possibility of adding more talent next offseason. But losing Sanders means losing a developmental success story just as he was starting to blossom. And while Elijah Dotson’s transfer to Missouri also hurts, Sanders had the stronger trajectory.
T.J. Metcalf - Safety
Of all the secondary departures, T.J. Metcalf’s might be the toughest to replace.
The Arkansas transfer made an immediate impact in Ann Arbor, locking down a starting spot and racking up 58 tackles, four pass breakups, and a pick in his lone season with the Wolverines. He brought physicality, range, and a veteran presence to the back end - all traits that are hard to replace with a single portal addition.
Michigan lost three safeties this offseason, including Jaden Manghan and Brandyn Hillman, but Metcalf was the most consistent of the group. To fill the void, the Wolverines turned to Christopher Bracy from Memphis. He’s a solid addition, but he doesn’t bring the same level of production or experience that Metcalf offered.
Rod Moore is back for a sixth year, and if he can return to form, that’s a huge boost. But Moore hasn’t been fully healthy in over two seasons, so it’s fair to wonder how much he’ll be able to contribute. Behind him, Jordan Young and Mason Curtis bring some intrigue - Young has flashed potential, and Curtis is entering year three with the program - but neither is a proven commodity just yet.
So once again, Michigan finds itself leaning on hope and development in a position group that’s seen a lot of turnover. Metcalf’s presence gave the defense a level of stability and leadership that’s now gone. The Wolverines have options, but they’ll need someone to step up quickly if they want to maintain their standard on the back end.
Final Thoughts
Michigan’s transfer portal work this offseason was largely successful, especially considering the timing of the coaching change. They brought in talent, kept most of their key pieces, and addressed holes where they could.
But these three departures - Sullivan, Sanders, and Metcalf - leave behind more than just empty roster spots. They were young, ascending players who had already shown they could contribute and were poised for bigger roles in 2026.
Replacing that kind of upside is never easy, especially when you're doing it with unproven talent. The Wolverines still have the pieces to field a strong defense, but these losses will test their depth - and their ability to develop quickly.