Michigan’s backfield just got a familiar boost.
Running back Bryson Kuzdzal has reportedly withdrawn from the transfer portal and will return to Ann Arbor, giving the Wolverines some much-needed continuity at a position that saw its depth tested in 2025. For first-year head coach Kyle Whittingham, this is another win in what’s become a clear offseason priority: keeping the core of the roster intact.
Kuzdzal’s decision is the latest in a growing trend of players choosing to stay in maize and blue after initially exploring other options. In recent weeks, Michigan has managed to retain several key contributors who had entered the portal - including safety Jordan Young, cornerback Zeke Berry, defensive lineman Enow Etta, and offensive linemen Jake Guarnera and Andrew Sprague. Kuzdzal now joins that group, and his return could prove especially valuable given the demands of the running back position.
Let’s not forget: Kuzdzal was a bright spot during a stretch when Michigan needed someone to step up. A former walk-on, he seized his opportunity when injuries hit the backfield last season.
His breakout came against Maryland, where he rushed for over 100 yards in his first career start. He followed that up with a solid showing in the Citrus Bowl, carrying the ball 20 times for 82 yards.
By year’s end, he had logged 76 carries for 326 yards and four touchdowns - not flashy numbers, but the kind of steady production that teams rely on when depth gets tested.
Even with a crowded running back room, Kuzdzal’s return makes a lot of sense for both sides. Jordan Marshall is expected to lead the group when healthy, and Michigan added Oklahoma transfer Taylor Tatum and five-star freshman Savion Hiter this offseason.
But as last year proved, depth is never just a luxury - it’s a necessity. Kuzdzal brings experience, reliability, and a proven ability to step in when called upon.
The Wolverines did lose Justice Haynes and Jasper Parker to the portal, but the position still looks strong heading into spring. With Kuzdzal back, the running back group now features Marshall, Tatum, Hiter, Kuzdzal, Micah Ka’apana, Donovan Johnson, and incoming freshman Jonathan Brown. That’s a deep and versatile stable - one that gives Whittingham plenty of options as he begins shaping his first Michigan offense.
For a team looking to build on last season’s success while navigating the transition to a new coaching era, moves like this matter. Kuzdzal’s return may not make national headlines, but inside the walls of Schembechler Hall, it’s another important piece falling into place.