Bryson Kuzdal Withdraws from Transfer Portal, Bolstering Michigan’s Loaded Backfield
There’s depth, and then there’s what Michigan is building in its running back room.
After a brief stint in the transfer portal, Bryson Kuzdal is returning to Ann Arbor, giving the Wolverines yet another proven option in a backfield that’s already stacked with talent and potential.
Kuzdal’s return is part of a growing trend among Michigan players who initially explored the portal but ultimately chose to stay put. He joins offensive linemen Jake Guarnera and Andrew Sprague, along with defenders Zeke Berry, Jordan Young, and Enow Etta, in reversing course. But Kuzdal’s decision might be the most impactful of the bunch in terms of on-field depth - especially at a position where attrition and injuries are just part of the game.
A Quiet Workhorse Returns
Kuzdal may have entered the portal as a former walk-on, but he’s proven he can handle real game action when called upon. He totaled 76 carries for 326 yards (4.3 yards per carry) this past season, including a strong showing in the Citrus Bowl against Texas, where he rushed 20 times for 81 yards. That kind of production in a high-stakes setting speaks volumes.
And let’s not forget his breakout performance: 100 yards and three touchdowns in his first career start. That’s not just filling in - that’s delivering when the lights are on. Add in his 53-yard contribution in a comeback win over Northwestern, and you’ve got a back who’s not just capable, but clutch.
A Crowded, Competitive Backfield
With Justice Haynes heading to Georgia Tech, there was some concern among fans about how Michigan would balance its backfield. But the reality is, Michigan might’ve had too much talent to keep everyone happy. Between Jordan Marshall, who’s poised to take over as RB1, and five-star freshman Savion Hiter - who could be one of the most electrifying offensive newcomers in the country - the touches were always going to be hard to come by.
Then there’s Taylor Tatum, a former top-100 recruit who transferred in from Oklahoma after rushing for 278 yards as a freshman. He’s got the tools, but he’s also coming off a season-ending injury, which adds a layer of uncertainty to his 2026 outlook.
That’s where Kuzdal fits in perfectly. He’s the kind of player who gives you flexibility.
He’s not demanding 20 carries a game, but he’s more than capable of producing when his number’s called. He’s a steady hand in a room full of high-upside playmakers - a luxury most programs would kill for.
Insurance Policy or More?
Whether Kuzdal ends up as a rotational piece or sees a bigger role due to injuries or game flow, his presence gives Michigan something every elite team needs: experienced depth. And in a Big Ten that continues to get more physical and more competitive, that could be the difference between contending for a title and coming up short.
So while the headlines may focus on the five-stars and flashy freshmen, don’t overlook the importance of having a guy like Kuzdal in the fold. He’s already proven he can deliver. Now, he gets a chance to do it again - this time, with a little more spotlight and a lot more at stake.