The Michigan Wolverines are heading into the 2026 season with a roster that looks significantly different from the one fans saw just a year ago. With 27 players exiting the program via the transfer portal, there are bound to be some departures that hit harder than others. And while head coach Kyle Whittingham has done a solid job reloading-bringing in 16 new transfers to help plug some of those gaps-there are a few names that will be tough to watch in opposing uniforms next fall.
Let’s break down three former Wolverines whose exits could come back to bite Michigan in 2026.
Honorable Mention: Jayden Sanders to Notre Dame
Before we dive into the top three, it’s worth giving a nod to Jayden Sanders. His decision to head to South Bend and join Notre Dame adds another layer of intrigue to a potential future matchup. While not a headline departure, it’s one that could quietly sting if the Irish and Wolverines cross paths down the line.
1. Semaj Morgan - WR - Now at UCLA
This one hurts for more than one reason.
Semaj Morgan spent three seasons in Ann Arbor, carving out a versatile role as both a receiver and a runner. He totaled 566 receiving yards and four touchdowns through the air, and added another 124 yards and two scores on the ground. While those aren’t eye-popping numbers, Morgan’s ability to make plays in space and contribute in multiple ways made him a valuable piece of Michigan’s offense.
But it’s not just about what Michigan is losing-it’s also about where he’s going. Morgan committed to UCLA, a fellow Big Ten member now that the conference has expanded westward.
That means Michigan will see him again, and soon. Facing a former teammate-especially one with Morgan’s skill set-on the opposite sideline is never easy.
It’s the kind of move that could come back to haunt the Wolverines in a key conference matchup.
2. Frederick Moore - WR - Now at Michigan State
If Morgan’s departure stings, Frederick Moore’s might cut even deeper-because he’s headed to East Lansing.
Moore didn’t get a ton of run during his two years at Michigan. He caught 15 passes for 160 yards and a touchdown, and chipped in with a few carries in 2024.
His role was limited in 2025, but the potential was still there. Moore showed flashes of being a reliable possession receiver with room to grow.
Now, he’ll get a chance to do that growth in green and white. Transferring to Michigan State adds a whole new level of emotion to this one.
The rivalry is already one of the most heated in college football, and now the Wolverines will have to line up against a former teammate in one of their biggest games of the year. If Moore finds his stride in East Lansing, this could be a transfer that gets mentioned for years to come.
3. Cole Sullivan - LB - Now at Oklahoma
Cole Sullivan’s exit might be the most painful from a pure football standpoint.
After two years in Ann Arbor, Sullivan hit the portal as a three-star prospect and landed with the Oklahoma Sooners-a team that already gave Michigan trouble in 2025 and is scheduled to visit the Big House in 2026.
Sullivan was productive in 2025, finishing the season with 44 total tackles (28 solo), three interceptions, two sacks, a pass deflection, and a forced fumble. That’s the kind of stat line that tells the story of a linebacker who was just starting to hit his stride. He was a playmaker, plain and simple-someone who could drop into coverage, bring pressure off the edge, and fly to the ball.
Now, he’ll be doing all of that for a team that’s already proven it can hang with Michigan. The Sooners have talent, and adding a defender who knows the Wolverines’ tendencies from the inside only makes them more dangerous. Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood will need to keep tabs on his former teammate when Oklahoma comes to town.
The Bottom Line
In the era of the transfer portal, roster turnover is part of the game. But that doesn’t mean every departure is easy to swallow.
For Michigan, these three exits-Morgan, Moore, and Sullivan-represent more than just lost depth. They’re players with potential, production, and, in some cases, inside knowledge of how things operate in Ann Arbor.
With Michigan retooling for another Big Ten run under Kyle Whittingham, the focus will be on what’s ahead. But don’t be surprised if one-or all-of these names show up in a big moment next season. And when they do, it’ll be a reminder of just how much the transfer portal can reshape a program’s fortunes.