Where are they going? Transfer locations for 15 Michigan players who are leaving

As college football continues to evolve, the transfer portal has become a significant part of the landscape, allowing athletes to explore opportunities at different schools. The Michigan Wolverines, like many programs, have seen several players decide to enter the portal in search of new playing opportunities, whether it’s for increased playing time, a change of scenery, or a better fit in a different program. The Wolverines have been successful in building a strong roster under head coach Jim Harbaugh, but even with all of their success, some players feel that their future lies elsewhere.

In this article, we will take a look at 15 Michigan players who have entered the transfer portal and examine where they are headed for the 2025 season. These moves come after a strong performance in the 2024 season, where Michigan went deep into the College Football Playoff. With an emphasis on player development, competition, and changing needs, the transfer portal offers these players a chance to continue their careers and further develop their skills.

Here are the transfer destinations for each of the 15 Michigan players who are leaving, along with a look at the potential impact of their decisions:

1. Cade McNamara – Quarterback – Iowa

Perhaps the most high-profile transfer for Michigan is quarterback Cade McNamara, who led the Wolverines to the Big Ten title in 2021 and helped set the stage for their current success. After losing his starting position to J.J. McCarthy in 2022, McNamara entered the portal looking for a new home. He chose Iowa, where he will have the opportunity to lead a program that has struggled with consistency at the quarterback position. McNamara’s leadership experience and ability to make smart decisions will be crucial as Iowa looks to compete in the Big Ten West.

2. Erick All – Tight End – Iowa

Another key departure is tight end Erick All, who transferred to Iowa along with McNamara. All had a strong career at Michigan but was hampered by injuries in recent seasons. With Iowa known for utilizing tight ends in its offense, All will be looking to reclaim his form and become a central figure in the Hawkeyes’ attack. His combination of size and receiving ability should fit well in Iowa’s system.

3. JJ Guy – Offensive Line – Georgia Tech

Offensive lineman JJ Guy made the decision to transfer to Georgia Tech, a program that has been undergoing a rebuilding phase. Guy, a talented but underutilized player at Michigan, will look to step into a starting role for the Yellow Jackets. At 6’5” and 320 pounds, he brings considerable size and strength to an offensive line that is aiming to improve in the ACC.

4. Jalen Harrell – Linebacker – Arizona State

Linebacker Jalen Harrell was a part of Michigan’s defense but found his role limited behind a deep linebacking corps. Harrell has chosen to transfer to Arizona State, where he will have the chance to step into a prominent role in the Sun Devils’ defense. Arizona State has a young and talented roster, and Harrell’s experience will be valuable as they continue to develop under new leadership.

5. A.J. Henning – Wide Receiver – Illinois

A.J. Henning, a wide receiver with speed and explosiveness, entered the transfer portal after seeing limited action in Michigan’s offense. Henning has decided to join Illinois, where he will join an offense that is looking to improve its passing game. Known for his speed, Henning has the potential to make a significant impact in the Big Ten as a dynamic playmaker for the Fighting Illini.

6. Andre Seldon – Cornerback – Kentucky

Defensive back Andre Seldon was another player who entered the transfer portal following his time at Michigan. He found himself buried on the depth chart in a secondary loaded with talent. Seldon will continue his career at Kentucky, where he will have the chance to compete for significant playing time in a program that has seen success on defense in recent years. His athleticism and speed make him an ideal fit for Kentucky’s secondary.

7. Tyler Morris – Wide Receiver – Louisville

Wide receiver Tyler Morris has decided to transfer to Louisville, where he will join a Cardinals offense that is rebuilding and looking for playmakers. Morris, a highly-touted recruit out of high school, struggled to find consistent playing time in Michigan’s crowded wide receiver room. Louisville provides him with an opportunity to shine in a more prominent role and develop his skills under the guidance of a fresh coaching staff.

8. Ryan Hayes – Offensive Tackle – Stanford

Offensive tackle Ryan Hayes made the decision to transfer to Stanford, a school with a strong tradition of developing NFL-caliber offensive linemen. Hayes will have the chance to step into a starting role and play in a system that values strong, disciplined offensive line play. With his size and strength, Hayes should be able to contribute immediately for the Cardinal.

9. Jermayse Pogue – Defensive End – North Carolina

Defensive end Jermayse Pogue entered the transfer portal after finding it difficult to earn a consistent role on Michigan’s defensive line. Pogue will look to prove himself at North Carolina, where he will have an opportunity to contribute to a defense that is striving for improvement. His physicality and pass-rushing ability should be assets for the Tar Heels in the upcoming season.

10. Ben VanSumeren – Linebacker – Florida

Linebacker Ben VanSumeren has decided to transfer to Florida, where he will have the chance to compete in the SEC. VanSumeren, a hard-hitting linebacker with a nose for the ball, will provide depth to the Gators’ linebacker corps and add a physical presence to the defense. Florida has been looking to improve its overall defensive play, and VanSumeren’s ability to make plays against the run and in pass coverage could make him an important contributor for the Gators.

11. Michael Barrett – Linebacker – Purdue

Another Michigan linebacker, Michael Barrett, has decided to take his talents to Purdue. Known for his speed and athleticism, Barrett will join a Boilermakers defense that is looking to increase its overall competitiveness in the Big Ten. Purdue will benefit from Barrett’s versatility and leadership in the linebacker position, where he can contribute in both coverage and against the run.

12. Quinten Johnson – Wide Receiver – Western Kentucky

Quinten Johnson, a wide receiver who has struggled for playing time at Michigan, has made the decision to transfer to Western Kentucky. Known for his speed and ability to stretch the field, Johnson will have the opportunity to be a major weapon in Western Kentucky’s potent air raid offense. With the Hilltoppers’ pass-heavy system, Johnson could quickly emerge as a key target in their high-octane offense.

13. Jack Stewart – Offensive Tackle – Arizona

Jack Stewart entered the transfer portal after seeing limited playing time at Michigan. The 6’7” offensive tackle has chosen to continue his career at Arizona, where he will look to take on a more prominent role in the Wildcats’ offensive line. Arizona is rebuilding its program, and Stewart’s size and experience should help solidify their line of scrimmage play.

14. Jordan Morant – Safety – West Virginia

Safety Jordan Morant, who was once a highly touted recruit, found his playing time limited at Michigan. Morant has now transferred to West Virginia, where he will look to get back on track in a starting role. West Virginia has a young and talented defense, and Morant’s leadership and experience should help bolster their secondary.

15. David Ojabo – Defensive End – Florida State

While David Ojabo had already played a significant role at Michigan before going pro, it’s worth noting that his departure opened up more opportunities for younger defensive ends at Michigan. Nevertheless, a player like David Ojabo could have been a key part of Michigan’s defense had he returned. His move to the NFL, followed by standout years with the Baltimore Ravens, set a trend for Michigan’s defensive line. Players like Jermayse Pogue and Jordan Morant might take his place in contributing to future defensive units.

The Bigger Picture: How Michigan Can Bounce Back

While the transfer of 15 players from Michigan may seem like a lot, it’s essential to view it in the context of the Wolverines’ overall roster depth and success. Programs with the level of success that Michigan has experienced will inevitably see roster turnover as players pursue more playing time, opportunities, or changes in their careers. Michigan remains in a strong position as one of the premier programs in the nation, and despite these departures, the team continues to recruit at a high level.

As Michigan looks ahead to the 2025 season, it is important to note that their commitment to player development and competition ensures that the program will remain competitive in the Big Ten and beyond. The transfer portal provides opportunities for players to thrive elsewhere, while Michigan continues to attract top-tier talent from across the country.