6 Transfer portal targets for Michigan Football

Now that the offseason is in full swing, here are six transfer portal targets Michigan football should go after. 

The transfer portal has turned into college football’s version of free agency with the freedom of movement players have now. Michigan football is not as active as other schools, but the Wolverines did land a commitment from graduate transfer center Victor Oluwatimi.

The Wolverines have lost quarterback Dan Villari, offensive lineman Nolan Rumler, linebacker Anthony Solomon, and defensive backs Andre Seldon Jr., Darion Green-Warren, and George Johnson III. Best of luck to them.

Michigan football also reached out to former Arizona State running back DeaMonte Trayanum and looked like the frontrunner to land his commitment for a while. However, Trayanum opted to transfer back to his home state and play linebacker for Ohio State instead — which may be a positive sign for the state of Ohio State’s linebacker room.

I mentioned Northwestern safety Brandon Joseph as someone Michigan should reach out to, however, he committed to Notre Dame. Here are six more transfer portal targets Michigan football should pursue as of right now.

Buffalo RB Dylan McDuffie

With Hassan Haskins off to the NFL, Michigan’s pursuit of Trayanum made it clear that it wants to be a power back to replace him. Haskins is 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds while Trayanum is 5-foot-11 and 235 pounds.

McDuffie may be a little smaller at 6-foot and 207 pounds, but he is a capable runner between the tackles. He also has the speed to take it the distance. Additionally, with Donovan Edwards having another year in Michigan’s strength and conditioning program, you have to imagine he will get stronger and possibly see an increase in short-yardage carries.

McDuffie was the fourth-leading rusher in the MAC with 1,049 rushing yards and he ranked fifth with 11 rushing touchdowns. With Michigan returning Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards, you have to wonder if it will be attractive to McDuffie or any other back looking for a bigger role. McDuffie was in a crowded backfield, but he did not get his opportunity to be the lead back until Kevin Marks Jr. went down with a season-ending leg injury in the middle of the season.

You could argue McDuffie should have been the lead back sooner. He averaged 5.1 yards per carry while Marks Jr. averaged 3.8.

However, Marks Jr. declared for the NFL Draft, and running backs Mike Washington and Kolbe Burrell have also entered the portal. If McDuffie withdraws his name from the portal, he would be Buffalo’s unquestioned lead back next season if that is what he wants. Perhaps the opportunity to play on a bigger stage and contend for a Big Ten title will appeal to him.