Priority no.1 has been solidified in retaining Bryce Underwood. Others have followed suit, but now a new crop of Wolverines is tossing their name in the portal. Coach Lamar Morgan's exit is being felt with five losses in the secondary. Now, new coach Jernaro Gilford has to prove why he was handpicked by Jay Hill by delivering his pitch to keep a pair of freshmen who have bright futures wherever they land. These are three important pieces that Michigan football head coach Whittingham and company must retain.
Justice Haynes-RB
Jordan Marshall, Taylor Tatum, and Savion Hiter are all committed to play for the Wolverines next fall. We've heard rumblings that Haynes wants to come back, but at the right price. With or without Haynes, Michigan's running backs are going to be considered as one of the best position groups in the entire country. Throw in the depth factor that they didn't have in 2025, and figuring out a way to please all four with playing time would be a fun experiment.
Since all four can't be feature backs, getting Tatum and Hiter on special teams would be a way to slowly rotate them into the lineup. When injuries happen, they'll be better suited for the moment and won't have to rely on a walk-on or three star freshman in pressure situations. We should know momentarily on Haynes' intentions.
Jayden Sanders-CB
When Zeke Berry or Jyaire Hill were not on the field, there was a pretty good chance that Sanders was the one replacing them. Sanders flashed signs of blanket tight coverage as a true freshman. Should Hill leave, then Sanders would be his presumed successor. His departure could also trigger a sign that Utah transfer Smith Snowden is going to commit to his old coach soon. Sanders entered the portal on Thursday, but as we have seen, Michigan has been able to get them back.
Jordan Young-DB
This is a youngster who is on the verge of cracking the starting lineup if he sticks around (in the portal, but rumors of a return). His pass breakup against Northwestern saved a win for Michigan. Michigan has made contact with other safety prospects, but nothing has transpired yet, making him more of a must-keep.