Michigan football fans have to be impressed with the way that Kyle Whittingham and his staff have managed the transfer portal, as well as roster retention.
There have been some departures, but that's to be expected for any college football program. Michigan underwent a major change after a scandal and came out looking better overall, at least in terms of the roster.
Michigan kept Bryce Underwood, its offensive line, Andrew Marsh, Jordan Marshall, and key players in the secondary, as well as on the defensive line, at least things are looking good. Michigan has lost three starting players from last season to the portal: Cole Sullivan, TJ Metcalf, and Brandyn Hillman.
Metcalf was solid. He's replaceable, though. Hillman will be an addition by subtraction, and Sullivan remains the biggest loss, although Jayden Sanders and Elijah Dotson give me heartburn, too.
Yet, with Michigan retaining both starting cornerbacks from last season, plus adding former Second-Team All-Big 12 cornerback, Smith Snowden, as the nickel, plus retaining former top-100 talent Shamari Earls, who will be a sophomore, was a big win. With Jordan Young coming back, Michigan just needs to retain Rod Moore, and it will be set in the secondary.
The defensive line is looking better, too, especially after Jonah Lea'ea was officially announced as a signee on Wednesday. Linebacker feels like the one weakness. Max Alford was added. Aisea Moa is another who has been trending to Michigan.
It feels like another is needed and there are three in the portal who could fill that need for the Wolverines.
TJ Dottery, Ole Miss
Dottery just entered the transfer portal on Wednesday. He was a two-year starter for Ole Miss after starting his career at Clemson.
The Wolverines need a playmaking linebacker to replace Sullivan. There are some internal options, but Dottery has 174 tackles over the past two seasons, with 90 solo tackles, three pass breakups, three forced fumbles, and 3.5 sacks.
There were rumors that Michigan was going to make a move for a linebacker. It seems like the program is willing to spend, so there's a decent chance the Wolverines will target Dottery, who might be the best linebacker available right now.
Mikai Gbayor, North Carolina
The former Nebraska linebacker is back in the portal after 41 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and a sack last season for North Carolina. Over the past three seasons, the 6-foot-2 linebacker has 114 tackles (48 solo), 11.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, three fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and three pass breakups.
Gbayor was a solid contributor for Nebraska. He was more of a nickel linebacker, and could provide some help with pass coverage, an area where Sullivan excelled.
This feels like more of a secondary option, but at a position that isn't as valued as some others, Michigan football could do a lot worse. Gbayor would raise the floor.
Kamar Mothudi, Oregon
Mothudi was a top recruit in the 2024 class, ranking 175th overall as a 6-foot-2, 228-pound linebacker. He barely played for Oregon the past two seasons, and is looking for a new home.
The blue-chip linebacker was a track athlete who was viewed as a possible safety due to his athleticism and ability to play in space. That sounds a lot like Sullivan, someone who can play in space.
Mothudi is also familiar with Kyle Whittingham. The Utes were one of the top contenders in his recruitment. He even took an official visit to Utah. The former Oregon Duck doesn't have any college production, but he's got the talent needed to succeed.