The first two days of the transfer portal being open weren't great to the Wolverines as 17 Michigan football players have entered into the portal.
That includes multiple starters on both sides of the ball, including two on the offensive line, Jake Guarnera and Andrew Sprague.
Both players have a "do not contact" designation. Michigan can still be in contact with them. Guarnera did leave open the door for a return, but most of the time, when a player hits the portal, he's not coming back.
Yet, as much as the transfer portal can take, it can give, too. There hasn't been as much chatter about that side of things, but with Kyle Whittingham's coaching staff now completely in place, things should start to move quickly.
Here are five top targets emerging for Michigan football in the tranfser portal.
John Henry Daley, EDGE
One of the best players in the transfer portal is Utah defensive end John Henry Daley. He had 17.5 tackles for loss last season to go along with 11.5 sacks. With his defensive ends coach from Utah, Lewis Powell now at Michigan, the expectation has been that Henry Daley will follow.
He suffered an injury to end his season, but should be back sometime in the spring. With two years of eligibility, he would help fill the shoes of Derrick Moore.
Smith Snowden, CB
Another former Utah player is on the radar of Michigan football. The Wolverines are battling BYU, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Ole Miss, and others for the second-team All-Big 12 selection, who had nine pass breakups this past season.
The 5-foot-10 cornerback is ranked 48th overall via the 247 Sports transfer portal rankings. A source close to him told 247 Sports that defensive fit was going to be a big key for him. Jay Hill's defense is one where defensive backs thrive, and his familiarity with Kyle Whittingham should help.
With Zeke Berry in the portal, this would fill a need.
Tao Johnson, safety
The 6-foot-1, 200-pound safety has started 33 games over the past three seasons for the Utes. He's played nickel and safety, so he offers a ton of versatility. Last season, he started 10 games for Utah with 48 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, and four pass breakups.
Johnson just entered the portal, but the fit is a no-brainer. Michigan isn't hurting as much for safeties, but could use another solid piece on the backend, especially with the future of Rod Moore undetermined.
Wyatt Young, WR
One of the most productive wide receivers in the portal has already scheduled a visit to Michigan. That's Wyatt Young, a 5-foot-10 slot receiver who caught 70 passes for 1,264 yards and 10 touchdowns last season for North Texas.
The slot has been an issue for years. Semaj Morgan just entered the transfer portal, too, so there's an opening and Young would be a nice weapon to add for Bryce Underwood -- someone with sure hands, and the ability to make something happen after the catch.
Another wide receiver with size is needed, too, but Michigan hasn't had a dynamic slot receiver in quite some time.
Tellek Lockette, Texas State
After seeing two offensive linemen leave, Michigan has targeted at least one reinforcemt on the offensive line in Tellek Lockette, a 6-foot-3, 327-pound guard, who has started over 30 games in his career for Texas State.
Lockette was limited to just four games this past season. He will have one left to play. Aiden Sen of Rivals reported mutual contact between the two sides. A visit could be happening, and maybe a commitment soon after. 247 Sports ranks him as the 97th IOL. Rivals has him ranked 28th.
Phil Steele had him as first-team All-Sun Belt this preseason.