Michigan football might not be done adding players from the transfer portal. But for the most part, the roster seems set at this point.
That doesn't mean there couldn't be an addition or a subtraction down the road. Anything seems possible in this era of college football.
However, new Michigan football head coach Kyle Whittingham has done an amazing job of locking down this roster and even adding to it. The Wolverines landed four key players from Utah, even though one was just a signee, and landed some starting-caliber players in the portal.
Even some who were ranked lower could wind up being big-time producers, such as former NDSU starting linebacker Nathaniel Staehling. One thing Indiana has taught us, even Michigan to an extent, too, is that rankings aren't everything. That's especially true when it comes to the portal. Production isn't valued as much as potential.
So with that in mind, here's a look at five players who will produce right away for Michigan football in 2026.
Trey Butkowski, kicker
Most people probably don't think kicker when they think of instant-impact players. Yet, Michigan dealt with kicking issues for much of the 2025 season.
Dominic Zvada missed short field goals against Oklahoma and USC in losses. There were plenty of other misses, too. Ohio State missed big kicks in key games in consecutive years.
It cost the Buckeyes a chance at a Big Ten championship in 2024, and the actual Big Ten championship, plus an easier path to the national championship in 2025.
Kickers aren't just people. They are essential. Butkowski was stellar as a freshman, making 20-of-23 field-goal attempts. He was 6-of-9 field goals beyond 40 yards, but didn't try any beyond 50 last season.
You need a reliable kicker, and Michigan got one of the best in the portal.
JJ Buchanan, WR
These players aren't listed in order of impact, by the way, but Buchanan could have the biggest impact of any incoming Michigan football transfer.
The kid is dynamic. He's 6-foot-3, 220-pounds (or so), and averaged 16.4 yards per reception last season. He had at least one reception of 29 yards or more in each of his last three games, and also averaged 71 yards receiving in those games.
The fact that he's got three years of eligibility, along with Andrew Marsh and Bryce Underwood, is incredible for Michigan football. Even if that trio stays together for the next two seasons, the offense is going to eat.
Buchanan can play the X. He can also play in the slot. He's going to be a weapon and is correctly ranked 19th overall among transfers by 247 Sports, although they have him listed as a tight end. Michigan football already announced Buchanan as a reciever.
Smith Snowden, CB
You will notice a theme of former Utah players on this list. There wasn't a mass exodus of Utah players to the Michigan football program. However, there were some key players added on both sides of the ball.
One of those is Smith Snowden, a 5-foot-10, 185-pound cornerback, who is ranked as the No. 51 overall transfer, as well as the third-best cornerback.
What's great about his move is that Snowden will essentially be the nickel cornerback. That's a starting position nowadays, but adding him to a group that features Jyaire Hill and Zeke Berry is impressive. Top-100 recruit Shamari Earls is heading into his second season, too.
The nickel role is different in Jay Hill's defense. It's more designed for a cornerback, and Snowden is a ballhawk with four interceptions and 17 pass breakups the past two seasons.
Chris Bracy, S
Bracy is another transfer that's way undervalued by rankings. 247 Sports has him ranked as the 1,276th-best player in the portal. He's also 126th-among safeties.
It certainly feels like the Michigan football coaching staff is higher on his ability than the rankings. Bracy won't have an easy time winning the starting job. Rod Moore is coming back. So are Jordan Young and Mason Curtis, two promising young players.
Yet, Bracy (6-1, 195) had 81 tackles last season, 9.5 tackles for loss, one interception, and nine pass breakups, which led the American Conference in 2025. Just for reference, Rod Moore has eight career pass breakups.
Michigan will probably wind up playing 3-4 safeties, just like it will play 3-4 cornerbacks, but Bracy is a guy that feels like he'll be on the field more than people realize.
John Henry Daley, EDGE
Ranked as the No. 62 player overall in the portal by 247 Sports (No. 8 EDGE), Henry Daley was an essential pickup for a defense losing Derrick Moore and TJ Guy.
Guy was a disappointment in 2025. Moore had double-digit sacks. It didn't feel like anyone on the roster was capable of doing that until Henry Daley was added.
The 6-foot-4, 255-pound EDGE had 11.5 sacks last season and 18.5 tackles for loss for Utah. He did suffer a leg injury that ended his season, but he's expected back by June.
It might take a game or two to get his feet wet, yet Michigan fans should expect a productive season from Henry Daley, who should be one of the Big Ten's best pass rushers.