Michigan's transfer portal class wasn't recognized as an elite haul. However, the truth is that most elite talent is identified in high school recruiting.
The Wolverines signed two five-star recruits in the 2025 class, after all. However, they added some under-the-radar players in the transfer portal.
Wide receiver Donaven McCulley is one of them. Another is defensive back TJ Metcalf who transferred to Michigan football from Arkansas.
The 6-foot-1, 200-pound defensive back stood out during the spring and the spring game. He was flying around. That's nothing new. He played in 24 games for the Hogs, with 72 tackles and 11 starts (all in 2024).
This past season he broke out for Arkansas with 57 tackles (one for loss), 10 pass breakups, three interceptions, and one forced fumble.
In a game against Auburn, Metcalf intercepted two passes, broke up four others, and forced a fumble. That's the kind of player Michigan football is getting.
Wink Martindale, the Michigan football defensive coordiantor, was also signing his praises at his press conference with the local media on Saturday.
Michigan football DC praises transfer in secondary
“I think he’s gonna be very good, and he is versatile,” Martindale said via On3. “We’ll probably play more personnels, different types of things this fall.
“But he’s like he’s been here for two years. Having seen the kid, and I know you guys have already interviewed him and been impressed with his maturity. So am I. He’s gonna do a lot of things that are gonna be fun to watch.”
Not only is Metcalf going to be "fun to watch", he's going to be an essential piece in the secondary. It wouldn't surprise me at all if he played the nickel role.
If healthy, Rod Moore and Brandyn Hillman feel like an ideal tandem for safety, with Metcalf in the nickel slot. He can also play traditional safety, and even cornerback. Metcalf can do it all. He was also a productive player in the SEC, so it's weird there isn't more hype surrounding him.
Michigan football fans know about him. Soon, the rest of college football will, too.