With each passing day, the Michigan football roster is looking better and better for next season. There were some departures on Thursday night, but the additions are starting to come in now, with the third, non-special teams transfer on Friday in the past two days.
One day after landing one of the top-ranked defenders in the portal, former Utah EDGE John Henry Daley, the Wolverines went back to the well, landing one of his teammates, defensive tackle Jonah Lea'ea, a 6-foot-5, 285-pounder, who started 12 games for the Utes in 2025.
BREAKING: Utah transfer DL Jonah Lea’ea has Committed to Michigan, he tells @On3Sports
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 9, 2026
He totaled 38 tackles, 1 sack, 1 PD, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery in 2025
Lea’ea started every game this season for the Uteshttps://t.co/RlUbB6Fk7q pic.twitter.com/WvZgdvpogf
Michigan football beefs up along D-line
Lea'ea was listed by some outlets as an EDGE. He can play multiple spots along the defensive line, which is part of what makes him so intriguing. Last season, he had 34 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and a sack for the Utes, after playing in six games back in 2024.
Lea'ea visited on Thursday. Smith Snowden, a Utah cornerback, was also on campus earlier this week, along with former Utah WR/TE J.J. Buchanan, who would be another major addition. Things seem to be trending in the right direction there. It's hard to tell with Snowden, who has other big-name schools to visit, including Oregon.
Yet, Michigan football has done a solid job addressing some needs. The Wolverines needed a third back with Justice Haynes leaving, and they got it. They found a pass rusher to replace Derrick Moore, and now, a defensive tackle to provide more depth along with Trey Pierce and Enow Etta. He's got two years of eligibility.