Michigan on verge of landing program-changing transfer commit for Kyle Whittingham

It shouldn't come as a surprise that some of the most talented players for the Utah Utes want to become some of the most talented players for the Michigan Wolverines.

With head coach Kyle Whittingham taking over in Ann Arbor, it only seems obvious that his Utah players would follow him north.

Now, Whittingham and the Wolverines are on the brink of landing a star from the Utes who could change Michigan's entire defensive makeup.

Is John Henry Daley packing for Ann Arbor?

Utah defensive end John Henry Daley announced he was entering the transfer portal just a few days ago, and as his renewed recruiting process has unfolded, the Wolverines have turned into the obvious choice for his next program.

Most recently, recruiting experts Brice Marich (The Michigan Insider) and Blair Angulo (Mountain Region Recruiting Analyst) logged predictions that Daley would commit to Michigan over a handful of other programs trying to lure him in their direction.

Daley started his collegiate career for the BYU Cougars, where he recorded just three total tackles during his true freshman season. Over two seasons for the Utes, he amassed a resounding 52 total tackles (28 solo), 12.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and one pass deflection.

Now, the defensive end is the No. 3 DE in the portal and the No. 8 overall transfer prospect, given a four-star rating of 95.93 after his junior season in which he recorded 11.5 sacks.

Simply put, his commitment to the Wolverines could revolutionize Michigan's pass-rushing game, which only recorded 28 total sacks in 2025.

Also read: Jordan Marshall sends awesome message to Michigan fans while announcing return

So far, Whittingham and his staff have lost 20 players to the portal, but have brought in three transfers for the depth chart. A commitment from a blue-chip transfer like Daley could open the floodgates for more talent to head in their direction.