One of the top priorities this offseason for Michigan football is to get some help for Bryce Underwood.
So far, the Wolverines, led by new head coach Kyle Whittingham, have locked up all of the top players they wanted on the offensive line. The same can be said for running back. Andrew Marsh has agreed to terms to come back.
But Michigan needs more, and it appears close to landing two major offensive weapons out of the transfer portal.
JJ Buchanan, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound tight end/WR, was on campus for a visit and has been trending with projections to sign with the Wolverines. He had 427 yards last season as a freshman for Utah. He averaged 71 yards per game over the past three, and had at least one reception of 29 yards in each of those games.
The former Utah Ute saw his former head coach, offensive coordinator, and position coach go to Michigan football. It makes sense that Buchanan would follow. He might be listed as a tight end, but he's much more than that.
Another elite target trending Michigan's way
Pete Nakos of On3.com was among the experts projecting Buchanan to the Wolverines. The On3 expert has also projected former Texas wideout Jaime Ffrench to land with Michigan football, too.
The 6-foot-1, 184-pound wide receiver only played in four games for Texas last season. He's ranked as the No. 65 wide receiver, but he would fill a need and has huge upside. Ffrench is also tight with Andrew Marsh.
What's even more exciting is that Ffrench and Buchanan, along with Marsh, are freshmen. The Wolverines have three redshirt freshmen on the offensive line, plus Andrew Babalola, a 2025 five-star recruit. Jordan Marshall, another redshirt freshman this past season, also has up to three years, plus Michigan is adding dynamic freshman Savion Hiter (5-star).
Michigan still needs to close but it feels like with both transfer targets, but it could be just a matter of time before two exciting, offensive transfer portal commitments.