It's official, running back Bryson Kuzdzal is returning to Ann Arbor for at least one more season with the Michigan Wolverines.
After the 2025 season ended, and the aftermath of Sherrone Moore unfolded, Kuzdzal announced he had entered the transfer portal, devastating a few Wolverine fans, especially since he was expected to be Michigan's RB2 behind Jordan Marshall.
Now, after 23 days in the portal, Kuzdzal has withdrawn his name and will officially stay with the Wolverines and their new head coach, Kyle Whittingham.
Bryson Kuzdzal staying to play RB2 to Jordan Marshall
Last season, even while playing behind star running backs Jordan Marshall and Justice Haynes, Kuzdzal amassed 326 rushing yards for four touchdowns, alongside another 10 yards through the air.
When Marshall and Haynes each missed time due to injury, Kuzdzal stepped into the limelight and, quite literally, carried the load for the Michigan running back room. Now, he is expected to carry that larger load as Haynes heads to the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, and Marshall becomes the true RB1.
Michigan RB Bryson Kuzdzal has officially withdrawn from the transfer portal, @On3. https://t.co/wMrfFrcNOy https://t.co/XDGmenjjpB
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos) January 29, 2026
Kuzdzal has been with the Wolverines since 2023, when he utilized his redshirt season and didn't see any in-game action. In 2024, he made six appearances on special teams and earned two tackles, but didn't see any time in the backfield.
In 2025, he truly stepped into his own, earning enough reps as a true running back to gain attention from other programs. When he entered the transfer portal, it wasn't all that surprising, but it was still going to be a huge loss for Michigan's depth chart.
Also read: Michigan football's 2026 transfer portal tracker
Now, the Wolverines' running back room is nearly as strong and experienced as it was last year. Not to mention, to-be-sophomore quarterback Bryce Underwood is just as big a threat on the ground as he is through the air.
Last season, with Marshall earning 932 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground, Underwood ran for 392 yards and six rushing touchdowns of his own.