One thing that's been clear for Michigan football this season is that the passing game isn't quite where it needs to be.
There have been flashes. Bryce Underwood threw for 230 yards against Washington. He also had a really good game against Wisconsin.
However, one of the issues for the Michigan passing game is a lack of dynamic wide receivers. Donaven McCulley has had some good moments. Andrew Marsh is a star in the making.
You need more than one guy, though. McCulley's production has fallen off in recent weeks. It feels like Marsh in the top option now. That's not a bad thing moving forward but Michigan football needs to get him some help, in order to help out Underwood.
Help is coming from Bryce Underwood at wide reciever
The transfer portal will be an area of focus. Michigan needs to land a stud in the portal. Yet, when it comes to high school recruiting, wide receiver help is definitely on the way.
EJ Holland of The Wolverine has been banging the drum of four-star wide receiver commitment Travis Johnson for quite some time. He's said that Johnson would make an impact next season. The 6-foot-3, 185-pound pass catcher from Chesapeake, Virginia, sure looked the part this week when Holland was scouting one of his games.
PLAYMAKER ‼️
— "EJ Holland" (@EJHollandOn3) November 8, 2025
Rivals300 Michigan WR commit Travis Johnson (@TravisJohnson4_) goes deep for a 47-yard TD #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/ZSL3Eo6M1p
Johnson had four receptions for 128 yards and two touchdowns in the first half. He caught a 47-yarder, then a 55-yard touchdown pass.
Another one ‼️
— "EJ Holland" (@EJHollandOn3) November 8, 2025
Rivals300 Michigan WR commit Travis Johnson (@TravisJohnson4_) goes deep again for a 55-yard TD. #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/gUq7vTpK1G
Ranked No. 123 overall in the 2026 class according to the 247 Sports composite rankings, Johnson doesn't feel like he gets the recognition he deserves. Johnson had 1,053 yards and 17 touchdown receptions in 2024 as a junior.
247 Sports' scouting report called him a "mature player." Andrew Ivins, who wrote the scouting report, predicted that the Michigan football commitment will be a multi-year starter.
Judging by the highlights, Johnson looks ready to contribute in the same fashion that Marsh has been able to this season. Add that to a transfer portal pickup, another four-star in Zion Robinson, plus some other talented freshmen on this year's roster (Jamar Browder and Jacob Washington), and the receiver room could be one of the best in the Big Ten almost overnight.