One of the things that gives Michigan football fans optimism heading into the 2026 season is a strong transfer portal class littered with former Utah players.
We have seen how valuable transfers can be for a head coach at a new program. Curt Cignetti certainly wouldn't have had the success that he did without all the JMU transfers.
Whittingham didn't just bring some of his guys from Utah; he brought many of the Utes' best players from last season, and some of the best players in the portal at their position, such as defensive end John Henry Daley and also wide receiver J.J. Buchanan.
However, there is one who has been projected to make a major impact next season, a bigger impact than any other player on the roster this season, if you believe the Atlon All-American progostications.
Michigan football is projected to have four All-Americans
Four Michigan football players earned preseason All-American honors from Athlon. Henry Daley is one of them. The four-star transfer at EDGE notched 11.5 sacks last season for the Utes. He had 18.5 tackles for loss, too, before suffering a season-ending injury.
At this point, Henry Daley is healthy. He's going to be 100 percent for fall camp, and he's expected to have another dominant season, which is needed after Derrick Moore graduated. He was the Wolverines' best pass rusher last season, and U-M needs someone who can wreak havoc.
If Henry-Daley can deliver, that will allow Carter Meadows, a five-star EDGE, and Nate Marshall, to come along a little slower, along with some other up-and-coming players.
That should help Michigan avoid a disastrous scenario that one CBS analyst predicted (7-5). Three others got fourth-team All-American honors: Running back Jordan Marshall, offensive lineman Andrew Sprague, and Jyaire Hill, who could be Michigan's earlier pick in the 2027 NFL draft.
Some others will need to emerge. Defensive tackle Trey Pierce is another name to know. Bryce Underwood needs to have a much better season, but doesn't need to take the leap to All-American.
Jake Guarnera will actually be Michigan football's best offensive lineman, at least from my perspective, but either way, if Henry Daley can deliver on this prediction, becoming a first-team All-American would be huge for Whittingham's first season.
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