The transfer portal is essentially closed at this point, meaning the Michigan football roster is essentially finalized at this point.
There could be more additions. Player movement will keep happening in college football, but it's safe to say 98 to 99 percent of that is over and done with.
Sure, the Wolverines would love to add another linebacker or another defensive tackle. Another pass rusher might be nice, too, but the major moves have likely been made.
Offensively, the Wolverines did an outstanding job in the transfer portal. Michigan retained Bryce Underwood, Andrew Marsh, and Jordan Marshall -- its version of the triplets. Justice Haynes could have played the running back role, too, but keeping Haynes, Marshall, and Savion Hiter was always going to be a chore.
Michigan football added JJ Buchanan and Jaime Ffrench. The Wolverines also retained their top priorities on the offensive line, and added a promising prospect from Nebraska, too.
It was a job well done, really, on both sides of the ball. We are breaking down the depth charts after the portal moves, and here's a look at what the offensive two-deep could look like. (Tomorrow, we will tackle the defense.
QB1: Bryce Underwood; QB2: Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi
This is easy enough. Folks are sleeping on Bryce Underwood, who went from overhyped as a freshman to maybe underhyped going into his sophomore season. The dude didn't even have a dedicated QB coach as a 17-year old kid.
That's baffling, but you could tell. The fundamentals weren't where they needed to be. There was growth last season. Yet, with Jason Beck and Koy Detmer Jr. aiding his development, we will see a completely different quarterback in 2026.
Michigan also added a solid backup with starting experience.
RB1: Jordan Marshall; RB2: Savion Hiter and Bryson Kuzdal
Jordan Marshall will be the guy this season. Michigan football fans should feel very good about that. Marshall was arguably the third-best running back in the conference last season. The Cincinnati, Ohio, native had four rushes for 61 yards against Ohio State before leaving the game, and he wasn't even 100 percent.
Some fans have also lamented the loss of Haynes. They won't after they see what Hiter can do for the Wolverines. He will be the home-run hitter. Kuzdal is a solid third back, who rushed for 100 yards and three touchdowns against Maryland. He also ran it 20 times for 81 yards against Texas.
This might be the best running back room in the Big Ten.
WR1's: Andrew Marsh, J.J. Buchanan, Jaime Ffrench; WR2's: Salesi Moa, Channing Goodwin, Jamar Browder.
The new coaching staff has dramatically upgraded the receiver room. Buchanan was dominant in the last three games of 2025, averaging 71 yards per game. He had more than 50 percent of his production in those games, and had at least one reception of 29 yards in each.
Marsh had 651 yards on 45 receptions. The true freshman had four games with at least 76 yards receiving, twice going over 100 yards, in Big Ten play. Ffrench was buried on the depth chart at Texas, plus Moa is a guy who can play right away.
It will be interesting to see where they are all used. Buchanan can play the X or the slot. Marsh is a Z, but is also dynamic in the slot, too, as is Moa. There are options. That's what's exciting. Don't forget about Travis Johnson or Jamar Browder, and Channing Goodwin, with his blocking ability, he will continue to have a role too.
TE1: Zach Marshall; TE2: Hogan Hansen: FB: Jalen Hoffman
Zach Marshall is a name to know for the 2026 season. He caught 16 passes for 199 yards and a touchdown in 2025, which included five receptions for 72 yards against Washington. He also caught three passes for 58 against Purdue.
As a blocker, Marshall took a huge step forward last season, to the point that he's the best receiving/blocking tight end on the roster. Hogan Hansen will finally make an impact next season, mostly as a pass catcher, while Jalen Hoffman will slide into the Max Bredeson role.
O-line starters: Blake Frazier, Andrew Babalola, Jake Guarnera, Evan Link, and Andrew Sprague: Backups: Nathan Efobi, Brady Norton, Avery Gach, Lawrence Hattar, and Houston Ka'aha'aina-Torres.
With Jim Harding coaching this group, it could easily be the best in the Big Ten. Andrew Babalola could work his way into the starting mix if healthy, at tackle or guard. Someone really good will have to move inside at some point, as Evan Link will.
By the time some of the young backups develop next fall, this offensive line could legitimately be 10 deep. The top eight is loaded, and considering the running back room, that's dangerous for opponents.