We knew after spring ball was completed that Michigan football would be busy in the portal and that is the case. The Wolverines stabilized the receiver position with a Penguin and a familiar name. Now they're turning their attention to other priorities. Without their leader in the defensive backfield, Rod Moore, Michigan football is focused intently on replacing him and patching some other holes. Here are three guys that are still on the board that the Wolverines are pursuing.
1. Cameron Broussard S Sacramento State
Pete Nakos of On3 is reporting that Broussard could be an option for the maize and blue if they miss out on other division one options like they have been recently. Broussard is an experienced defensive back who earned recognition for it in the Big Sky conference and also All-American status at the FCS level. Broussard has one year left.
He visited this past weekend, Nakos reported, but there was no mention of it on social media, at least not from many of the free sites. Sam Webb mentioned his name in a report lately as well. Broussard was also expected to visit Ohio State, Bill Kurelic mentioned that. If he is looking for NIL money he won't get it at Michigan, although he would add depth to an already elite secondary. We should hear more about him once there is clarity around this situation.
Broussard would be a nice chess piece in one of the nation's best returning rotations. Michigan is still trying to hard replace Rod Moore and Broussard would help with that.
2. Jaden Mangham S Michigan State
Mangham is reportedly visiting this week and has two years remaining in college. He led the Spartans in interceptions in 2023. On3 has him leaning towards Columbus, but that's before his trip to Ann Arbor happens. His brother just transferred out of East Lansing as well and ended up committing to P.J. Fleck.
Losing out on Terrance Brooks to Illinois and the transfer of DJ Waller to Kentucky means Michigan is not ponying up in the NIL department to compete with power five contenders. Mangham could probably make the most money somewhere like Ohio State, but get the most playing time at say Nebraska. Michigan football only makes sense to spite its bitter in-state rival even more.
Michigan was also in the running for Jay'viar Suggs, but he's trending towards an SEC school now. He'll announce his intentions on Wednesday. Wesley Walker is another name still out there. He was raving about his trip to where the national champions reside, thanks to Sam Webb's piece. He hasn't been able to make up his mind though because he's been jumping around from school to school in the portal.
3. Isaiah Wright OT Buffalo
Wright is another name mentioned by Nakos and said to be visiting in the future. Nothing has been confirmed by any Michigan personalities though. He basically has two seasons of starting experience at left tackle for the Bulls. Wright and his teammates allowed the third-fewest sacks in the conference in 2023. He's also interested in other Big Ten schools too.
Michigan football can still use some offensive line help as, on paper, it looks like it will have its weakest group since 2020. Wright would push to probably be in it right away for the right tackle vacancy with Jeffrey Persi and Andrew Gentry.
Wright's best choice would obviously be Michigan out of the three schools he is being linked to because of the development and abundance of recent success. Fellow Big Ten squads cannot counter that argument to the extent that Michigan can.
In the meantime coach Moore will continue to search for the next Cam Goode, LaDarius Henderson, Josh Wallace and so on. There's three months to camp and Wallace didn't transfer till late so Michigan may have to wait patiently for that one or two guys who can complete the roster in their eyes.