Just about every Michigan football fan would cite linebacker as the biggest need left for the Wolverines in the transfer portal, however, that need isn't as dire as some might think.
The Wolverines have addressed the linebacker position through the transfer portal, with three additions: Max Alford, Aisea Moa, and Nathaniel Staehling.
Staehling was the latest player to commit to Michigan. He was a starter for North Dakota State last season, after redshirting and playing two seasons as a reserve.
As a junior, Staehling was voted a team captain for NDSU. He also had three interceptions, including two that were returned for touchdowns in the FCS playoffs. The 6-foot-3, 238-pound linebacker was the starting middle linebacker for the Bison, and he notched 75 tackles, with six tackles for loss.
247 Sports and Rivals assigned him a ranking over the weekend. Staehling is ranked 1,010 via 247 Sports, as well as the 63rd-best linebacker. He's also ranked 98th among linebackers via On3's transfer portal ranking, which seems too low.
Yet, if you look at some other rankings, 247 Sports has Cole Sullivan ranked as a three-star, which dropped my confidence in their ability to evaluate players. Staehling might not be a highly-touted recruit. He's not ranked as one of the best players in the portal, but how many of those guys did Indiana have on their team last season?
Production matters. Staehling has it. He feels like a perfect fit for Kyle Whittingham. He was one of the most productive players for one of the best teams in the FCS. This isn't some unproven high school player.
That doesn't mean he'll be Cole Sullivan. The drop off might not be that massive, though. Staehling is rated as an 86 for NDSU. Sullivan entered the portal as an 87.
Just something to keep in mind, while also remembering that transfer portal rankings aren't something to overreact to.