From Spark Plug To The Portal: The Rise And Fall Of Semaj Morgan’s Michigan Career

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For Michigan fans, the 2025 season was a rollercoaster of high expectations and frustrating inconsistencies. Perhaps no player embodied that struggle more than junior wide receiver Semaj Morgan. Once hailed as the "lightning in a bottle" playmaker of the 2023 national championship run, Morgan’s tenure in Ann Arbor officially came to an end on January 2, 2026, as he announced his intention to enter the NCAA transfer portal.

His departure follows a season defined by mental lapses and a loss of confidence that saw the West Bloomfield native sidelined during the team’s most critical moments.

The Struggles on Special Teams

The beginning of the end for Morgan’s role in the return game came through a series of "adventures" back deep. Known for his fearlessness, that trait turned into a liability as the 2025 season progressed. Morgan struggled with decision-making, frequently fielding punts inside the five-yard line or making ill-advised fair catches that cost the Wolverines significant field position.

The breaking point occurred late in the season. After a costly fumble against Northwestern, the coaching staff—then led by Sherrone Moore—made the difficult decision to bench the junior. Freshman standout Andrew Marsh took over punt return duties for the final two games against Ohio State and in the Citrus Bowl loss to Texas. Marsh’s immediate success, including a 143-yard return performance in the bowl game, effectively signaled that Morgan’s path back to the field in a Michigan uniform had narrowed significantly.

A Season of "What Ifs"

Morgan’s issues weren't contained to special teams. Despite being a primary slot target for freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, Morgan found himself plagued by the "drops." He finished the regular season with 19 receptions for 214 yards and a single touchdown, but it was the plays he didn’t make that defined his year.

Through the first month of the season, Morgan was tied for the most dropped passes in the Big Ten. Notable misses against Wisconsin and Michigan State—both on well-placed "dimes" from Underwood—prevented the offense from sustaining rhythm. As the season wore on, Underwood’s trust seemed to shift toward other targets like Andrew Marsh and Donaven McCulley, leaving Morgan as the odd man out in a crowded receiving room.

A Fresh Start in the Portal

The decision to transfer comes at a time of massive upheaval for Michigan football. With the program firing Sherrone Moore and hiring Kyle Whittingham as the new head coach, the roster is undergoing a natural "reset." Morgan, who was a favorite of the previous staff, likely saw the writing on the wall under Whittingham’s new offensive regime led by coordinator Jason Beck.

Across three seasons, Morgan recorded 69 receptions for 566 yards and four touchdowns. While his final year was marred by errors, his contributions to the 2023 title team—specifically his punt return in the Rose Bowl against Alabama—will remain a part of Michigan lore.

For Morgan, a change of scenery offers a chance to rediscover the explosive, sure-handed playmaker he was as a freshman. For Michigan, it is a clean break as they transition into the Whittingham era with a focus on ball security and consistency.

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