Kyle Whittingham details what JJ Buchanan, John Henry Daley bring to Michigan

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Kyle Whittingham details what JJ Buchanan, John Henry Daley bring to Michigan
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 31: JJ Buchanan #81 of the Utah Utes reacts after a first down catch against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the first half of the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on December 31, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images) | Getty Images

New Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham didn’t bring his entire former Utah team with him, but Michigan did land five players from Utah via the transfer portal, whom they feel will be good fits. On Wednesday, Whittingham spoke on the Big Ten Network about two of Michigan’s transfers from Utah — edge rusher John Henry Daley and receiver JJ Buchanan.

Whittingham on Henry Daley: “He’s a guy that has an incredible motor. He plays every snap as if it was his last. A tremendously talented young man. Was leading the nation in sacks last year before he went down with an injury. We feel he probably woulda led the nation if he had stayed healthy all year. He’s just a relentless, throwback type of defensive end. He’s just physical, but he’s got great pass rush ability.”

Last season, Henry Daley had 48 tackles (17.5 for loss) with 11.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in 11 games last season. Henry Daley ruptured his Achilles last season, and the hope is he’ll be ready to roll by the time fall camp rolls around later this year. Henry Daley, who’s 6-foot-4 and 255 pounds, could wind up being Michigan’s best pass rusher since Aidan Hutchinson back in 2021.

JJ Buchanan

Whittingham on Buchanan: “He came in at the University of Utah in the summertime, was not with us in the spring. Proceeded to catch a bunch of balls for 400-500 yards. Just got be. tter as the weeks ticked by. He’s a very athletic kid. He’s almost a tweener in a way. He was almost a tight end-sized young man, but we kept him at wide receiver. He was about 215, 220 pounds, but tremendously athletic, like I said. A 40-inch vertical jump, and that really comes in handy when you look at the contested balls up the field. That’s where he really excels, at the contested ball.”

Buchanan stands 6-foot-3, 225 pounds, and could be a major weapon for Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood in 2026. Buchanan hauled in 26 passes for 427 yards and five touchdowns last season. And per PFF, Buchanan ranked No. 1 in contested catches (10) among Power Four freshmen receivers and tight ends.

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