Michigan Mailbag: Answering your questions on the portal and much more

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Happy Friday! Earlier this week we asked people to submit their questions for this week’s Michigan Mailbag in The Feed. We had quite a few submissions this week, so thanks to everyone who took time to post a question!

Here is what we’ve got this week.

JAZZYCMK: In terms of raw numbers entering the portal, how does U-M compare to other teams in Big Ten? Also, of those who entered portal for U-M, do we have any sense whether that was driven by coaching change or would they have likely left anyway?

In terms of the rest of the Big Ten, Michigan is doing alright when it comes to players who have hopped in the portal. Penn State had upwards of 40 players enter, where Michigan is at 22, with three of those guys announcing they were coming back to Ann Arbor. That’s about on par with other Big Ten programs, and even slightly lower than Ohio State.

My guess is many of the players that have transferred out would’ve considered it even without the coaching change. Quarterbacks Davis Warren and Jadyn Davis left to find starting jobs elsewhere. Some of the younger players who jumped in the portal like Jordan Young and Elijah Dotson may not have done that if it hadn’t been for the coaching change, but you have to think Jasper Parker was on his way out given Michigan’s recruiting at the running back position, same with Bryson Kuzdzal.

Dead2Sin: What is an updated “Transfer Portal Shopping List?”

Obviously, everyone has their own list of players they want to come to Michigan. I did some research after Whittingham’s hire and have a few guys I’d like to see come from Utah. One of those is edge rusher John Henry Daley. He’s in the portal right now, and despite coming off an Achilles injury, Michigan could really use picking up an All-American on defense. Utah tight end JJ Buchanan also just jumped in the portal, so he should get a look as well.

In terms of general needs, the Wolverines could use some help on the interior defensive line. It’d be nice if they could get someone in with experience at the position to help get back to a more dominant pass rush. Also on defense, they should consider grabbing a few guys in the secondary. On offense, Michigan probably needs at least one wide receiver and at least one other quarterback to add some depth at a very thin position.

GideonC: We need to sign a proven, experienced, above par QB to supplement Bryce Underwood and/or step in if he goes off the rails again or is injured. Who are potential targets?

I agree Michigan needs to pick up an experienced quarterback in the portal. We’re updating the transfer portal tracker regularly with reports we’re seeing. Right now, Michigan will host a couple quarterbacks this week, including Deuce Adams (Louisville) and Landen Clarke (Elon). I think it’ll be tough to bring in some guys at the position, though, especially given the fact Michigan did get Bryce Underwood to stay. I imagine we’ll see a few other names pop up over the next few weeks.

MiddlewestAverage: Based on the young players who have stated they are coming back, what should football-focused fans be looking for from the roster and new coaches to inspire confidence on the slow trudge toward spring preparation?

Most people should get excited about some improvements on the offensive line. Jim Harding, the new position coach, has done some great work over his career. With the announcement that Andrew Sprague and Jake Guarnera are back next year, we should have a pretty good offensive line situation in 2026. Along with that, offensive coordinator Jason Beck is a great addition to the staff. He’s worked with some mobile quarterbacks in the past and should be able to help Underwood improve his game.

On defense, you have to think the secondary is going make a pretty big leap in 2026. New defensive coordinator Jay Hill has had top scoring defenses at BYU over the past few seasons and could really help develop some of Michigan’s returning players. His BYU team was also great on third down and in the red zone, which you hope translates here as well. Michigan has some great players, so having some experienced college coaches coming in to work with them feels really exciting.

SonicsAaron: With Bryce Underwood coming back next year, how much can he improve under the tutelage of Kyle Whittingham?

The combination of leadership and experience from Whittingham and quarterbacks coach Koy Detmer Jr., it feels like Underwood should take a big step forward. Detmer was at Utah in 2025 where quarterback Devon Dampier improved his completion percentage and reduced his turnovers. He threw for 24 touchdowns and five interceptions, while completing 212-of-334 passes for 2,490 yards. He also ran for 835 yards and 10 touchdowns. Utah also had freshman quarterback Byrd Ficklin run for 513 yards and 10 touchdowns, while also throwing for three touchdowns.

Underwood has been described by Whittingham as having the “it” factor, and you have to think these coaches are going to pour a lot of time and energy into helping him be the best he can be.

Acala.: What do you see the odds of U-M having 2 Final Four teams this year?

For me, the men’s team has a strong chance of making it to the Final Four. They’ve looked hard to beat at times and have managed a way to win a few close games as well.

On the women’s side, they definitely could make a run, but it seems less likely than the men’s team. They’ve had a few losses and even though they’ve been close, it seems like they have some more ways teams could knock them out of the tournament at the end of the season.

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