Michigan football has successfully managed to retain many players who entered the transfer portal, but not all have chosen to stay. A notable departure came on Friday, when sophomore linebacker Cole Sullivan made the unexpected decision to enter the portal. Initially, there was a sense that Sullivan could return to the Wolverines, and optimism surrounding his potential return grew. However, with Oklahoma and head coach Brent Venables intensifying their pursuit, Sullivan has now officially committed to the Sooners.
As one of the standout linebackers in the transfer portal, Sullivan’s decision is significant for both teams. He is set to face his former team when Oklahoma visits Michigan in Week 2 of the upcoming season, adding an intriguing subplot to the match-up. Meanwhile, the Wolverines now look to bolster their linebacker corps in his absence. The team is hopeful for the return of Jimmy Rolder, while also relying on existing talent such as Troy Bowles, Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng, Chase Taylor, and Jaydon Hood to maintain depth in the position.
While Sullivan’s transfer marks a shift for Michigan, the program has shown resilience and adaptability, bringing in other players to strengthen their roster as they prepare for the upcoming challenges ahead. With the season approaching, both Michigan and Oklahoma will have high hopes as they integrate new talent and shape their identities on the field.