Michigan football is making significant strides in enhancing its roster through the transfer portal, recently securing commitments from several noteworthy players, including specialists and a top-tier running back.
One of the latest additions is former Utah edge rusher John Henry Daley, who is regarded as a standout at his position. Daley, who was highly ranked by Pro Football Focus, officially committed to the Wolverines and brings with him two years of eligibility. His impressive stats from the 2025 season include 11.5 sacks and a remarkable win rate of 24.1%, placing him among the elite edge rushers in the nation. However, Daley is currently recovering from a lower-leg injury.
Initially, Michigan fans were anxious about the transfer portal dynamics, as the team had lost several players while struggling to bring in new talent. This feeling has been alleviated to some extent with the signing of three special teams specialists—longsnapper Nico Crawford, punter Cameron Brown, and kicker Trey Butkowski. The excitement grew even more with the addition of Oklahoma’s Taylor Tatum, the top-rated running back in the 2024 class, who committed to the Wolverines, further solidifying their talent pool.
Daley’s commitment follows several visits to campus, where he also benefited from a connection with Michigan’s edge rusher coach Lewis Powell. Previously, he played under Kyle Whittingham at Utah and has experience playing at BYU, making him familiar with the coaching staff.
The infusion of talent through the transfer portal reflects Michigan’s proactive approach to building a competitive team, and with Daley on board, there are hopes for a strong season ahead, contingent upon his recovery from injury. Overall, Michigan’s efforts to bolster its roster appear to be paying off, with fans now looking forward to an exciting future.