Michigan lands commitment from UMass transfer running back CJ Hester

According to On3’s Pete Nakos, former UMass running back CJ Hester has committed to the Michigan Wolverines. After having great play at the position in previous years, Michigan is hoping Hester can be the program’s next great ball carrier. A nice pickup for Sherrone Moore on the same day spring practice wraps up in Ann Arbor.

This is not the first time Hester has gone through the NCAA transfer portal experience. His career began at Western Michigan after being a three-star prospect out of Cincinnati (OH) Wyoming. Hester was the No. 1,647 overall recruit in the 2023 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

After one season in Kalamazoo, Hester put himself on the open market and landed in the Northeast with UMass. The stats were significantly better than his true freshman campaign, rushing for 529 yards and four touchdowns on 119 carries. UMass would call on him out of the backfield every once in a while, catching 14 passes for 58 yards.

Hester is now heading back to the Great Lake State to play for the Wolverines. A big step up in competition will take place as he moves into the Big Ten. And expectations inside the program are high when it comes to running back.

With spring ball over, Hester will get his first true reps during fall. All in preparation for what everyone is hoping to be a big bounce-back season for Michigan.

Michigan loses running back to NCAA transfer portal

Michigan running back Benjamin Hall plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal, according to On3’s Hayes Fawcett. He will have three years of eligibility remaining.

Over the last two years, Hall played modestly but preserved a year of eligibility with a redshirt. In total, Hall has 44 carries for for 141 yards over the last two seasons.

As a member of the Class of 2023, Hall was a three-star recruit out of Kennesaw (Ga.) North Cobb, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 102 overall prospect in the state, the No. 70 running back in the class and the No. 1,023 overall prospect in the class.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire. The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and Twitter account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.