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Michigan football transfer portal tracker: Top targets, departures, more

Anthony Broomeby:Anthony Broome•12/11/23•

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The Michigan Wolverines are preparing for the 2024 season by backfilling needs via the transfer portal, which we have seen them attack with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind over the last few offseasons.

Last year, the Wolverines brought in nine players via the portal to help augment a championship-contending order this year. We should expect more of the same from a group that hopes to keep its window of contention open.

Here we track all of Michigan’s targets and incoming and outgoing players via the portal, along with a look at the team’s biggest needs.

This article will be updated as more information becomes available.

Transfer portal needs

• Quarterback: J.J. McCarthy may or may not leave for the NFL, but a quality backup/succession plan may not currently be on the roster.
• Wide Receiver: Regardless of who returns at quarterback, U-M could lose both Cornelius Johnson and Roman Wilson this offseason. A proven playmaker would go a long way in setting up next year’s passing attack.
• Defensive Line: The way Michigan rotates its defensive line, there are never enough bodies up front. Kris Jenkins and Cam Goode will be gone after this year at defensive tackle with Braiden McGregor and Jaylen Harrell candidates to move on at EDGE.
• Cornerback: There will be similar conversations had about the No. 2 cornerback job that we had this offseason. Michigan needs a body or two here, especially with Mike Sainristil heading out the door.

Reported Michigan targets

UCLA QB Dante Moore
The Detroit native and former Five-Star Plus+ recruit struggled after being thrown into the fire as a true freshman this season, throwing for 1,610 yards with 11 touchdowns and 9 interceptions while completing 53.5% of his throws. He was also sacked 25 times on the year. Moore has maintained interest in Oregon and Ohio State in addition to contact with Michigan.

Indiana WR Donaven McCulley
Michigan has an offer out to the former Indiana quarterback/wide receiver, who led the Hoosiers in catches (48), yards (644) and touchdowns (6) by a wide margin this season. McCulley (6-5, 200) also threw a 44-yard touchdown in the 52-7 loss to the Wolverines.

Penn DL Joey Slackman
Over the last three seasons at the FCS level, Slackman racked up 115 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, 3 pass breakups, 2 forced fumble and a blocked kick. Other schools in the mix include Wisconsin, USC, Miami (FL) and Florida

Western Kentucky DB Upton Stout
Stout became a prominent part of the Western Kentucky defense the last two seasons, playing 612 snaps in 2022 and 418 this past season after missing six games in the middle of the season. He allowed 37 receptions on 65 targets for 494 yards with two touchdowns allowed and five interceptions over the last two years. 

Additions

• None yet

Departures

Sophomore RB CJ Stokes
The South Carolina native leaves Ann Arbor after recording 59 carries for 281 yards and a touchdown in his career. He competed for time behind Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards in the running back rotation but ultimately was supplanted by Kalel Mullings and had a hard time staying on the field due to injuries and ball security concerns.

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