4 transfers that could put Michigan football over the top

There’s no doubt in my mind that people are underestimating Michigan football. The Wolverines have four projected first-round picks, plus a bunch of other talent, and a head coach in Sherrone Moore, who has proven he’s up to the task of winning big games.

Moore made some gutsy moves as the interim head coach. He went for it on fourth down three times against the Buckeyes and Michigan football made it each time. Sherrone managed the game perfectly against Ohio State and found a way against Penn State, even if it took the ball out of J.J. McCarthy’s hand.

I have confidence in the head coach and the entire team. But Michigan football could use some fortification and the Wolverines have been active in the portal since the spring window closed. That changed the focus from player retention to acquisition.

There have been several contacts. Some transfers are coming to visit but here’s a list of four, some who have been in touch with Michigan and some who haven’t, who could put the Wolverines over the top in 2024.

Jaden Mangham, S, Michigan State

There weren’t many bright spots on the Michigan State defense last season but Mangham was one of them. The 6-foot-2 safety notched 53 tackles and four interceptions. He also broke up six passes and showed impressive ball skills from the safety spot.

Michigan football is expected to host Mangham next week for a visit according to Sam Webb of The Michigan Insider. But Ohio State and Alabama are also in the mix. It would be sweet to land the former Spartan who could be an ideal replacement for Rod Moore.

Mangham is a versatile guy though. He could be free safety, maybe even nickel. He’s great around the line of scrimmage and no joke, he would be a dream fit for Michigan football. This is the No. 1 target or should be in the transfer portal right now.

Terrance Brooks, CB, Texas

Michigan football needed to add a cornerback before DJ Waller left and now, the Wolverines might need to add two. They have to feel good about the way Jyaire Hill played in the spring. Ja’Den McBurrows too, but those guys behind Will Johnson isn’t enough depth.

If you could turn off injuries, sure, Michigan could roll with those three cornerbacks, but that’s not the real world. The Wolverines would love another proven corner and Terrance Brooks is among the best on the market. He’s started 19 games the past two seasons for Texas and is garnering some Michigan interest according to Sam Webb.

Brooks won’t be an easy land, but he would give Michigan an experienced starter to pair with Johnson, which would take some of the pressure off McBurrows and Hill. Even Zeke Berry could focus more on safety if McBurrows could be spared more for the nickel role.

Jay’viar Suggs, DL, Grant Valley State

The 6-foot-3, 282-pound defensive lineman is a Michigan native. He’s also been stellar the past two seasons up front at the Division-2 level. He’s not ranked that highly according to 247 Sports transfer rankings but he’s got over 40 offers, including one from Michigan football.

Defensive line doesn’t feel like a huge need, but outside of QB play, the defensive line is the most important position group in college football, with the offensive line third.

The teams that win big are dominant in the trenches. That’s been the formula for three straight Big Ten championships. Kenneth Grant, Mason Graham, and Rayshaun Benny are a great trio. The EDGE position is set but a guy like Suggs who can offer more interior pass rush, while playing multiple spots on the D-line would be a great luxury.

Like cornerback, you can’t count on everyone staying healthy. Benny is coming back from injury and you can’t count on Grahm/Grant to play every down. That will limit their effectiveness, so even if it’s Kent State transfer CJ West, the Wolverines need to add another big body on the D-line.

Suggs is going to visit though and who wouldn’t sign up to get singled blocked all season next to Grant or Graham?

UCLA OT Bruno Fina

One of my favorites in the transfer portal is 6-foot-5, 300-pound offensive tackle Bruno Fina from UCLA. He was a 13-game starter last season and he’s good in the run game. UCLA led the Pac-12 in rushing yards last season and Fina was part of that.

Plus, a guy named Bruno just seems like he should be a Michigan football player. You wonder if Chip Kelly will try to get him to Ohio State. But as far as Michigan is concerned, the Wolverines could use an experienced tackle.

Those guys are rarely available in the transfer portal. So Fina is going to be in demand. Myles Hinton could be a first-round pick if he could meet his potential. Andrew Gentry has potential too. They were each top-100 recruits in high school for a reason.

But, you have just one proven tackle in Hinton and that’s a gamble. Fina could start on the left side, while Hinton could be on the right. Maybe Gentry is able to beat him out, but regardless, the offensive tackle room needs another experienced body.

While it’s clear that no QB upgrade is available in the portal, the best thing Michigan can do for the quarterback position is surround it with as much talent as possible.

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