Michigan football could add two experienced transfers midseason after court rulings

Michigan football could get unexpected reinforcements midseason, with two experienced college players receiving court orders that allow them to play a fifth year.

Former Miami tight end Alex Bauman and former Boise State defensive back Jeremiah Earby have each received temporary legal relief against the NCAA, opening the door for both to join Michigan for the remainder of the 2026 season.

On3’s Pete Nakos reported Wednesday that Michigan was working toward adding both players to its roster. Later in the day, On3’s Hayes Fawcett reported that Earby had committed to the Wolverines after entering the transfer portal.

The developments come at an unusual time for Michigan, which is 3-2 and coming off consecutive losses to Iowa and Minnesota, and Penn State is coming to Ann Arbor on Saturday.

Jeremiah Earby brings experience to Michigan’s secondary

Earby could be a particularly interesting addition to an already talented Michigan secondary.

The former Boise State cornerback began his college career at California, appearing in 24 games across the 2022 and 2023 seasons. He recorded 62 tackles, two interceptions and 17 pass breakups before transferring to Boise State.

Over the next two seasons, Earby became a key contributor for the Broncos, totaling 94 tackles, five interceptions, and 16 pass breakups. He earned second-team All-Mountain West honors following the 2025 season.

Earby has not played during the 2026 season, but received a temporary restraining order through Washtenaw County Circuit Court that opened the door for another year of eligibility.

There’s also some familiarity with the coaching staff. Michigan safeties coach Tyler Stockton previously coached at Boise State, giving Earby a connection to someone already inside the program.

How quickly Earby could get up to speed remains a question, especially considering the challenges of joining a defense halfway through the season.

Alex Bauman could provide help at tight end

Aaron McMann of MLive reported Wednesday that Washtenaw County Circuit Court Judge Julia B. Owdziej granted Bauman a preliminary injunction against the NCAA on Tuesday, allowing him to pursue an additional season of college football.

According to McMann’s reporting, Bauman has already been admitted to Michigan and enrolled in the university’s School of Social Work.

The 6-foot-5, 250-pound tight end played three seasons at Tulane before transferring to Miami for the 2025 campaign.

At Tulane, Bauman recorded 63 receptions for 610 yards and 13 touchdowns. He added 18 catches for 166 yards and a touchdown during his lone season with the Hurricanes, bringing his career totals to 81 receptions, 776 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Bauman isn’t necessarily a player who would immediately transform the offense, but he has shown he can contribute as both a receiver and blocker at the Power Four level.

Of course, there’s a bigger question: If Michigan adds Bauman, how does Beck plan to use him?

The Wolverines have already struggled to find consistent production from their existing offensive personnel. Adding another tight end will only matter if the coaching staff can give him a meaningful role.

How are these players eligible?

Both players began their college careers in 2022 and completed four seasons of football, which would ordinarily leave them without remaining eligibility under the NCAA’s previous four-season framework.

However, the NCAA’s changes to its eligibility structure, including its new five-year participation rules, have created legal challenges from athletes who believe they should receive similar opportunities.

Bauman initially filed a motion in Florida before withdrawing it after his admission to Michigan, according to MLive. His subsequent Michigan case resulted in an injunction ordering the NCAA to open the transfer portal and allow him to play immediately at a Division I school during the 2026-27 season.

A hearing in Bauman’s case is scheduled for Nov. 4, meaning the legal process is not finished.

Earby received similar temporary relief in Washtenaw County, allowing him to enter the transfer portal Wednesday and pursue his fifth season.

The rulings do not permanently resolve the players’ eligibility disputes, and neither court order guarantees playing time or a roster spot. They do, however, give the players a path to compete while their legal cases proceed.

What does this mean for Michigan?

There are legitimate questions about the optics of adding players halfway through a disappointing season, particularly when Michigan is still searching for consistency from the players already on its roster.

Earby would bring valuable depth to the secondary, while Bauman could give Michigan another option in a passing game that desperately needs more reliable production.

The timing creates obvious challenges. Neither player has gone through fall camp with Michigan, and learning new systems while preparing for Big Ten opponents is a significant undertaking.

There’s also the question of how quickly the Wolverines can get either player physically ready to play.

Whether either can make a meaningful contribution over the final seven games remains to be seen.