Sep 30, 2023; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Leon Franklin (34) runs against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports
Today, on National Signing Day, Jim Harbaugh and his Michigan Wolverines both gained and lost players. While new recruits and a new transfer signed with the program on Wednesday, a new Michigan football transfer portal loss emerged in running back Leon Franklin, who will be looking for a new home, according to Clayton Sayfie of On3.
Report: Another Michigan football transfer portal loss comes on National Signing Day
There are now two Michigan football running backs who plan on transferring: CJ Stokes and Leon Franklin. This afternoon, it was reported that Franklin had entered the transfer portal after spending four years with the Wolverines from 2020-2023. Franklin, a grad student this fall, appeared in 29 games for the Wolverines over the past few seasons, including debuting in 12 games this fall — even scoring his first rushing touchdown against Minnesota in October.
Ex-Michigan running back Leon Franklin in search of new home
The former walk-on running back for Michigan football stands at 5-foot-9 and weighs in over 200 pounds heading into the 2024 season. Seeing as Michigan will have yet another loaded running back room next fall, it is likely best for Franklin’s career that he find a school with more opportunity, though Michigan fans will undoubtedly hate to see him go.
Whether or not Leon Franklin will remain with the program through its College Football Playoff run remains unclear, though there is a likelihood that he will. CJ Stokes, Michigan’s other transfer portal loss, also announced that he plans on staying with the Wolverines until their playoff run concludes, ideally with a national championship.
UPDATE: Franklin will be transferring with two years of eligibility remaining and will be staying with Michigan football through the College Football Playoff.
I have decided to enter my name into the transfer portal with 2 years of eligibility. THANK YOU MICHIGAN FAMILY 💙💛‼️ pic.twitter.com/Kd6oUuNiWj
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