It’s wild being a college football fan these days because the team is never really set. Michigan football has done a spectacular job with player retention but there is one more hurdle to go — the spring transfer window.
The window opens on April 16th. It will be open for 15 days and that will be the final shot for opposing teams to try and steal away Michigan football players. I’m not overly concerned about guys like Will Johnson, Donovan Edwards, Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, and the like.
I feel like if they were going to enter the transfer portal, they would have already. However, according to Chris Balas of The Wolverine, teams have offered “astounding” amounts of money for these players to transfer. Looking at the production/talent of Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant or Will Johnson, can you blame them?
How worried should Michigan be about the spring transfer window?
Johnson would be the first cornerback selected in the 2024 NFL draft if he was eligible. The same can be said about Mason Graham. And outside of quarterback, defensive tackle might be the most important position in football. The D-line is at least and Michigan football is loaded there.
While Balas said that he’s not too worried about the big names, it’s the depth guys who could be targeted. Even other starting players if Michigan football hasn’t satisfied their NIL wishes.
We saw some guys sign NIL deals earlier this week. There are also the guys who have announced they are going to be in the EA Sports College Football Game. I have a hard time seeing those players transfer after that.
I’ll still be counting the days during the spring window, but based on what we’ve seen the past two months, Michigan football’s culture should win out. The Wolverines might lose a player or two, but they could be adding a quarterack or wide receiver.
Overall, I wouldn’t freak out, Michigan football fans. I definitely wouldn’t listen to Buckeye fans who have predicted a mass exodus in the transfer portal that’s never come — just like the NCAA hasn’t dropped the “hammer” and isn’t going to.
Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics and Big Ten content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. Also, be sure to check out our shop and our podcast, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other streaming platforms.
