What to know about Michigan football halfway through transfer portal window

The three-week transfer portal window just passed the halfway point, and so far Michigan football has added three players on defense and two on offense. When the portal first opened, Michigan hoped to land a veteran quarterback. The Wolverines were expected to be in the running for a top signal-caller, but their search continues.

Michigan football transfer portal update

Signees

The Wolverines have signed five players since the portal opened on Dec. 8: wide receiver Donoven McCulley (Indiana), defensive back and brother duo TJ and Tevin Metcalf (Arkansas), offensive lineman Brady Norton (Cal Poly) and most recently defensive lineman Damon Payne (Alabama). 

Multiple outlets reported that Payne signed early Wednesday morning, but his paperwork was voided not long after. Following hours of uncertainty and confusion, he made it official on his social media. Payne was a five-star recruit out of Belleville (Mich.) in 2021 and has one year of eligibility remaining.

Offers and Scheduled Visits

Michigan will host the No. 1 running back in the portal this weekend in Justice Haynes (Alabama). He reportedly visited Ole Miss on Tuesday and South Carolina on Thursday.

CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz reported on Thursday that Michigan secured a visit with the best offensive tackle available in Fa’alili Fa’amoe (Washington State). If the Wolverines can land another big-time blocker it will be in great shape on the offensive line.

Zenitz reported on Wednesday that quarterback Dequan Finn was on a visit with the Wolverines. Formerly with Toledo and Baylor, respectively, Finn was the 2023 MAC MVP and missed most of 2024 with an injury. 

Also on Wednesday, the Wolverines extended an offer to former Washington linebacker Khmori House. 247Sports ranks him as the second best linebacker in the portal, but two of its insiders predicted House to sign with North Carolina.

Former Fresno State quarterback Mikey Keene told Zenitz on Wednesday he plans to visit Ann Arbor after he checks out Ole Miss. The Arizona native was an honorable mention All-Mountain West selection each of the past two seasons. 

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