University of Michigan football is Missing One thing in this year’s transfer portal class

University of Michigan football is Missing One thing in this year’s transfer portal class

As the University of Michigan football team navigates the 2025 season and continues its pursuit of another national championship, one question looms over the program: **What is Michigan missing in its 2025 transfer portal class?**

While Michigan has consistently been one of the top programs in college football, especially under head coach Jim Harbaugh, each offseason presents new opportunities and challenges. The transfer portal has become a vital tool for programs across the country to fill gaps in their rosters, and Michigan has been active in utilizing it to bolster its depth. However, despite a strong recruiting class, Michigan may still be missing one key piece that could enhance their chances of securing another championship.

### The Importance of the Transfer Portal for Michigan

The transfer portal has become increasingly significant for college football teams, especially those looking to fill immediate needs or add depth to specific positions. Michigan, with its strong coaching staff and winning culture, has used the portal to add key players in previous seasons, particularly in areas where it needed a boost. For example, Michigan has used the portal to upgrade its defense and add experience at key positions like quarterback and wide receiver. These transfers have made immediate impacts, helping to plug holes and increase the overall talent level of the roster.

### Missing Element: Quarterback Depth and Leadership

While Michigan’s 2025 transfer portal class has certainly added some valuable pieces, the one thing the team could potentially be missing is **quarterback depth**. Michigan has a strong incumbent starter in J.J. McCarthy, who has been a standout quarterback for the Wolverines. However, behind McCarthy, there is uncertainty regarding the backup position.

While Michigan has talented quarterbacks in its program, the departure of experienced backups can leave the team thin at the most critical position. The backup quarterback plays a vital role in preparing for any unforeseen injury or situation where the starting quarterback may not be able to play. In the competitive landscape of college football, having reliable depth at quarterback is crucial.

If Michigan were to miss out on adding an experienced quarterback to the transfer portal class, it could leave them vulnerable should McCarthy face an injury or need a break during the season. The need for a reliable backup who can step into the role if needed is vital for Michigan to maintain its championship aspirations.

### Why Michigan Needs to Prioritize Quarterback Depth

In recent seasons, many top teams have faced challenges with injuries to their starting quarterbacks, which has made quarterback depth more crucial than ever. Teams like Alabama and Ohio State, despite their strong recruiting, have had to rely on their backup quarterbacks in crucial moments of the season. For Michigan, ensuring that it has a competent, experienced backup who can step in if needed would allow the Wolverines to maintain their high level of play.

Adding a quarterback through the transfer portal with experience, leadership, and a solid understanding of high-level college football would not only provide insurance for McCarthy but also serve as a potential motivator for him to continue performing at an elite level. Additionally, having a well-rounded quarterback room can help the development of future stars, with a potential transfer quarterback mentoring younger talent and providing competition for the starting job.

### What Michigan Has Done Well in the Transfer Portal

Michigan has certainly done a great job using the transfer portal to strengthen various positions. The Wolverines have added players in areas such as defensive back, wide receiver, and running back in previous transfer portal classes. These additions have filled immediate needs and added depth to an already strong roster. Michigan’s coaching staff has been able to integrate these players smoothly into their system, making them significant contributors to the team.

For instance, last year Michigan added former Alabama wide receiver **Ajou Ajou**, who brought experience and depth to the receiving corps. Similarly, players like **Ladarius Henderson**, an offensive lineman from Arizona State, have helped bolster the team’s line, which is always a key area for Michigan’s ground-and-pound offense.

Despite these successes, however, one area that may still need attention is the quarterback depth behind McCarthy. While Michigan has a promising group of quarterbacks in their system, the uncertainty surrounding this position heading into 2025 could potentially be the one thing missing from Michigan’s transfer portal class this year.

### Conclusion

While Michigan’s 2025 transfer portal class is undoubtedly strong, the one thing the Wolverines may be missing is **quarterback depth**. With J.J. McCarthy firmly established as the starter, ensuring that Michigan has a reliable backup quarterback who can step in if necessary would provide stability and security to the team’s offense. In a season where every game matters, having an experienced quarterback available can make the difference between a successful playoff run and an early exit.

As Michigan continues to build a championship-contending team, adding a strong backup quarterback via the transfer portal could be the missing piece to complete their roster and keep them competitive on the national stage. With a little more depth at quarterback, Michigan would be well-positioned to continue its dominant run in college football.