After attracting significant interest since entering the college football transfer portal late in May, former UMass cornerback Josh Wallace has committed to the Michigan Wolverines. The Minuteman marvel should challenge for a significant role opposite starting cornerback Will Johnson for the 2023 college football campaign.
Josh Wallace Transfers to Michigan
The capture of the Minuteman cornerback is significant for the Wolverines, who beat out offers from multiple Power Five programs to land the impact-making secondary standout. Within days of entering the transfer portal, Wallace had racked up offers from Oklahoma, Virginia Tech, Penn State, and Michigan State but it’s the reigning Big Ten champions who secured his services following a visit at the weekend.
The interest in Wallace upon entering the transfer portal is in stark contrast to his original college football recruiting journey. A two-sport star at DeMatha Catholic and St. Mary’s Annapolis, he held more interest on the hard court than on the football field, ultimately committing to UMass to play football in January of 2019.
That he’s proven to be one of the most sought-after cornerbacks in this transfer portal cycle is a testament to his achievements as a four-year starter for the Minutemen. Not every true freshman plays in their first year, but Wallace established himself immediately for UMass – earning eight starts and securing his first career interception.
MORE: 2023 FCS Transfer Portal Rankings: Top Defensive Players to Land FBS Spots This Fall
Wallace’s profile has only risen since then. An All-Independent Second Team honoree from Phil Steele as a sophomore, he led the team in pass breakups. The UMass cornerback repeated the feat of production again as a junior in 2021, while also showcasing his leadership capability as a team captain for the Minutemen.
Wallace was named an All-Independent Second Team member for his work in 2022 by us at CFN as well.
Although his reputation and ability ensured that opposing teams actively tried to avoid him, Wallace logged a career-high two interceptions last fall as the playmaking cornerback attracted NFL interest to Hadley. However, rather than enter the 2023 NFL Draft, he returned to UMass before entering his name in the transfer portal and committing to Michigan.
What are the Wolverines getting in their new cornerback?
As a former basketball standout, Wallace boasts an impressive athletic profile. He’s fluid, showcases an impressive backpedal, and his ability to elevate himself with vertical explosion and body control while possessing impressive length will allow him to be a playmaking force at the catch point for Michigan in the 2023 college football season.
Wallace Quick Facts
- Class: Fifth-year senior
- Height: 6’0″
- Weight: 190
- Hometown: Bowie, MD
- Career tackles: 137
- Career tackles for loss: 7.0
- Career sacks: 0
- Career pass breakups: 24
- Career interceptions: 3
- Career forced fumbles: 1
