Fresh off a national championship, Michigan football isn’t resting on its laurels. While offseason buzz has centered around five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood, the Wolverines have quietly reinforced their identity through strategic transfer portal acquisitions that complement their smashmouth style.
The additions of Alabama running back Justice Haynes and Clemson defensive tackle Tre Williams highlight a portal strategy that doubles down on Michigan’s proven formula: dominating the line of scrimmage, running effectively, and suffocating opponents with elite defense. Head coach Sherrone Moore clearly aims to maintain the physical identity that brought Michigan its first national championship since 1997.
Analyst Explains Why Michigan’s Bold Transfer Portal Play Is Sending a Message to Ohio State
“To me, Josh, I felt like Michigan doubled down on the formula that worked last year. You beat Ohio State and Alabama in the last two games of the year, throwing for less than 100 yards. Why? Because the defense was phenomenal. Line of scrimmage is I mean, bullying people around and also can run the football at a high level,” explained JD PicKell on the ON3 Recruits channel.
The acquisition of Haynes particularly stings for Ohio State. “They beat out Ohio State for Justice H. Must be a good sign. It’s two and zero against Ohio State if you’re counting at Michigan, during the last calendar year,” PicKell noted, highlighting how this portal victory extends Michigan’s recent dominance over their rival.
“Getting him, adding him to that running back to go with Marshall and what he brings to the table, you feel like you have your one-two punch, which Michigan has been historically, at their best at when they have two guys that can share the load” said PicKell about the Haynes and Marshall duo.
“The big one is Tre Williams. To me, metaphorically and literally speaking, a big human being to put in the middle of that defense. You lost not one but two D tackles to the first round of the NFL draft,” PicKell explained about Williams’ addition.
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These calculated moves reinforce Michigan’s commitment to physical dominance. By securing Haynes (448 yards, 7 TDs at Alabama) and adding Williams alongside other transfers like Damon Payne, Michigan has strengthened its roster while sending a clear message that it plans to remain atop college football’s elite.
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