Michigan’s football season ended on a high note with a significant victory over Ohio State, but the aftermath has been clouded by the looming transfer portal. With a disappointing 7-5 record and notable offensive struggles, several Wolverines have decided to seek new opportunities elsewhere. As the offseason progresses, let’s take a closer look at the five most impactful losses for Michigan in the transfer portal.
Top 5 Michigan transfer portal losses
1. Dominick Giudice, OL
Dominick Giudice’s journey at Michigan has been quite the ride. Initially recruited as a defensive lineman, he made a notable switch to the offensive line midway through his college career. This transition proved fruitful, as Giudice started five games and showcased his versatility, primarily playing at center. With two seasons of eligibility remaining, he has chosen to transfer to Missouri, where he hopes to further develop his skills and contribute significantly.
2. Andrew Gentry, OT
Andrew Gentry was a four-star recruit from Colorado, whose career at Michigan was marked by challenges. After taking a year off for a mission trip and subsequently redshirting, he was poised to start in 2024. However, after losing the starting position, he regained it briefly before an injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season. Gentry has two years left and will be transferring to BYU, where he aims to make a fresh start closer to home.
3. Cole Cabana, RB
Cole Cabana entered Michigan as a highly-touted four-star prospect, expected to become a key player in the Wolverines’ backfield. Unfortunately, his time in Ann Arbor was underwhelming, as he managed only two carries for six yards over two seasons. Cabana has decided to take his talents to the Minnesota Golden Gophers, where he will have three years of eligibility to showcase his abilities and hopefully fulfill the potential many believed he had.
4. Tristan Bounds, OT
Tristan Bounds, a massive 6-foot-8, 305-pound offensive tackle from Maryland, struggled to find playing time during his four years at Michigan. He participated in just seven games, but his size and potential make him an intriguing prospect for any program. Bounds has committed to Arizona for his final season of eligibility, where he will look to make a significant impact on the field.
5. Alex Orji, QB
Alex Orji, a three-star quarterback from Texas, had a unique role at Michigan. Known for his run-first approach, he spent three seasons with the Wolverines, transitioning from a few snaps in 2022 to a potential starting role in 2024. His passing stats were modest—24 completions on 45 attempts for 153 yards—but he was more effective on the ground, accumulating 383 rushing yards on 74 carries. Orji has two years of eligibility left and is expected to find a new home that will allow him to further develop his dual-threat capabilities.
As Michigan grapples with these significant departures, the question remains: how will these losses impact the team’s future? The Wolverines will need to regroup and address the gaps left by these players. With the transfer portal being a double-edged sword, it offers opportunities for new talent while simultaneously creating challenges for teams losing key contributors.
The transfer portal has become a crucial aspect of college football, allowing players to seek better opportunities and playing time. For Michigan, the offseason will be a time of reflection and adjustment. The coaching staff will need to evaluate their roster and possibly look for replacements in the portal themselves.
What do you think of Michigan’s portal losses? Are there any players you feel the Wolverines should target to fill these gaps? The landscape of college football is ever-changing, and with each transfer, teams must adapt quickly to stay competitive.
As we look ahead to the upcoming season, Michigan fans will be watching closely to see how the team responds to these changes. Will they be able to bounce back and improve upon their 2023 performance? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the excitement of college football never fades, and the transfer portal will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the game.
