Columbia transfer LB Rocco Milia signs with Michigan

Columbia transfer linebacker Rocco Milia signed with Michigan, On3’s Pete Nakos has learned. He started eight games last season, totaling 49 tackles and four tackles for loss.

Milia spent four years at Columbia, preserving a redshirt as a freshman in 2021 when he appeared in two games. He turned in his biggest season as a redshirt sophomore in 2023 when he had 54 tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss, and three interceptions.

All told, across his four seasons, Milia totaled 114 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, a sack and four interceptions. He will have one year of eligibility remaining as he returns to his home state of Michigan.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire. 

The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and X (formerly Twitter) account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.

Rocco Milia played high school football at Birmingham (Mich.) Brother Rice before arriving at Columbia. He was a candidate for Mr. Michigan Football and was an AP Class 3-4 First Team All-State selection as he played safety, wide receiver and punt returner during his high school career.

Michigan put together quite a run on the high school recruiting trail and in the transfer portal this offseason. The Wolverines brought in 18 transfers as part of a group that ranked No. 10 in the nation, according to the On3 Team Transfer Portal Index. The headliner of the group is former Alabama running back Justice Haynes – the No. 43 overall player, according to the On3 Industry Transfer Rankings.

Of course, Michigan’s biggest addition came from the high school ranks by landing top-rated recruit Bryce Underwood. He’s currently in the midst of a battle to be the Wolverines’ starting quarterback this year and is already generating buzz around the program through the early part of training camp.

However, at Big Ten Media Days last month, Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said it’s an “open” battle for QB1. He also shared when UM would make a final decision on a starter as Underwood, Jake Garcia and Mikey Keene vie for the job.

“Before anyone asks, it’s an open competition,” Moore said, via On3’s Brett McMurphy. “There is no starter. When they ‘have the team’ we’ll know we have our starter.”

Michigan is currently getting ready to take on New Mexico in the season opener Aug. 30 before a high-profile Week 2 matchup. The Wolverines will travel to Moore’s alma mater, Oklahoma, Sept. 6.