Michigan safety DJ Waller, Jr. enters NCAA Transfer Portal

Michigan safety DJ Waller, Jr. officially entered the NCAA Transfer Portal on Wednesday evening, On3’s Pete Nakos has confirmed. In limited action this year, he racked up 12 tackles with one pass breakup for the Wolverines.

According to Anthony Broome of TheWolverine.com, Waller was expected to compete for the No. 2 defensive back position this fall.

He didn’t disappoint in his freshman campaign, earning Defensive Freshman of the Week honors five times (UNLV, Bowling Green, Indiana, Nebraska, and Michigan State).

Michigan enjoyed one of the most successful seasons in school history this year, finishing with an unblemished record of 15-0 and claiming the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship. It was their first national title since 1997.

The run was impressive, without a doubt. Especially with the endless number of outside distractions the Wolverines had to deal with. In the end, they rode their running game and dominant defense the sport’s most coveted prize.

The Wolverines will open up their 2024 slate with the Fresno State Bulldogs. That one is set for Saturday, August 31st. Then they’ll have one of the most anticipated matchups of the year, a date with the Texas Longhorns. That game is set for Saturday, September 7th.

Waller was expected to compete for the No. 2 cornerback job this season next to star Will Johnson, along with classmate Jyaire Hill and senior Ja’Den McBurrows. At 6-3, 205, he had the size and athleticism the staff was looking for at the position.

With depth questions at cornerback and safety, this could be a move that prompts action in the transfer portal for Michigan. Last season, it brought in UMass defensive back Josh Wallace to fill out its No. 2 job, who started all 15 games with 33 total tackles, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble with four passes defended.

Waller attended Cheney High School in Youngstown, Ohio and helped his team grab a 10-2 record and playoff appearance, which was his team’s first 10-win season in more than two decades. He had 47 tackles as a senior with seven tackles for loss, one sack and one interception. Waller also played receiver with 215 yards and a pair of touchdown receptions.

According to the On3 Industry Rankings for the 2023 cycle, Waller was rated as a three-star and the No. 684 overall player in the country.

On3’s Anthony Broome also contributed to this article.