Bye week check-in: Impact of Michigan’s transfer portal additions so far

by: Anthony Broome09/25/25anthonytbroome

Michigan's Justice Haynes (22) scores in the second half of the college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooner and the University of Michigan Wolverines at the Gaylord Family √ê Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. (Sarah Phipps/The Oklahoman)

Michigan Wolverines football’s offseason work in the transfer portal has already paid dividends, with several newcomers stepping into impact roles through the first four games.

From star running back Justice Haynes making history in the backfield to key defensive additions and depth pieces across the roster, here’s a breakdown of how each transfer has fared so far in 2025.

Junior RB Justice Haynes (Alabama)

Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 42 overall, No. 3 running back

Justice Haynes has been a revelation for the Wolverines thus far, with 537 yards and 6 touchdowns in four games, making him the first Michigan player to rush for 100 or more yards in his first four games with the program.

Graduate DT Tre Williams (Clemson)

Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 168 overall, No. 15 defensive tackle

The former Clemson Tiger has 5 total tackles and a pass defended in four games this season as a key reserve along the defensive line.

Graduate DT Damon Payne (Alabama)

Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 185 overall, No. 18 defensive tackle

Damon Payne has made a pair of starts so far in four games, earning Defensive Player of the Week honors against New Mexico, tipping a pass that led to an interception and adding three tackles in the game.

Junior OL Brady Norton (Cal Poly)

Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 227 overall, No. 24 interior offensive lineman

Made two starts this season against New Mexico and Oklahoma at right guard before missing the last two games due to injury.

Graduate WR Donaven McCulley (Indiana)

Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 230 overall, No. 43 wide receiver

A boost to the wide receiver room, Donaven McCulley leads the team in both receptions (13) and yards (197) in four starts this season.

Junior LB Troy Bowles (Georgia)

Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 327 overall, No. 21 linebacker

The son of Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles had 7 tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack and a forced fumble this season as a reserve and core special teamer.

Junior S TJ Metcalf (Arkansas)

Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 364 overall, No. 27 safety

On3’s rankings had him as the No. 145 overall player and No. 8 safety, so the composite ranking throws things off. TJ Metcalf has started four games and primarily played as U-M’s nickel in the first third of the regular season with 15 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and an interception.

Graduate OL Lawrence Hattar (Ferris State)

Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 529 overall, No. 55 interior offensive lineman

The Ferris State transfer has appeared in all four games as an extra offensive lineman and special teamer.

Graduate LB Rocco Milia (Columbia)

Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 861 overall, No. 72 linebacker

The former Columbia linebacker was a late addition to the roster and has yet to appear in a game with the Wolverines this season.

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Sophomore DB Tevis Metcalf (Arkansas)

Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 1399 overall, No. 161 defensive back

Michigan added both Metcalf brothers via the portal and got Tevis Metcalf into the New Mexico game as a reserve.

Graduate QB Mikey Keene (Fresno State)

Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 1433 overall, No. 103 QB

Mikey Keene was brought in to battle with Bryce Underwood for the starting quarterback job, but has dealt with injuries and has not yet gotten into game action with the Wolverines.

Graduate DB Caleb Anderson (Louisiana)

Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 1644 overall, No. 197 cornerback

Caleb Anderson has yet to get into a game this season and has appeared on the availability report each week.

Graduate RB John Volker (Princeton)

Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 1704 overall, No. 133 running back

Like Anderson, John Volker has been injured and has not yet gotten into a game with the Wolverines.

Junior RB CJ Hester (UMass)

Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 1944 overall, No. 155 running back

CJ Hester left the program a few days after fall camp began and will re-enter the transfer portal.

Graduate QB Jake Garcia (East Carolina)

Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 2427 overall, No. 173 quarterback

Jake Garcia has been the No. 3 quarterback in warmups this season and got some game action in during the win over Central Michigan.

Graduate WR Anthony Simpson (UMass)

Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 2433 overall, No. 355 wide receiver

The former UMass and Arizona wide receiver has played in 3 games this season and registered a 10-yard carry against Central Michigan.

Junior LS Trent Middleton (UCLA)

Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 3769 overall, No. 43 long snapper

Has not recorded any snaps so far this season after coming over from UCLA.

Graduate P Luke Bauer (Missouri)

Rivals Industry Ranking: No. 3739 overall, No. 59 punter

Former Missouri punter originally planned to come to Michigan, but never made it onto campus and chose to pursue other opportunities in the working world.

Graduate K Beckham Sunderland (Texas State)

Rivals Industry Ranking: N/R

Beckham Sunderland has been the team’s primary kickoff guy so far this season with 13 touchbacks this season.

Junior P Hunter Robertson (Clarion)