Michigan football transfer portal target Upton Stout returning to Western Kentucky
The Michigan Wolverines got on the board with a transfer portal addition the other day in linebacker Jaishawn Barham, but another top target is off the board. Western Kentucky defensive back Upton Stout announced on Friday that he would be removing himself from the portal and sticking with the Hilltoppers.
At the time of his announcement, On3’s Transfer Portal Rankings had Stout as the No. 36 available player and fourth-ranked defensive back in the country. He would have had as many as two years of eligibility remaining had he come to Michigan.
Stout began his career at North Texas in 2020-21 before transferring to Western Kentucky ahead of the 2022 season. He played 495 career snaps at North Texas, recording 36 total tackles and allowing 23 receptions for 297 yards and two touchdowns on 37 targets.
Stout became a prominent part of the Western Kentucky defense the last two seasons, playing 612 snaps in 2022 and 418 this past season after missing six games in the middle of the season. He allowed 37 receptions on 65 targets for 494 yards with two touchdowns allowed and five interceptions over the last two years. Pro Football Focus graded him out at 78.6 overall and 75.2 in coverage this past season with a run defense grade of 82.5.
He was a three-star prospect coming out of high school after starring at North Shore HS in Houston, Texas. Aside from North Texas, he held offers from Houston, Louisiana-Monroe, New Mexico, Northwestern State, South Alabama, Utah State, UTSA and Houston Baptist.
Shortly after entering the portal, Stout had offers from offers from Michigan, Pitt, Washington State, Memphis, Houston, Cincinnati, Ole Miss, Tulsa, Boston College, Virginia Tech, West Virginia and USC.
He recently visited USC, which was considered a major player for his services. Stout visited Michigan last week, but ultimately left Ann Arbor without a decision before things went quiet for him on the trail.
The Michigan coaching staff likely saw him as a fit for the role that Mike Sainristil has held down over the last two seasons. Michigan could still be in the market potential competition in a room that likely includes Ja’Den McBurrows, Myles Pollard and others competing for Mike Sainristil’s role ahead of the 2024 season with more depth needed. Reports have them linked to USC transfer cornerback Domani Jackson.
Last season, Michigan brought in nine players via the transfer portal and has used it to augment the talent on the roster over the last few offseasons.
