Michigan LB Semaj Bridgeman enters NCAA transfer portal
Michigan Wolverines sophomore linebacker Semaj Bridgeman entered the transfer portal on Monday after one season with the program. He did not see game action in 2023 and will have four years of eligibility remaining at his next stop.
Bridgeman was a four-star signee and the No. 307 player in the country in the 2023 class, 32nd-ranked linebacker and fifth-ranked player in the state of Pennsylvania, according to the On3 Industry Ranking.
Bridgeman is the second linebacker in as many weeks to enter the transfer portal, joining freshman Jeremiah Beasley. Michigan’s linebacker room is headlined by juniors Ernest Hausmann and Jaishawn Barham with senior Jaydon Hood, juniors Jimmy Rolder and Micah Pollard and true freshman Cole Sullivan filling out the group.
New Michigan linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary recently discussed depth at the position group during a spring football press conference.
“Some of the guys that I think are playing well are Jaydon Hood,” Jean-Mary said. “He’s been here for a while, very, very talented guy that says he’s been waiting for his opportunity. I think he’s taken advantage of it right now. Micah Pollard I think fits in that category, too. An older guy, a talented guy who hasn’t played as much as he’d like to but is doing a solid job for us. You got Christian Boivin who has been a great special teams player, he’s doing an excellent job for us there as one of the older guys.
“Some of the younger guys I feel like have an opportunity and we want to see more from and I think they’re gonna have a chance will be Jason Hewlett, Semaj Bridgeman and Hayden Moore have done a good job for us but, obviously, this back half of spring as far as depth chart goes, we’re going to have to see which one of those guys are going to separate themselves. Obviously, the young kids, Cole Sullivan and Jeremiah Beasley, guys that should be in high school and they’re getting quality reps at spring practice, very, very excited about those two guys. I think they’re going to be two high-end guys that are going to continue the tradition that we’ve had here of solid linebackers that a very, very productive. Been very, very happy with those guys.”
The NCAA transfer portal opened to players on April 16 and will close on April 30. Players must have submitted the paperwork to enter prior to the deadline, but do not have to have their new school selected.
