As is the new normal in college football, the month of December is reserved for a flurry of roster moves in the transfer portal. Michigan is currently working on its transfer portal class for 2025, picking up everything from a potential starting quarterback to depth options all over the field.
At this time last year, the Wolverines were doing the same thing, but we wouldn’t know how things would materialize until the players took the field in the fall. With the 2024 season (almost) in the books, here’s a look back at Michigan’s portal class and who we believe the five biggest contributors were this year.
5. S Wesley Walker
Michigan represented the third stop for Wesley Walker in his college career, having already played at Tennessee and Georgia Tech. Walker was looked at to be a meaningful contributor for the Wolverines after Rod Moore went down with an injury and Keon Sabb left for Alabama. While he didn’t necessarily dominate in terms of playing time on the back end of the secondary, he still did an admirable job in 2024.
On the season, Walker had 26 total tackles and one pass defended. He got some more playing time later in the year as Zeke Berry shifted to corner and Makari Paige bumped over to nickel. His numbers could have been better had he seen the field more at safety, but he was good in his role nonetheless.
4. CB Aamir Hall
Like Wesley Walker, Aamir Hall was another guy that didn’t get a chance to shine until later in the year. He came over from Albany to act as the third cornerback behind Will Johnson and Jyaire Hill, but with Johnson being injured for the back half of the year, Hall was pressed into a bigger role.
Hall thrived with the increase in playing time. He had 29 tackles, including two for a loss, three passes defended and two interceptions. His biggest play of the year came early in the matchup with Ohio State, where Hall jumped in front of a Will Howard pass and intercepted it. He’d return the ball to the two yard line, where Michigan was able to easily find the end zone. It was perhaps one of the more underrated moments of the year as well as a real tone-setter in The Game.
3. OG Josh Priebe
The Wolverines had a tall task on their hands this offseason, as the six offensive linemen with the most snaps played in 2023 all departed for the NFL. It was clear Michigan was going to need someone with experience up front, which meant adding Josh Priebe to the fold was a no-brainer after being a three-year starter at Northwestern. He stepped in and was immediately presumed to be the starter at left guard.
Plug and play effectively was exactly what Priebe did, starting all 12 games in 2024. The offensive line went through its fair share of ups and downs, and with several guys shuffled in and out of starting spots, left guard was something fans seldom had to worry about. There’s definitely value in being able to consistently play and do your job effectively, and although offensive linemen don’t always get the credit they deserve, Priebe deserves his flowers for his 2024 campaign.
2. LB Jaishawn Barham
Like the offensive line, off-ball linebacker was a position that lost some contributors with Michael Barrett and Junior Colson both departing for the NFL. Jaishawn Barham was the headliner of Michigan’s transfer portal class and was expected to step in and play a big role alongside Ernest Hausmann in Michigan’s new-look linebacker room. While Barham wasn’t the No. 1 contributor from the class, he still did a wonderful job with 65 tackles, one sack and two passes defended.
To make things more interesting, Barham is reportedly coming back and could be an edge rusher next season. We regularly saw him flashing some impressive speed and a high motor that could make him a real force off the edge alongside Derrick Moore and T.J. Guy. If he can excel in a new position, there’s a chance for him to exceed the expectations that were originally placed on him.
1. K Dominic Zvada
Who else would you have expected here? For a variety of reasons, Arkansas State transfer Dominic Zvada was Michigan’s most impactful transfer this season. Zvada made an immediate impact in Michigan’s first game with two field goals from more than 50 yards out. He converted 17-of-18 attempts, with his lone miss being blocked against Illinois.
He shined his brightest on the biggest stage too, converting both of his kicks against Ohio State, including a game-winner in the final minute.
It’s safe to say Zvada belonged in the discussion for the Lou Groza Award, but he ultimately fell short. On the bright side, he already announced he’s coming back for one more season, which gives Michigan a huge boost. It’s a relief the Wolverines have Zvada in their back pocket to help the offense once again, but let’s hope Sherrone Moore and company don’t have to use him as often in 2025.
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