Projecting Who’s Staying and Who’s Leaving from Michigan After Bowl Game
Although the 2022 season will be remembered as a successful year, the Michigan Wolverines are officially in offseason mode after falling to the TCU Horned Frogs 51-45 in the Fiesta Bowl.
And it’ll be another busy offseason for the Maize and Blue.
The double-edged sword of success means Michigan will likely be dealing with several early NFL draft departures. However, the Wolverines also have already attracted a few potential impact transfers.
As the proverbial dust settles on the Fiesta Bowl, we’re looking ahead to key player movement on Michigan’s roster.
Who’s Leaving?
Who’s Probably Staying?
J.J. McCarthy, QB
After holding a rotational role as a true freshman, J.J. McCarthy supplanted Cade McNamara in 2022. McCarthy was highly efficient in all levels of the field, averaging 8.3 yards per attempt with 20 touchdowns to three interceptions on the way to a Big 12 title. He added a mobile element with 254 rushing yards and four scores too.
Donovan Edwards, RB
Like his quarterback, Donovan Edwards will be a third-year junior next season. The local product had a brilliant year as the counterpart to Blake Corum, especially after the latter’s injury. Edwards racked up 401 rushing yards in key late victories over Ohio State and Purdue.
Defensive Cornerstones
Once again, the Maize and Blue are likely to have considerable turnover on the defensive depth chart. However, the standout duo of linebacker Junior Colson and Rod Moore will brace the transition. Colson led Michigan in total stops, while Moore emerged as the defense’s most reliable tackler and grabbed a few interceptions.
Who’s on the Way?
Top Defensive Transfers
Not only did Coastal Carolina coach Jamey Chadwell leave for Liberty, standout edge-rusher Josaiah Stewart hit the portal. He’s a two-time All-Sun Belt selection who posted 25.5 tackles for loss and 16 sacks. Nebraska linebacker Ernest Hausmann also picked Michigan after tallying 54 tackles in his debut college season.
O-Line Reinforcements
Michigan’s tremendous two-year run is partially a product of two dominant offensive lines. The unit has several major departures to address, but three experienced Pac-12 blockers will assist in filling the voids. LaDarius Henderson is coming from Arizona State, while Drake Nugent and Myles Hinton are both arriving from Stanford.
Cole Cabana, RB
The second-highest-rated recruit in Michigan’s recruiting class, Cole Cabana is hoping to follow in the footsteps of Edwards. Like him, Cabana is a local back who earned a 4-star billing and chose the Wolverines. He totaled 5,781 yards and 79 touchdowns in high school.
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