Newbury Park (CA) Newbury Park QB Brady Smigiel (image via SI/Rene Morales)
TRANSFER PORTAL
C.J. Hester – RB – UMass: Hester is a 5’10”, 190 lb. running back who started his career at Western Michigan in 2023 and transferred to UMass in 2024. Coming out of Cincinnati (OH) Wyoming, he was a 3-star, the #113 running back, and #1702 overall, and his offer list was made up entirely of MAC schools. He ran 28 times for 132 yards and 2 touchdowns as a freshman Bronco, and as a Minuteman in 2024, he was #2 on the team with 119 carries for 529 yards and 4 touchdowns. Michigan is pursuing him as a potential replacement for Benjamin Hall, who announced a few days ago that he was entering the portal.
2026
Khary Adams – CB – Towson (MD) Loyola Blakefield: Adams is a 6’2″, 175-pounder with officials planned for Notre Dame, Oregon, Penn State, and South Carolina. He’s a 4-star, the #10 cornerback, and #76 overall.
Dorian Barney – CB – Carrollton (GA) Carrollton: Barney is a 6’1″, 180 lb. prospect with officials set for Georgia Tech, Penn State, and Texas A&M. He’s a 4-star, the #14 cornerback, and #117 overall.
J.J. Finch – DT – Indianapolis (IN) Warren Central: Finch is a 6’3″, 260 lb. prospect who’s the son of former Michigan commit Jerimy Finch, a safety who played for Florida and Indiana. The younger Finch is a 3-star, the #43 defensive lineman, and #435 overall. Alabama, Florida, and Tennessee are slated to get official visits, and Michigan is trying to join that list.
Brody Jennings – CB – Jacksonville (FL) Mandarin: Jennings is committed to Michigan. He’s a 4-star, the #23 cornerback, and #269 overall.
