Michigan CB Jayden Sanders Enters Transfer Portal as Secondary Thins

Michigan faces a thinner defensive back group that likely forces it to pursue reinforcements in the portal.

Overview

Michigan confirmed to MLive that true freshman cornerback Jayden Sanders and offensive lineman Ty Haywood have entered the NCAA transfer portal.
Sanders appeared in all 13 games as a freshman, made early-season starts against Central Michigan and Nebraska, and earned team defensive player-of-the-week honors after the Nebraska game.
Multiple defensive backs have departed recently, with cornerbacks Elijah Dotson and Jordan Young and safety Jaden Mangham in the portal, and On3 reporting starting safety Brandyn Hillman is entering as well.
Yahoo Sports reports Michigan is expected to target defensive backs in the portal to help round out the 2026 roster.
MLive reports staff changes for 2026 include Jernaro Gilford overseeing cornerbacks and Jim Harding taking over the offensive line.