Michigan experienced its inaugural significant loss in the transfer portal with the departure of standout defender Keon Sabb, marking a notable shift in the available talent pool for the 2024 cycle. As the college football spring semester transitions conclude, most top prospects from the transfer portal have already found new homes.
However, Sabb’s entry now positions him as one of the limited high-impact options, with the potential for more to follow, especially after another coaching change saw Shawn Elliott leave Georgia State for South Carolina under Shane Beamer’s leadership. This leaves a few players still uncommitted at this late stage in the offseason, with another opportunity arising in the spring.
In recent days, several players entered the portal only to retract their decisions, including some from Washington following the hiring of former Arizona coach Jedd Fisch. Coaching changes often prompt players to reassess their options before engaging with the new coaching staff to discuss their fit.
Sabb’s entry into the portal occurred on Friday, marking the first significant departure from Michigan following their first national championship win in 25 years under Jim Harbaugh. Despite the return of veterans Rod Moore and Makari Paige, Sabb was poised to start in Michigan’s secondary in 2024, having played a pivotal role in their national championship victory over Washington. Michigan is currently seeking a defensive backs coach after Stephen Adegoke opted to remain with the Houston Texans despite interest from Sherrone Moore.
According to reports from TheMichiganInsider, Louisiana defensive coordinator Lamar Morgan is a leading candidate for the position, with efforts focused on retaining Sabb in Ann Arbor being a priority for the incoming coach. Moore’s promotion to head coach following Harbaugh’s departure has helped maintain roster stability, with minimal attrition expected during this window.
Recent entries into the transfer portal include Arizona cornerback Tacario Davis, who had an impressive season in the Pac-12, and former South Carolina running back Rashad Amos, who seeks a new opportunity after a productive year with Miami. Additionally, Jordan McCloud, the standout quarterback from James Madison, is among the sought-after players in the portal after an impressive season.
Meanwhile, Vincent Holmes, a highly recruited safety who redshirted at Washington, is also attracting attention, while Texas A&M cornerback Tyreek Chappell opted to withdraw his name from the portal, returning to a cornerback room bolstered by recent additions and returning talent.