In some ways, Michigan football won’t be wildly different from how it was in the previous half-decade, but in others, it will look vastly different. The defensive side of the ball will have a similar scheme, albeit deployed differently, and while the offense is likely to be run-first as it has been, that unit should be more explosive, especially in the pass game.
Kyle Whittingham isn’t just making changes; he’s revamping how the Wolverines attack, and with that comes some new personnel to go along with former Utah offensive coordinator Jason Beck. When it comes to the transfers that the maize and blue brought in, one stands out above the rest, according to CBS Sports’ Chris Hummer, who says that Michigan’s most important transfer is former Utah wide receiver JJ Buchanan.
JJ Buchanan, WR, Utah
Michigan’s wide receiver production the last two seasons has been horrendous. Andrew Marsh was a bright spot as a true freshman last year with 651 yards, but otherwise, the Wolverines have struggled to find any sort of consistent production at that position. If Bryce Underwood is going to take the next step, someone other than Marsh needs to step up.
That’s what makes Buchanan so intriguing. A 6-foot-4, 208-pound converted tight end who came with the new staff over from Utah, Buchanan excelled in his 2025 debut with 26 catches for 427 yards and five scores. He’s got the speed and body control to excel at wide receiver. If his transition to the position is smooth, Underwood will have a pair of second-year wide receivers to grow with.
Buchanan is already slotted into a starting role opposite Andrew Marsh, and the question is now less will he (even though he’s entering just his second year) as much as who else outside of that duo will step up. Given Michigan’s troubles in the pass game the past two years, especially last year at receiver, having an already productive player with the size and capability that Buchanan has, should prove beneficial for a Michigan team that’s looking to become more pass-heavy — not just this year, but also down the line.
Outside of Marsh and Buchanan, the Wolverines brought in former Texas wideout Jaime Ffrench and a former five-star true freshman in Salesi Moa.
This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: CBS: Why JJ Buchanan is Michigan football’s most important transfer
Reporting by Isaiah Hole, Wolverines Wire / Wolverines Wire
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By Isaiah Hole, Wolverines Wire | USA TODAY Network
