The Michigan Wolverines are gearing up for another busy offseason in the transfer portal, following a stellar 2025 season that saw them claim the national championship. With several key players graduating or facing NBA Draft decisions, head coach Dusty May is poised to reshape his roster once again. Here's an in-depth look at some of the top names on Michigan's transfer portal wishlist, along with personal commentary and analysis.
Flory Bidunga: A Center of Excellence
One of the most intriguing names on Michigan's radar is Kansas center Flory Bidunga, who is reportedly being pursued by Texas Tech. Bidunga had a standout sophomore year, leading the Big 12 in field goal percentage and blocks per game. His physicality and toughness align perfectly with May's playing style, and he could seamlessly fill a starting spot if Mara or Johnson depart. What makes Bidunga particularly fascinating is his versatility. His ability to contribute points and rebounds, coupled with his defensive prowess, makes him a valuable asset. However, it's worth noting that the portal is still early, and Michigan's interest in Bidunga could change as the process unfolds.
John Blackwell: A Bucket-Getter's Return
Wisconsin guard John Blackwell is another name that has been linked to Michigan. Blackwell, a senior-to-be, has been a consistent scorer, averaging 19.1 and 15.8 points per game over the last two seasons. His Big Ten experience and scoring ability make him an attractive option. However, with Cadeau and Trey McKenney returning, along with the incoming five-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr., Blackwell's fit may be less certain. May's unconventional roster building strategies could still make a guard-heavy roster a possibility, but it remains to be seen if Blackwell will be a part of it.
Isaiah Johnson: Size and Versatility
Colorado guard Isaiah Johnson is also on Michigan's radar. Johnson had a strong freshman campaign, averaging nearly 17 points per game, along with solid rebounding and assist numbers. His size (6-foot-1) may be redundant with Cadeau, but with L.J. Cason's redshirt year, the team still needs depth at the guard position. Johnson's versatility and scoring ability make him an intriguing prospect, and his size could provide a unique dynamic to the team.
Oswin Erhunmwunse: Defensive Dominance
Providence center Oswin Erhunmwunse is another player who would make a lot of sense for Michigan. While his scoring average was modest in his first two seasons, Erhunmwunse excelled defensively, averaging 8.3 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game. With the starting front court potentially departing, May will need to target centers in the portal, and Erhunmwunse could be a fantastic defensive anchor. His ability to protect the rim and rebound would be a significant boost to the team's defense.
Additional Targets: Miles Byrd, Paulius Murauskas, and Drew Fielder
247Sports' Travis Branham also suggests Michigan could pursue San Diego State small forward Miles Byrd, a 6-foot-6, 190-pound player who could replace Lendeborg. Paulius Murauskas, a 6-foot-8 power forward from St. Mary's, and Boise State center Drew Fielder, a 6-foot-11 stretch four, are also mentioned as potential targets. These players offer a mix of scoring, rebounding, and defensive capabilities, further bolstering Michigan's depth and versatility.
In conclusion, Michigan's transfer portal wishlist is filled with talented players who could significantly impact the team's success next season. From centers with defensive prowess to versatile guards, these players offer a range of skills and experiences. As the portal process unfolds, it will be fascinating to see which names Michigan ultimately targets and how Dusty May constructs his new-look roster.
