Michigan's secondary faces reconstruction as star safety Brandyn Hillman enters the portal, leaving a significant void and forcing aggressive rebuilding efforts.
The "LFG147" campaign, designed to keep Michigan’s elite talent in Ann Arbor for the 2026 season, hit a significant speed bump on Thursday night. Brandyn Hillman, the hard-hitting junior safety and a rising star in the Wolverines' defensive backfield, officially announced his intention to enter the NCAA transfer portal.
The news, first reported by On3, comes at a tumultuous time for the Michigan secondary. Hillman is now the fifth defensive back to depart since the arrival of new head coach Kyle Whittingham on December 26, joining Jaden Mangham, Elijah Dotson, Jordan Young, and freshman Jayden Sanders. While the Wolverines recently celebrated the return of five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood and star running back Jordan Marshall, the "defensive exodus" is creating a localized crisis at safety.
By the Numbers: Why Hillman Matters
Hillman wasn't just a depth piece; he was a focal point of the 2025 defense. In his first full season as a starter, the Portsmouth, Virginia native proved to be one of the most reliable and physical players on the roster.
Total Tackles
49
PFF Coverage Grade
75.8
PFF Overall Grade
70.3
Snaps Played
545
Standing at 6-foot-0 and 200 pounds, Hillman earned All-Big Ten Honorable Mention honors. He was the definition of a "thumper," often finishing games among the team's leading tacklers, including a standout seven-tackle performance against Ohio State.
The Domino Effect on the Secondary
With Hillman gone, the Michigan secondary is moving from "reloading" to a state of "reconstruction." The loss of Hillman and Jayden Sanders in a single night erases over 800 snaps of experience from the 2025 season.
While the program was able to convince Zeke Berry to withdraw his name from the portal earlier this week, the depth chart is looking increasingly thin.
Who is left?
- Zeke Berry (RS Jr.): Now the undisputed leader of the unit. His versatility to play nickel or safety is vital.
- Jyaire Hill (RS Jr.): A starting cornerback who Michigan desperately needs to retain to keep the perimeter secure.
- TJ Metcalf (Jr.): Expected to take on a massive increase in responsibilities, likely moving into a full-time starting role. Metcalf has since entered the portal so we shall see if he does transfer or decide to stay in Ann Arbor.
- The Freshmen: With veterans leaving, early enrollees like Jordan Deck and Jamarion Vincent may be forced into the fire much earlier than the coaching staff originally intended.
Looking Forward: The Portal Giveth
For Coach Whittingham, the priority is now crystal clear: The Transfer Portal. Michigan has already hosted Utah cornerback transfer Smith Snowden, and they are expected to be aggressive in the coming weeks to find veteran safeties who can bridge the gap.
The loss of Brandyn Hillman hurts because of his trajectory—he was a player many saw as a potential captain and a future NFL draft pick. His departure signifies that despite the success of NIL retentions elsewhere on the roster, the transition to a new coaching staff often leaves gaps that only the portal can fill.
Michigan still has the "bones" of a championship defense, but without Hillman’s physicality over the top, the Wolverines have a massive hole to plug before spring ball begins in Ann Arbor.