Explosive freshman tight end J.J. Buchanan joins Michigan, bringing elite pass-catching skills and a game-changing hybrid attack to Ann Arbor.
In a move that has stirred things up from the Wasatch Range to the Great Lakes, breakout freshman tight end J.J. Buchanan has officially announced his transfer from Utah to the University of Michigan. The commitment, confirmed Sunday, marks a massive recruitment win for the Wolverines and a significant blow to the Utes, as Buchanan follows the trail blazed by his former head coach, Kyle Whittingham, who recently took the reins in Ann Arbor.
A Rising Star in Salt Lake City
Buchanan wasn’t just a contributor at Utah; he was a revelation. Arriving in Salt Lake City as a versatile three-star athlete from Coronado High School in Nevada, the 6-foot-3, 225-pound playmaker quickly outgrew his recruiting ranking. During his true freshman campaign in 2025, Buchanan led all freshman tight ends nationally with 427 receiving yards and five touchdowns on just 26 catches.
What makes Buchanan truly terrifying for Big Ten defensive coordinators is his efficiency. He averaged a staggering 16.4 yards per reception, frequently operating more like a jumbo wide receiver than a traditional in-line tight end. His ability to win vertically was evidenced by a 58-yard score against Kansas and a 60-yard catch-and-run against Kansas State. He punctuated his Utah tenure with a dominant four-catch, 76-yard performance in the Las Vegas Bowl, a final gift to the Ute faithful before entering the portal.
The Whittingham Connection
The decision to transfer appears deeply rooted in continuity. Buchanan is the third Utah standout to follow Whittingham to Michigan this offseason, joining edge rushers Jonah Lea’ea and John Henry Daley. Perhaps more importantly, Buchanan will remain under the tutelage of offensive coordinator Jason Beck, who also made the jump from Utah to Michigan.
How Buchanan Transforms Michigan’s 2026 Offense
For Michigan, Buchanan is the "Swiss Army Knife" the offense lacked in 2025. Following the departure of Marlin Klein to the NFL, the Wolverines needed a dynamic pass-catcher at the position to complement their returning blockers.
- Vertical Threat: Michigan’s offense has often been criticized for a lack of explosive plays over the middle. Buchanan’s track record of 30+ yard receptions provides a legitimate "seam-buster" that forces safeties to stay honest.
- Positional Versatility: In 2025, Buchanan took nearly as many snaps in the slot and as an outside receiver as he did near the tackle. This allows Michigan to stay in "11 personnel" (one RB, one TE) while essentially having four receivers on the field, creating mismatches against slower linebackers.
- The "Underwood" Factor: With five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood expected to lead the huddle in 2026, giving him a large-radius target like Buchanan is a match made in heaven. Buchanan’s background as a high-level basketball player, known for his "windmill dunks", translates to elite body control in red-zone jump-ball situations.
A New Identity
The acquisition of Buchanan signals a shift in Michigan’s offensive identity. While the "Smash" DNA of the Sherrone Moore era remains, the influx of Utah's coaching staff and personnel suggests a move toward a more modern, hybrid attack. By pairing Buchanan’s athleticism with the power-running game, Michigan is building an offense capable of attacking every blade of grass.
As the Wolverines prepare for the 2026 season, the "Ute-Turn" might just be the pivot point that returns Michigan to the top of the Big Ten hierarchy.