Michigan Wolverines Breakout Linebacker Exploring Options In The Transfer Portal

The Michigan Wolverines football program received a jolt on Friday with the news that one of its top emerging defensive players, linebacker Cole Sullivan, has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal. The move introduces significant uncertainty into the heart of Michigan’s defense, though reports indicate that the door may not be completely closed on a potential return to Ann Arbor for the talented sophomore.

Michigan Wolverines Hoping To Retain Star Linebacker

The news, first reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel, came as a surprise to many within the Michigan fanbase. Cole Sullivan, a rising star on the defensive side of the ball, is coming off a breakout season where he established himself as a critical playmaker and a future leader for the Wolverines. His decision to explore his options signals a potentially massive loss for new head coach Kyle Whittingham and his staff, who are in the process of shaping the roster for the 2026 season.

A Breakout Sophomore Campaign

After seeing limited action as a true freshman, Sullivan seized his opportunity in 2025 and demonstrated why the coaching staff has been so high on his potential. In his first significant year of playing time, the Pennsylvania native showcased a well-rounded skill set that made him a constant threat.

Over the course of 11 games, Sullivan compiled an impressive stat line that highlighted his versatility and nose for the football. He finished the season with 44 total tackles, five tackles for loss, and two sacks, proving his ability to disrupt plays in the backfield. Beyond his prowess as a tackler, Sullivan displayed excellent instincts in pass coverage and when the ball was loose. He recorded three interceptions, one pass breakup, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. This ability to create turnovers made him one of the defense’s most valuable assets and a player who consistently found himself around the ball.

This level of production from a sophomore linebacker is precisely what programs build their defenses around. Sullivan was widely projected to be a cornerstone of the 2026 defense and a surefire starter. His departure would leave a significant void in talent, experience, and on-field leadership that would be difficult for the Michigan Wolverines to replace.

The Modern Reality: Portal with a Possible Return

In the current era of college football, a player entering the transfer portal does not always signify a permanent departure. According to Thamel’s report, Sullivan “is expected to evaluate his options,” which leaves open the possibility that he could ultimately decide to withdraw from the portal and remain with Michigan. This “portal shopping” has become increasingly common as players leverage the system to gauge their market value, explore different program fits, and understand their standing both within their current team and on the national landscape.

For Michigan, this creates a period of nervous waiting. Coach Whittingham and his newly assembled staff will undoubtedly be working behind the scenes to make a strong case for Sullivan’s return. This process likely involves discussions about his role in the new defensive scheme, the vision for the program moving forward, and potentially the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities available to him in Ann Arbor. Retaining a player of his caliber would be a major early victory for the new coaching regime and would stabilize a crucial position on the defense.

A Highly Coveted Linebacker

However, the reality is that Sullivan will be one of the most coveted linebackers available in the transfer portal this cycle. With two years of eligibility remaining and a proven track record of high-level production in the Big Ten, he represents a plug-and-play starter for any top-tier program in the country. He will have no shortage of suitors, and programs will be lining up to present him with compelling opportunities.

His decision will likely come down to a combination of factors, including coaching relationships, defensive scheme fit, and the resources available to him. The Wolverines will have to compete to keep a player they spent two years developing. The coming weeks will be critical as Cole Sullivan weighs his future, leaving the Michigan Wolverines to hope that their investment and the culture in Ann Arbor are enough to bring him back into the fold for the 2026 season.