The Michigan Wolverines are facing another significant roster departure as starting cornerback Zeke Berry has announced his intention to enter the NCAA transfer portal. The decision, reported by On3’s Pete Nakos, removes a veteran leader and an All-Big Ten performer from the secondary, creating a major hole for the coaching staff to fill ahead of the 2026 season.
Michigan Wolverines Lose Zeke Berry
Berry’s departure is a substantial blow to a Michigan defense in transition under new head coach Kyle Whittingham. After four seasons in Ann Arbor, the redshirt junior is coming off his most productive year yet, establishing himself as one of the premier cover corners in the conference.
During the 2025 season, Berry started 11 games and earned second-team All-Big Ten honors from the media and third-team honors from the coaches. He was a force in the secondary, finishing the year with 33 total tackles and leading the Big Ten with 10 pass breakups. His performance was a crucial component of Michigan’s defensive success.
This followed a strong 2024 campaign where he received honorable mention All-Big Ten honors after recording 37 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, nine pass breakups, and two interceptions. Over his career at Michigan, Berry appeared in 37 games, providing consistent play and veteran leadership.
A Huge Loss On Defense
The loss of Berry will be felt immediately. He was projected to be the team’s top cornerback and a cornerstone of the defensive backfield for the upcoming season. His experience and proven ability to shut down opposing receivers are not easily replaced. The Wolverines will now need to look to younger, unproven players on the roster or turn to the transfer portal themselves to find a player capable of stepping into such a vital role.
As a graduate transfer with one year of eligibility remaining, Berry is expected to be one of the most sought-after defensive backs on the market. His combination of experience, production, and All-Big Ten accolades will draw interest from top programs across the country looking for a plug-and-play starter to bolster their secondary. For Michigan, it marks the departure of another key player, amplifying the challenges of a new coaching era.
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