In a significant boost to their roster, the Michigan Wolverines have welcomed a highly regarded transfer ahead of the 2026 college football season. John Henry Daley, a standout edge rusher previously with Utah, has been recognized as the No. 43 player from the 2025 football season by ESPN.
After an impressive season where he recorded 11.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss in just 11 games, Daley has garnered attention across the nation. His performance placed him among the leaders in these categories until he suffered a season-ending injury during a game against Kansas State.
Daley”s accolades this past season included being a first-team All-Big 12 selection and a semifinalist for the prestigious Chuck Bednarik Award, which honors the top defensive player in college football. With two years of eligibility remaining, Daley is poised to make an immediate impact for the Wolverines.
Having previously played at BYU under new defensive coordinator Jay Hill, Daley is already familiar with the defensive schemes that Michigan plans to employ in the upcoming season. His transition to Michigan comes after being named an All-American at Utah, where he ranked tied for sixth nationally in sacks and tied for fourth in tackles for loss.
Despite the concern surrounding his non-contact injury, the coaching staff remains optimistic about his recovery. If he can return to full health by the start of the season, Daley is expected to emerge as a leading edge rusher in the conference.
This development follows a season where the Wolverines finished with a 9-4 record, missing the College Football Playoff for the second consecutive year. As Michigan looks to strengthen its roster, Daley”s addition is seen as a crucial step in their pursuit of a more successful campaign in 2026.
