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Michigan LB Cole Sullivan plans to enter NCAA Transfer Portal

Danby: Daniel Hager01/02/26DanielHagerOn3

Michigan sophomore linebacker Cole Sullivan plans to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal, per On3’s Pete Nakos. Sullivan has not yet officially entered as of this publication.

Sullivan was a key member of Michigan‘s defense this season. The Pittsburgh native recorded 44 tackles, three interceptions, two sacks, and one pass deflection for a Wolverine team that finished with a 9-4 record.

His decision to enter the Portal comes after Michigan parted ways with head coach Sherrone Moore prior to the Wolverines’ Cheez-It Bowl matchup against Texas. Moore was fired for cause and was quickly replaced by long-time Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham.

Whittingham is bringing a host of Utah assistants along with him to Ann Arbor. That includes offensive coordinator Jason Beck, offensive line coach hire Jim Harding, tight ends coach Freddie Whittingham, quarterbacks coach Koy Detmer Jr., and wide receivers coach Micah Simon, per On3’s Pete Nakos.

It was also reported that Whittingham is hiring BYU defensive coordinator Jay Hill to fill the same position, along with keeping Michigan defensive line coach Lou Esposito on staff. Although Wolverines fans seem pleased with the move, Sullivan does not plan on sticking around.

“We’re just about finished,” Whittingham said about his staff during Michigan‘s bowl game. “It hasn’t been announced officially yet. Until somebody’s on the dotted line, you never want to get ahead of yourself. But I think we’re in good shape. I think we’ll have probably about 90% of the staff named this weekend. Then we’ll finish off the next one or two over the course of next week.”

Prior to enrolling at Michigan, Sullivan was ranked as a four-star prospect and the No. 289 overall player in the 2024 class, according to the On3 Consensus. He was the No. 21-ranked LB in his class and the No. 5 overall player from the state of Pennsylvania, hailing from Central Catholic.

Michigan’s Transfer Portal departures

Cole Sullivan is now the fifth Michigan player who is expected to enter the Transfer Portal.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire. 

The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and Twitter account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.