Meet the transfer signees: A breakdown of Michigan’s 10 additions

Michigan Wolverines football is quickly adding to its 2025 transfer haul, with 10 additions on board so far. The latest came from the Division-II ranks, with the Wolverines landing Ferris State offensive lineman transfer Lawrence Hattar, who helped the Bulldogs win the national championship in 2024.

Here’s a breakdown of all 10 Michigan transfer commits, nine of whom have signed and been officially announced by the program. Hattar committed but hasn’t officially signed yet.

 

COMMITTED

OL Lawrence Hattar

Previous school: Ferris State
Hometown / high school: Livonia, Mich. / Churchill
Height, weight: 6-5, 335
Eligibility remaining: One year
On3 ranking: Not ranked
On3 Industry ranking: No. 479 overall, No. 50 interior offensive lineman

Michigan has multiple connections to Ferris State, which has established itself as a powerhouse in Division II. Hattar played for head coach Tony Annese, who worked with U-M tight ends coach Steve Casula and defensive line coach Lou Esposito at Ferris State last decade. Annese attended one of Michigan’s pre-ReliaQuest Bowl practices just last month, too.

Hattar, who played left guard, helped Ferris State (Big Rapids, Mich.) win the 2024 national championship, with the Bulldogs beating Valdosta State, 49-14, in the title game in McKinney, Texas. The Bulldogs have now won the title in two of the last three seasons, including in 2022 when Hattar was a redshirt freshman.

The Livonia, Mich., native was a first-team All-American in 2024, according to the AFCA. He was also tabbed as a first-team All-American and a member of the Elite 100 Team by D2Football.com. He was also recognized as first-team all-conference in the GLIAC.

SIGNED

RB Justice Haynes

Previous school: Alabama
Hometown / high school: Buford, Ga. / Buford
Height, weight: 5-11, 200
Eligibility remaining: Two years
On3 ranking: No. 21 overall, No. 3 running back
On3 Industry ranking: No. 24 overall, No. 2 running back

j

ustice Haynes chose Michigan over Ole Miss, South Carolina and others, and his relationship with running backs coach Tony Alford was a big factor. Alford recruited Haynes when he was a prep prospect out of powerhouse Buford (Ga.) High. Haynes took an official visit to Ohio State June 24, 2022 and also visited on an unofficial basis.

Haynes is coming off a solid 2024 season, currently ranking eighth in the SEC with 5.7 yards per carry. He rushed a total of 79 times for 448 yards and 7 touchdowns, splitting time with teammate Jamarion Miller.

OL Brady Norton

Previous school: Cal Poly
Hometown / high school: Mission Viejo, Calif. / Mission Viejo
Height, weight: 6-3, 275
Eligibility remaining: Three years
On3 ranking: No. 52 overall, No. 7 interior offensive lineman
On3 Industry ranking: No. 196 overall, No. 16 interior offensive lineman

Brady Norton cited wanting a step up in competition and stage as a big reason why he chose Michigan, and he “fell in love” with the campus, the facilities and the area. He also believes the Wolverines’ track record developing and sending offensive linemen to the NFL will benefit him.

He started at left tackle all 11 games in which he played during the 2024 regular season, posting a 73.5 overall PFF grade and 90.6 pass-blocking rating, which ranked tops in the FCS. He allowed 3 pressures — never more than 1 in a single game — and no sacks.

While Norton is listed at 275 pounds, he said he’s currently up to 295 pounds. He can play any of the spots along the offensive line. And “Long-terms goals are to be a two-year starter and beat the **** out of Ohio State.”

S TJ Metcalf

Previous school: Arkansas
Hometown / high school: Birmingham, Ala. / Pinson Valley
Height, weight: 6-2, 200
Eligibility remaining: Two years
On3 ranking: No. 112 overall, No. 8 safety
On3 Industry ranking: No. 331 overall, No. 31 safety

A 6-foot-1, 200-pounder, TJ Metcalf committed alongside his younger brother, cornerback / nickel Tevis Metcalf, in December.