BREAKING: Michigan Loses Four-Star DL to Transfer Portal

Michigan’s defensive line depth took a major hit this week as freshman Owen Wafle entered the transfer portal following his redshirt season in Ann Arbor. The 6-foot-2, 298-pound defensive lineman from New Jersey leaves the program without seeing game action in 2024.

Before arriving at Michigan, Wafle dominated at New Jersey powerhouse Hun School, where he was a key piece of back-to-back undefeated seasons. The 6-foot-2 defensive lineman wreaked havoc in the trenches, recording 64 tackles, 24 tackles for loss and 10 sacks during his senior campaign in 2022. That followed a junior year where he tallied 47 tackles, including five for loss and a sack, as Hun went 9-0. His disruptive play and impressive production against high-level competition helped earn him a four-star recruiting status and many offers from high-profile college football programs across the country.

The former Notre Dame commit arrived at Michigan as a highly-touted prospect with an impressive offer list which included Oklahoma, Iowa, Duke, Michigan State, and West Virginia. At the time, his recruitment was seen as a huge win for the Wolverines’ staff.

Scouting reports painted Wafle as a prototypical interior defensive lineman. It was predicted that his thick build and natural leverage would allow him to be an effective anchor against opponents’ run game. His surprising mobility and quick first step quickly gained him praise from evaluators; however, Michigan failed to give him opportunities to prove himself this season.

Beyond his raw athleticism and impressive physicality, Wafle’s technical foundation suggested that he would develop into a highly valuable defensive lineman. While his pass rushing technique needed to expand beyond beyond basic rip and spin moves, his work ethic and intelligence suggested he would be able to make the necessary adjustments.

Wafle’s departure comes at an unfortunate time for Michigan as his younger brother Luke, a 2026 four-star edge rusher, has been a priority target for the Wolverines ever since receiving an offer last January. Owen’s transfer will likely complicate Michigan’s pursuit of the younger Wafle.

Despite not seeing the field, Wafle retains all four years of eligibility for his next destination. His skillset and untapped potential should attract considerable interest in the transfer market.

While Wafle’s departure won’t immediately impact Michigan’s defensive line rotation, it represents a significant loss of future potential.