The Michigan Wolverines are hard at work prepping for their College Football Playoff clash against Alabama. However, they, like every other team in college football, are currently grappling with the transfer portal. Following the loss of CJ Stokes a few weeks ago, another running back has entered the portal. Leon Franklin, a walk-on running back, has expressed his intention to enter the transfer portal.

Franklin has been with the programme since 2021 and has only a few statistics to his name. Franklin has only rushed for 75 yards in 29 games over the last three years. Part of this has little to do with Franklin’s performance and everything to do with trailing Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards. With a couple of high-profile running backs joining the 2024 class, Franklin chose to look elsewhere for playing time. It’s a terrible reality for many walk-ons who are trying to make an impression in their short playing time.

Anything after this season is up in the air for the Wolverines. There are two major issues that must be resolved. The NCAA enquiry into the sign-stealing case is the first. The NCAA’s decision on punishment will have a significant impact on the 2024 season. The other question is what will become of Jim Harbaugh. NFL teams have already called to gauge interest, and if Harbaugh quits, the programme will look drastically different. Michigan is aiming to escape a major punishment and keep Harbaugh in order to extend their Big Ten title streak.