Michigan Football Lands Former Maryland Player In Transfer Portal

Michigan just made a big addition to its defense next season.

Michigan made a splash this past season when it added Nebraska linebacker Ernest Hausmann in the transfer portal. Fast forward one whole season and the Wolverines made another splash addition on the defensive side of the ball -- from a different Big Ten team. 

Former Maryland linebacker Jaishawn Barham announced on Twitter that he would be transferring to Ann Arbor to play for Michigan. 

#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/rNsGU8h6CK

— JB (@JaishawnBarham) December 20, 2023

The linebacker came to Maryland from St. Frances Academy in the class of 2022. He was a four-star recruit. 

Barham played two seasons in Maryland. He immediately became one of the top defensive players on Maryland's roster during his freshman season. He had 58 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, and four sacks. Barham was named a Freshman All-American in 2022.

In 2023, his production dipped a little, but Barham was still a top player on the Terps' defense. He had 37 tackles, three TFLs, and three sacks in 11 games this year. 

Barham started 23 games in two seasons with the Terps. The Wolverines will be replacing at least Michael Barrett at linebacker next season. Junior Colson will have a decision to make after this season is over. However, Barham can be a hybrid linebacker and has the ability to line up at the Edge spot. It will be interesting to see how Michigan uses him in 2024.