Pete Thamel Throws Out Intriguing Name For Michigan Football In Transfer Portal

The Wolverines could be in on an intriguing transfer candidate if the cards fall just right.

Most Michigan fans are hoping the Wolverines land UCLA transfer Dante Moore via the transfer portal. Moore is a Detroit native, had plenty of interest in Michigan before heading to UCLA, and the narrative surrounding him is that he doesn't need to start next season. 

So if J.J. McCarthy would return to Ann Arbor for his senior season -- the Michigan fan pipe dream -- Moore could sit behind McCarthy for a season and learn the playbook and get good coaching. 

But what if Michigan wouldn't get Moore? The former five-star signal caller is extremely interested in Oregon as well. He originally committed to Oregon last cycle before going to UCLA. 

Well, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel Michigan could be a possibility for Texas transfer Maalik Murphy -- if the cards fall correctly. 

While on College Football Live, Thamel reported there had been seven teams to show interest in the former four-star recruit: USC, South Carolina, Baylor, Georgia, Oregon State, Syracuse, and Duke. 

The Wolverines weren't on the list, but he did mention Michigan could become a possibility if McCarthy would enter the NFL draft.

“If J.J. McCarthy leaves Michigan, that could be another potential landing spot down the line,” Thamel said.

Murphy went to Texas in the 2022 cycle. The 6-foot-5 quarterback did have some interest in Michigan during his recruitment, but he ultimately wanted to play for the Longhorns. 

Murphy played in seven games this season for Texas. He threw for 477 yards, completing 56.3% of his passes, and threw for three scores and three interceptions. 

He is currently the 16th-ranked player in the portal and the No. 4 QB, according to 247Sports.