Michigan football faces major losses as players keep dropping like flies

Ann Arbor, Michigan - Slowly but surely, key members of Michigan football are dropping like flies after several players have decided they want out.

Michigan receiver Andrel Anthony announced his plans Wednesday night to the transfer portal, after just two seasons with the team.
Michigan receiver Andrel Anthony announced his plans Wednesday night to the transfer portal, after just two seasons with the team.  © RICH SCHULTZ / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

First, the Wolverines lost their team captain and star quarterback Cade McNamara to Iowa last month.

McNamara is credited for leading the Wolverines to their first win over rival Ohio State in 10 years and first conference title in 17 years.

Shortly after McNamara left the program, the team also lost their second team captain, tight end Erick Hall, who also jumped ship from the program to follow McNamara at Iowa.

Now, Michigan has also lost a great receiver in Andrel Anthony, who announced his plans on Wednesday night to enter the transfer portal.

"To say I loved playing at the University of Michigan would be an understatement. I'd like to say this wasn't an easy decision at all," Anthony reflected on Twitter. "After praying countless hours and talking with my family, I will be entering the transfer portal."

The East Lansing native soared with Michigan as a top flight receiver with the skills to back it up. Anthony recorded the second-longest reception in Michigan history (93 yards) in his first ever career catch.

Unfortunately, the sophomore's time with the Wolverines is up as he looks for a new home on the gridiron elsewhere.

Anthony's exit announcement comes shortly after whispers of Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh also leaving the team have been swirling. He is said to be in talks with the Denver Broncos to step into their vacant coaching position in the NFL.

Yet despite Michigan's dominance, more team shakeups will definitely affect the team's flow heading into next year.

Trio of Wolverine defenders hit the transfer portal

After five years with Michigan, edge Taylor Upshaw (l) has decided to enter the transfer portal and play for a different team, with just one year of college football remaining.
After five years with Michigan, edge Taylor Upshaw (l) has decided to enter the transfer portal and play for a different team, with just one year of college football remaining.  © Gregory Shamus / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

Despite facing a second consecutive College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal defeat - this time to TCU - the Wolverines are still Big Ten champions and a team coming in hot ahead of next year.

Before their semifinal loss in the Fiesta Bowl, Michigan was undefeated all season and coming off back-to-back wins over Ohio State and Purdue, securing the Big Ten title.

The program is currently recruiting quite well, and killing it in the transfer portal.

Yet, this may be a key reason why veteran Michigan players are leaving the team, including a trio of defenders who also hit the transfer portal early this week. Linebacker Deuce Spurlock, edge Taylor Upshaw, and lineman Julius Welschof have all officially entered the portal to move away from the school.

Spurlock, who just finished his freshman season, only played in two games this year and will look for a team who can utilize his defensive abilities more.

Upshaw and Welschof both have only one year of eligibility remaining, which can unfortunately serve as a reason for Michigan to use and build up younger players who have more time with the program, rather than the two veterans.

Anthony, Spurlock, Upshaw, and Welschof will hope to find a new team before the transfer portal closes on January 18.

Cover photo: Gregory Shamus / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

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