Michigan just pulled off one of those moves that makes you double-take, adding former Miami tight end Alex Bauman and former Boise State cornerback Jeremiah Earby to their roster through the transfer portal. This ain’t no casual pickup either, with both players snagging temporary restraining orders (TROs) to get an extra season of eligibility and enrolling at Michigan literally days before their huge game against Penn State. Talk about cutting it close, but when you’re searching for answers like Michigan, you take what you can get.
Michigan’s Last-Place Passing Attack Is Desperate for Bauman
Let’s talk about Alex Bauman first, because if there’s one side of the ball Kyle Whittingham and his staff are tearing their hair out over, it’s the offense. Bauman, a three-star recruit out of high school, spent his first three seasons at Tulane before heading to Miami last year. And he didn’t just warm the bench; he earned a starting spot with the Hurricanes, pulling in 18 receptions for 166 yards and a touchdown as Miami clawed its way to the national championship game. After that, he worked out at Miami’s Pro Day, but with no NFL spot locked down, the door swung open for a return to college.
Now, imagine him in a Wolverines uniform. Michigan’s passing offense is dead last in the Big Ten. Last! So, if the plan is to lean more on the run game, Bauman could be huge in heavier personnel packages and multiple tight end sets. But let’s be real, the Wolverines need more than just blocking from their tight ends. Hogan Hansen, their leading tight end receiver, has a grand total of five catches for 35 yards. Can Bauman be the guy to finally give them a receiving threat at that spot? They desperately need one.
Earby Bolsters a Defense That’s Already Elite
On the flip side, Jeremiah Earby is walking into a much different situation on defense. Earby spent two seasons at California before transferring to Boise State for the 2024 season. Last fall, he was a key cog in the Broncos’ defense, earning second-team All-Mountain West honors by racking up 60 total tackles and snagging four interceptions. That’s some serious playmaking right there.
The rub? Michigan already boasts the best pass defense in the Big Ten, giving up a measly 146.8 yards per game. So, Earby might have a tougher time carving out an immediate, massive role. He’ll likely find himself in the defensive back rotation, adding more depth to an already stacked unit. But hey, more depth never hurts, especially when you’re gunning for something big. And let’s be honest, Michigan is in no position to snub its nose up at a difference-maker, regardless of where or when they find him.
These unexpected additions come at a crucial time for Michigan, with the Penn State game looming just days away. Will Bauman ignite that struggling passing attack, or at least help the run game crank? Will Earby make an instant impact in an already stifling defense? We’re about to find out, and you know everyone in the Big Ten is watching to see how this plays out.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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