How Michigan football got Belleville QB Bryce Underwood in 2025 class
‘Hail Yes!’ hosts Tony Garcia and Rainer Sabin break down the Wolverines landing No. 1 overall recruit Bryce Underwood.
Michigan football might have a new No. 1 receiver for whoever takes over at quarterback in 2025.
Donaven McCulley, a former Indiana Hoosiers quarterback-turned-wideout who visited Ann Arbor recently, on Friday reportedly committed to join the Wolverines on the fifth day of the transfer portal officially opening.
McCulley is 6 feet 5 and 203 pounds, fitting the big-body archetype at receiver U-M desires. He will provide a hefty target for whoever is Michigan’s quarterback in 2025, including incoming freshman and No. 1 overall recruit Bryce Underwood of nearby Belleville.
The Wolverines were woefully inept at receiver this season: no wideout reached even a meager 250 yards receiving for the entire season, and only two topped 100 yards. Tyler Morris’ 248 yards on 23 catches led the way, but he entered the portal earlier this week. (Sophomore Semaj Morgan had 134 yards on 23 receptions.)
McCulley began his career as a quarterback in Bloomington in 2021 before moving to wideout in 2022. He then caught 48 passes for 644 yards and six touchdowns in 2023. In the final five games that season, he caught 28 passes for 420 yards and five scores to earn All-Big Ten honorable mention.
He entered the transfer portal following the firing of Indiana head coach Tom Allen, but was recruited back to Bloomington by new coach Curt Cignetti, despite heavy interest from Michigan, Texas A&M and Penn State.
McCulley failed to have the same role under Cignetti this season, and entered the portal in October after catching two passes for 21 yards and a score in the Hoosiers’ first four games. He maintains one year of eligibility.
Indiana didn’t miss McCulley, going 11-1 this season and making the College Football Playoff. It will play at Notre Dame (11-1) next Friday night in the first round.
Michigan meanwhile will face Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Dec. 31.
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