Michigan Lands Prized Transfer EDGE Rusher

John Henry Daley opens up on his spiritual journey to join the Wolverines

Feb. 17, 2026 at 10:55pm

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In a major offseason move, new Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham landed a key transfer in All-American EDGE rusher John Henry Daley from Utah. Daley, who was ranked as the No. 9 player in the transfer portal, detailed his decision-making process, describing it as a "very spiritual experience" after praying about joining the Wolverines and receiving confirmation the next morning that Michigan was the right fit.

Why it matters

Daley's transfer is a significant boost for the Michigan defense as they look to build on last season. As one of the top pass rushers in the country, his addition gives the Wolverines a dominant presence off the edge that can disrupt opposing offenses.

The details

Daley had other schools on his radar, including an initial visit to Notre Dame, but ultimately chose Michigan after a visit to Ann Arbor. He said the Michigan staff, including defensive ends coach Lewis Powell who previously coached him at Utah, were key factors in his decision, praising them as "fantastic leaders" who will push the team to new heights.

  • In January 2026, Daley entered the transfer portal and joined Michigan.
  • Daley totaled 48 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, and 11.5 sacks in 2025 before an injury sidelined him late in the season.

The players

John Henry Daley

An All-American EDGE rusher who transferred from Utah to Michigan for the 2026 season.

Kyle Whittingham

The new head coach of the Michigan football team who landed the transfer of Daley.

Lewis Powell

The defensive ends coach at Michigan who previously coached Daley at Utah.

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What they’re saying

“Obviously, Michigan was on the list (of schools Daley was considering), and I had a lot of other schools as well. I said, 'Okay, I really want to receive an answer for this, so God, can you please answer my prayer?' I named a couple specific things I want to see happen if it was meant to be Michigan. And sure enough, the next morning we got a call, and everything that I prayed about the night before, all of it was answered that following morning, and I just knew that it was the right spot to be.”

— John Henry Daley (The Wolverine)

“They told me that they know what they're building over here and what we're going to be able to accomplish as a team this next season, and they were super, super pumped to have me be a part of that.”

— John Henry Daley (The Wolverine)

What’s next

Daley will look to make an immediate impact on the Michigan defense in the 2026 season as they aim to build on last year's success.

The takeaway

Daley's spiritual journey to Michigan highlights the importance of faith and personal connection in the modern transfer portal era, as the Wolverines landed a premier pass rusher who felt a strong calling to join the program.