Whether it be via transfer or declaring for the NFL draft, Michigan football has quite a bit of attrition in the 2021 offseason. It’s no more or less remarkable than any other program, but still, the complexion of the team will change as it heads into a new year.
That’s not to say there aren’t plenty of returning players. There tends to be something of a misnomer that other programs have a ‘winning culture’ where big name players return while Michigan loses out anyone who could. However, thus far, the Wolverines have had two upperclassmen announce they would be returning in 2021 in Aidan Hutchinson and Brad Hawkins. Hutchinson in particular could have been an early-round draft pick had he departed early. Last year, Nico Collins and Ambry Thomas had announced returns, but when the Big Ten pulled the plug on the season, they moved on with their lives.
This, however, will take a look at those who chose to depart for one reason or another. 2020 was a free year, eligibility-wise, in the NCAA, so even seniors could return if they wanted to. But for some, it was their time to move on, either via transfer or the draft.
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