Michigan Wolverines defensive back Zeke Berry. Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Michigan gets major transfer portal decision from CB Zeke Berry

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Jan 6, 2026 12:21 PM ET

The Michigan Wolverines were expecting to lose cornerback Zeke Berry this offseason.

In fact, it seemed all but a guarantee when the star cornerback from Pittsburg, California, entered the transfer portal as soon as it opened up on January 2.

Perhaps Berry didn't like what he was seeing on the "open market" of college football. Either that, or new head coach Kyle Whittingham was able to talk to Berry to convince him of his role in 2026.

Oh, wait, Michigan could also have thrown a bag of NIL money at him, because that's something that can happen now.

Either way, a report from Pete Thamel of ESPN states that Berry is planning on taking his name out of the transfer portal and returning to Michigan.

Per a source, Zeke Berry will return to Michigan. He's an All-Big Ten corner and two year starter. https://t.co/aOGaIb5yhE
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 6, 2026

Zeke Berry reportedly to return to Michigan after entering transfer portal

This is huge for Whittingham as he enters his first season in Ann Arbor. On Monday, star quarterback Bryce Underwood announced his intentions to stay and play for the new regime at Michigan.

Berry deciding to stick around is almost as big, if not bigger. He's a two-time All-Big Ten cornerback and he'll be a fifth-year senior leader for the Wolverines' defense in 2026.

A former 4-star recruit, Berry has notched 74 tackles (55 solo), 19 passes defended, and three interceptions for the Wolverines since 2022.

He projects to be one of the best cornerbacks in college football next season and he'll be a player to watch for the 2027 NFL Draft.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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