Illinois fans are in shambles after Michigan basketball lands transfer Morez Johnson

Michigan men's basketball was desperate for a big man with Vlad Goldin definitely leaving -- being out of eligibility -- and Danny Wolf likely going to the NBA. The Wolverines landed their first big man when Illinois' transfer Morez Johnson committed to Michigan over several high-caliber SEC programs.

Johnson, a 6-9 forward, finished his freshman season with the Illini. Johnson averaged seven points and 6.7 rebounds in 17 minutes per game. He was the 26th-best player in the portal, per On3. The former Fighting Illini doesn't have an outside game, he didn't attempt a single 3-point shot this season, but he is an athletic big who isn't afraid to bang around in the paint. Johnson led Illinois' team shooting 64.2% from the field.

The Wolverines aren't done looking for big men. Michigan is right in the mix of things for the top-ranked player in the portal, but landing Johnson is a step in the right direction for Dusty May and Michigan.

After the Wolverines landed Johnson, social media went nuts. Here are some of the best reactions.

First Elliot Cadeau and now Morez Johnson Jr. @umichbball wasting no time reloading https://t.co/mwMcKkCYRH
— Tracy Wolfson (@tracywolfson) April 2, 2025

Morez Johnson Jr. Committed almost 5 years ago to the program.

Went to Illini games for years and received standing ovations from the whole stadium.

Started almost half the games his freshman year.

Played 20 minutes a game as a freshman.

No loyalty. College ball is cooked
— Not_Ben (@IlliniBears22) March 28, 2025

If you would have told me a year ago Morez Johnson would go the villain route I would have laughed in your face. No way. Not a guy from Illinois that has been all about Illinois, got huge minutes as a freshman, huge opportunities as a freshman, etc.

Insanity. https://t.co/WlRvfuQXRW
— Fighting Illini (@TheIlliniFN) April 1, 2025

Morez Johnson received less money from Michigan than what Illinois was willing to offer. The 6’8 PF was misled by his inner circle. NBA scouts agree.

Illinois has a dominating 93-73 overall winning record against Michigan and has won the last nine games in a row.

Downgraded. pic.twitter.com/HwngHTIuem
— Victory Illinois... (@IlliniNewsTweet) April 2, 2025

#illini

My reaction to Morez Johnson to Michigan pic.twitter.com/XfraFXcbcp
— Carson Gourdie (@GourdieReport) April 2, 2025

Morez Johnson Jr is a BALLER🔥 pic.twitter.com/8fpRtTyqsD
— THE RED RANGER (@THEREDRANGER3) April 1, 2025

Morez Johnson Jr (@morezjohnsonJr) is bound to be a fan favorite this season for #Michigan.

High energy, High motor, one of the most physical and arguably best rebounders in the Big Ten. An absolute win for May and his staff. https://t.co/txwXATCErO
— Davis Moseley (@DavisMoseley) April 2, 2025

Morez Johnson has committed to Michigan 〽️

The 6’9 Forward averaged 7PPG this year and has a lot of potential, #6 PF in the Transfer portal.

Dusty May is COOKING 🔥 🧑‍🍳 pic.twitter.com/iH9eBi5KpZ
— College Basketball Report (@CBKReport) April 1, 2025

BREAKING: Illinois transfer Morez Johnson is transferring to Michigan.

Second high level transfer for Dusty May and the staff after landing Elliot Cadeau.

Averaged 7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.1 blocks this season.

Story: https://t.co/YcK2HLIckt pic.twitter.com/SA4fOR8bQh
— Dushawn London (@DushawnLondon1) April 1, 2025

Lose Tre Donaldson and get Morez Johnson in the same day… was this a net positive or net negative day for Michigan? https://t.co/nDWinoMXUp
— Casual Big Ten (@casualbigten) April 1, 2025

Johnson should remind Michigan fans of Tarris Reed Jr., when watching his rebounding ability and his motor. When healthy, Morez was one of the best rebounders in college basketball. https://t.co/X8gBvDx8v4
— Kellen Voss (@Kellen__Voss) April 2, 2025

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