Wolverine Digest

Michigan lands veteran safety following standout season at Memphis

Michigan adds an experienced defensive back.
Justice Steiner|
Memphis' Chris Bracy (5) celebrates with William Whitlow Jr. (9) after the defense made a stop during the game between Memphis and Tulane at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tenn., on November 7, 2025.
Memphis' Chris Bracy (5) celebrates with William Whitlow Jr. (9) after the defense made a stop during the game between Memphis and Tulane at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tenn., on November 7, 2025. | Chris Day/The Commercial Appeal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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Michigan Wolverines

On Monday (Jan. 12) evening, the Michigan football team added its 12th transfer to the upcoming 2026 squad, per Hayes Fawcett of On3. The Wolverines signed Chris Bracy, a defensive back from Memphis.

Looking ahead, the 6-1, 195 lb. safety will have two years of eligibility remaining after spending one year at Memphis (2025) and two with UAB (2023-24), with one of those two years being a redshirt season due to injury. 

More About Bracy

In his lone season with the Tigers, Bracy had an impressive showing. He finished the season third in total tackles (81), while adding 9.5 tackles for loss. Bracy also recorded an interception, nine pass breakups (team-high) and forced one fumble.

The Mobile, Ala. native played in all 13 games in 2025 for the Tigers.

Chris Bracy
Oct 4, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Tigers defensive back Chris Bracy (5) celebrates after an interception against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane during the first half at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images | Wesley Hale-Imagn Images

Out of high school, Bracy was a three-star recruit with offers from UAB, North Alabama, Kentucky and West Florida.

How it Impacts Michigan

Looking at Michigan’s secondary, it has been a messy position group for the Wolverines this offseason. 

At the safety position, UofM lost their starting safety in TJ Metcalf to the portal. His brother, Tevis Metcalf, joined him in the portal as well.

TJ Metcalf
Michigan Wolverines defensive back TJ Metcalf (7) and defensive back Zeke Berry (10) celebrate in the first half of the NCAA football game at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. | Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Jaden Mangham has signed with Purdue, while Jordan Young entered the transfer portal but withdrew and decided to stay with the Wolverines. Rod Moore is also supposed to return, having another year of eligibility after missing most of the last two seasons due to injury.

At cornerback, Elijah Dotson, who was recruited as a safety, is still in the portal without a home. Jayden Sanders left for Notre Dame, while Zeke Berry entered the portal but withdrew. Michigan also returns a key piece in Jyaire Hill.

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Justice Steiner
JUSTICE STEINER

A Battle Creek, Mich. native, Justice Steiner has been passionately involved in sports, currently as the sports information director at Davenport University, an NCAA Division II program, where he covers 12 sports. He also serves as the creative services director for the men's and women's baseball teams. Prior to DU, Steiner worked as a graduate assistant in the sports information office at the University of Louisville, working closely with the women's soccer, women's basketball, men's tennis and softball programs. While at Grand Valley State University, Steiner began his writing career at the Grand Valley Lanthorn. He graduated from GVSU with a degree in advertising and public relations.

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