Michigan football has made significant strides in bolstering its defensive backfield through the Transfer Portal. The addition of the Metcalf brothers, TJ and Tevis, brings a new level of talent and potential to the Wolverines. With their combined experience and skills, they are set to make an impact on the team.

The Impact of the Metcalf Brothers

TJ Metcalf, a sophomore, had an outstanding 2024 season at Arkansas. He started 11 out of 12 games at safety, racking up 56 tackles and three interceptions. His performance against Texas in late September was particularly remarkable, as he had two interceptions, a forced fumble, and a pass breakup, earning him the SEC Defensive Player of the Week award. His younger brother Tevis, a freshman, also played a role, mainly on special teams this fall. He saw action in all 12 games and recorded his first career tackle in a loss at Missouri.The Metcalf brothers' arrival at Michigan is a significant addition to the secondary. They will replace the starting safeties, Makari Paige and Quinten Johnson, and provide much-needed depth and competition. Veteran Rod Moore, who missed 2024 with an ACL injury, could also return, adding to the team's options.TJ METCALF ARKANSAS BIOIn 2024 as a sophomore, TJ Metcalf showed his defensive prowess. He tallied six total tackles during a loss at Missouri and collected four stops with a tackle for loss and two pass breakups in a win over Louisiana Tech. Against Texas, he registered two tackles and a pass breakup. His performance against Ole Miss was also notable, with six tackles and a pass breakup. He started and had two tackles, a fumble recovery, and an interception in a 58-25 win at Mississippi State. Against LSU, he had a tackle in a loss. In a win over No. 4 Tennessee, he registered seven stops. He also had three tackles and a pass breakup against Texas A&M. His career day came in the Razorbacks' 24-14 win at Auburn, where he was involved in four of the Hogs' five takeaways with two interceptions, a forced fumble, and a pass breakup that led to an interception by Doneiko Slaughter. He became the first Arkansas defender with at least two interceptions, two pass breakups, and one forced fumble in a game since 1999. Against UAB, he registered seven tackles and picked off UAB quarterback Jacob Zeno with just 54 seconds left. He had a career-high 12 tackles at Oklahoma State, nearly matching his 2023 season total of 15. He started at defensive back and registered two tackles in a season-opening win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff.In 2023 as a freshman, he played in all 12 games, seeing time on special teams and in the secondary. He recovered one fumble and logged 15 total tackles for the season. He made four tackles and recovered a fumble in his collegiate debut against Western Carolina. He had a lone stop against BYU and recorded two tackles at Alabama. He logged three stops in a win at Florida and posted a career-high five tackles against Auburn.Tevis Metcalf ARKANSAS BIOIn 2024 as a freshman, Tevis Metcalf played on special teams and recorded his first career tackle in a loss at Missouri. He saw action on special teams in a win over Louisiana Tech and in losses to Texas and Ole Miss. He played in a win at Mississippi State and appeared on special teams in losses to LSU and No. 4 Tennessee. He also played on the special teams unit in a loss vs. Texas A&M and saw action in a win at Auburn and a win over UAB. He saw action at Oklahoma State and in a season-opening win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff.As a high school player, Tevis was a consensus three-star prospect according to 247Sports, Rivals, ESPN, and On3. He was rated the No. 61 cornerback in the country by ESPN, the No. 8 cornerback nationally by Rivals, and the No. 87 cornerback in the country by 247Sports. He recorded 20 total tackles and six pass breakups grading out at 92% as a senior to help Clay-Chalkville HS to the Alabama 6A state title in 2023. He graduated with honors from Clay-Chalkville and played every snap of the Army All-American Bowl, helping his squad to victory.The Metcalf brothers chose Arkansas over several other schools, including Florida State, Indiana, Maryland, Miami (FL), Michigan, Michigan State, Mississippi State, Missouri, Nebraska, Ole Miss, Penn State, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech, and West Virginia.They bring a wealth of talent and potential to the Michigan football team, and their addition is expected to strengthen the secondary and contribute to the team's success in the upcoming seasons.