Effectively working the transfer portal in college football has become nearly as essential during the offseason as recruiting high school players. While Michigan’s 2023 recruiting class remains relatively subpar considering their recent consecutive trips to the playoffs, the Wolverines have managed to land themselves firmly among the nation’s best transfer classes. 247 Sports currently ranks Michigan’s transfer class at number 4, and their top commit, Earnest Hausman, is considered the second-best transfer in the nation. Here’s a closer look into Hausman’s story and how he may impact the Michigan roster next season.
Earnest Hausmann is a native of Uganda. At 5 years old he was adopted by Robert and Teresa Hausmann and ended up playing high school football at Columbus High in Nebraska. Hausmann committed to the Nebraska Cornhuskers in 2020 and made an immediate impact, playing in every game during his freshman campaign. Michigan fans may not be too familiar with Earnest Hausmann, but he’s not a stranger to their beloved team. Hausmann had one of his best games as a freshman against Michigan, registering 10 tackles and a sack against the Wolverines.
Following another abysmal Nebraska season which led to the firing of head coach Scott Frost, Earnest Hausman decided to submit his name into the transfer portal. It did not take long for Michigan to jump on the opportunity. As Michigan prepared for their Fiesta Bowl appearance, Hausmann was one of many big-name transfers to commit to the Wolverines.
Michigan has studs all over the defense returning in 2023, but the linebacker position remains an area that could use a boost. Hausmann was listed at 6’2”, 220 pounds at Nebraska, which means he’s big enough to compete alongside the likes of Junior Colson and Michael Barrett, Michigan’s current linebackers. It will be interesting to see what a year with Ben Herbert, Michigan’s strength and conditioning coach, will do to his size and toughness. If Hausmann makes any considerable jump in ability this offseason, Michigan’s front 7 could be one of the best units in the nation, and Hausmann could become Michigan’s next great linebacker.
