Transfer linebacker from Georgia, son of NFL head coach, commits to Michigan

Michigan added some depth at linebacker through the transfer portal, bringing in a redshirt freshman from Georgia.

Troy Bowles, son of Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles, announced his commitment to the Wolverines on Saturday in partnership with On3. The inside linebacker has three years of college eligibility remaining after completing a redshirt year in 2024.

At 6 feet, 220 pounds, Bowles appeared in just two games for Georgia this season, playing a total of 12 snaps in wins over Clemson and Tennessee Tech. In 2023, he played more as a true freshman, appearing in five games as a reserve linebacker.

The Tampa, Florida native was a four-star recruit out of Jesuit High School, where he recorded 336 tackles (including 33 for losses) during his four-year prep career. He was a top 100 player in the 2023 class and played in the Under Armor All-America Game in Orlando.

A small linebacker room could open the door for Bowles to come in right away and compete for playing time. Michigan starters Ernest Hausmann and Jaishawn Barham both have one year of eligibility remaining and are expected to return, while backup Jimmy Rolder has been banged up for most of his college career and Jaydon Hood has struggled to break through.

The Wolverines are also considering making Barham an edge rusher, according to players.

Bowles is the sixth player in the NCAA transfer portal to commit or sign with Michigan this month. On Friday night, the Wolverines’ 14th scholarship player, redshirt freshman edge rusher Breeon Ishmail, announced his intention to enter the transfer portal.

Ishmail, a former three-star recruit from Hamilton, Ohio, appeared in eight games for the Wolverines in 2024.

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