Michigan Loses Key Guard as LJ Cason Enters Transfer Portal Under New Coach Mike Boynton Jr.
Michigan has experienced its first roster departure since Mike Boynton Jr. became the Wolverines’ head coach, as sophomore guard L.J. Cason is reportedly entering the transfer portal.
The news comes as a surprise after Boynton successfully retained the rest of Michigan’s roster following Dusty May’s departure to join the Dallas Mavericks. Cason was the last remaining player whose future had yet to be determined, and despite recently appearing in workout videos shared by Michigan on social media, he has decided to continue his career elsewhere.
Cason originally committed to Florida Atlantic while May was coaching there before following him to Michigan, making the connection between the two especially significant.
Michigan Faces Significant Backcourt Loss
After spending two seasons in Ann Arbor, Cason was expected to have three years of eligibility remaining under the NCAA’s new 5-for-5 rule. Before suffering a torn ACL against Illinois late last season, he had developed into one of the nation’s top backup point guards behind Elliot Cadeau.
In 2025-26, Cason averaged 8.4 points and 2.4 assists in just over 18 minutes per game, providing valuable production off the bench. The initial expectation was that he would redshirt this season while recovering from his knee injury.
However, the NCAA’s updated eligibility rules created the possibility that Cason could return later in the year and contribute during the stretch run leading into the Big Ten and NCAA tournaments. Instead, his decision to transfer leaves Michigan without that option.
Wolverines Must Address Point Guard Depth
Cason’s departure creates uncertainty behind starting point guard Elliot Cadeau. Although Cadeau and Trey McKenney are back, Michigan lacks a proven reserve at the position. Highly touted freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. is capable of handling the ball and could start alongside Cadeau and McKenney, but he doesn’t provide the same pure point guard skill set that Cason offered.
Michigan could still explore adding another ball handler through a late recruiting addition or a player who chooses to reclassify, though the roster appears close to finalized. As things stand, Boynton will need to identify the best internal option to back up Cadeau this season.
Depth is also a concern if injuries arise. Cadeau and McKenney remained healthy last year, but relying on that again is far from guaranteed. Even if Cason had returned, Michigan still needed additional backcourt depth. His exit only makes the challenge of managing the point guard position more difficult.
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