Indiana Hoosier new transfer wideout Donaven McCulley is projected by CBS to be one of the Big Ten Conference's most impactful transfer in the 2025 season at Michigan.
Senior receiver Donaven McCulley left the Indiana program after four years as a Hoosiers in the middle of the season. The 6-foot-5, 205-pound wideout only caught two passes for 21 yards and a touchdown in four appearances in 2024
As a junior in 2023 he had his best season with 48 catches for 644 yards and six touchdowns. He was named fourth-team All-Big Ten by Phil Steele and also earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors from the coaches and media.
He has one year of eligibility remaining and will have an immediate impact for Sherrone Moore and the Wolverines.
Michigan’s newest wide receiver is ready to make an impact from day☝️.
— Champions Circle (@ChampCircleUofM) June 16, 2025
We’re excited to announce that @DonavenMcculley is an Official Champions Circle Student-Athlete〽️ pic.twitter.com/gyYZfTlRr9
CBS Sports put together a list of the most impactful transfers that College Football Playoff contenders brought in McCulley debuted in the top 25 of top transfers.
CBS Sports' Tom Fornelli released a list of top transfers
16. Donaven McCulley, WR, Indiana
No Michigan wide receiver hit the 250-yard barrier last season. Only one (Tyler Morris) even had 150 yards receiving. The Wolverines must get better at receiver, especially when you consider tight end Colston Loveland (56 catches, 582 yards, 5 TDs) is off to the NFL. That's what makes McCulley so important. McCulley was one of the best pass catchers in the Big Ten two years ago, reeling in 48 passes for 644 yards and six touchdowns. But he only played two games for Indiana last year before opting to sit out and transfer. There's a big question mark around whether McCulley can recapture his 2023 form. If he can, the 6-5, 203-pounder is exactly the type of go-to target Michigan lacked in 2024. If not ... Michigan will have to hope anyone can step up for an unproven quarterback room.
Other notable transfers that joined McCulley on Fornelli's list were UCLA quarterback, Nico Iamaleava Michigan's running back Justice Haynes, who is also leaving the SEC and transferring from Alabama, Ohio State tight end Max Klare, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, and Penn State wide receiver Trebor Pena.