NDSU linebacker Nathaniel Staehling commits to Michigan for final season

Nathaniel Staehling, a starting linebacker for North Dakota State in 2025, committed to Michigan for his final year of eligibility after entering the transfer portal late in the window. The move gives the Wolverines an experienced off-ball defender who can step into a roster that lost linebackers to NFL declarations, transfers and a retirement, and it underscores the growing trend of Power-5 programs plugging gaps with proven FCS starters.

Staehling closed out his NDSU tenure with a productive 2025 campaign: 75 tackles, six tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and three interceptions. Two of those interceptions were returned for touchdowns in an FCS playoff game against Illinois State, a signature moment that emphasized his playmaking ability in high-leverage situations. Analysts also noted his strong PFF defensive grades, which bolster the statistical profile and suggest readiness to compete at a higher level.

The timeline was swift. Staehling entered the transfer portal on the window’s final day, January 16, and announced his commitment to Michigan on January 18. With the Wolverines experiencing attrition at linebacker, the addition answers a need for immediate depth and veteran leadership rather than a developmental project. Staehling’s mix of run-defense chops and coverage experience gives Michigan schematic flexibility; he projects as a multi-down contributor who can play a traditional off-ball role while also offering special-teams value.

From a roster-building perspective, this is a pragmatic acquisition. Power-5 programs increasingly treat the transfer portal as a way to fill short-term holes created by departures to the NFL or the transfer market itself. Bringing in an FCS starter with meaningful playoff experience is cost- and time-efficient: coaches get a player who knows how to win at a high level of FCS competition and who can acclimate quickly in spring practices. For Michigan, that helps bridge the gap between recruiting cycles and immediate roster needs without relying solely on freshmen or untested transfers.

Culturally, Staehling’s move continues the narrative of FCS programs serving as both talent producers and proving grounds. North Dakota State has long been a pipeline for players who translate well to Power-5 and pro schemes, and Staehling’s transfer will be watched closely by both communities. For NDSU fans it’s another example of the program’s development pedigree; for Michigan fans it’s a timely infusion of experience.

Staehling arrives with a clear short-term mandate: compete for playing time this spring, contribute on special teams, and help stabilize a unit in transition. His commitment is also another data point in how college football teams are balancing long-term recruiting with immediate needs in a post-portal landscape.