Michigan Guard LJ Cason Enters Transfer Portal

First Departure for Coach Mike Boynton

Mike Boynton Jr. has lost his first player since taking the head‑coach job at Michigan. The Wolverines’ point guard, L.J. Cason, plans to enter the transfer portal when it opens for every player on the roster. The move marks a noticeable shift for Boynton’s fledgling program, which will need to replace a key rotational guard.

Cason arrived in Ann Arbor as a modest three‑star recruit from Lakeland, Florida. He first caught the eye of former Michigan head coach Dusty May, who hired him at Florida Atlantic and later brought him to the Big Ten. As a true freshman, Cason logged 30 games off the bench, averaging 4.3 points, 1.4 rebounds and 1.0 assist per contest.

Rapid Growth and a Frustrating End

His sophomore season in 2025‑26 saw a clear leap in production. Cason posted 8.4 points, 2.4 assists and 1.9 rebounds while logging 18.6 minutes per game. He enjoyed a hot stretch that included a career‑high 18 points against Northwestern on February 11.

The season, however, was cut short by a torn ACL sustained in the Big Ten regular‑season championship game at Illinois on February 27. The injury forced him to miss the rest of the tournament and the following season. Even before the injury, his shooting had begun to improve dramatically.

Shooting Improvements and Injury Timeline

Cason finished the sophomore year shooting 50.3 % from the field (81‑for‑161) and 40.2 % beyond the arc (33‑for‑82). Those numbers more than doubled his three‑point conversion rate from his freshman campaign. The rise was partially driven by the NCAA’s new “five‑year rule,” which eliminates traditional redshirting.

Before Dusty May left for the Dallas Mavericks, there was a plan for Cason to redshirt during the 2026‑27 season. The new rule allows athletes five years of competition from the date they turn 19 or graduate high school, giving Cason the chance to return earlier than expected. In June, Cason told The Wolverine’s Clayton Sayfie that the staff had discussed the possibility and expected to finalize a plan by February.

“I’m just taking it day by day,” Cason added. “If I’m healthy by that time and able to play, then I am. If I’m not, I’m not.”

Decision to Leave Michigan

Despite the optimism surrounding his possible return, Cason will be playing for a new program this fall. The transfer portal opens for all Wolverines players, and Cason has chosen to test the market for his next college basketball home. The departure leaves a void in Michigan’s backcourt depth, especially after the loss of a player who had shown rapid development.

For prospective recruits and rival programs, Cason’s move underscores the fluidity of the current transfer landscape. Michigan will now focus on finding a suitable replacement who can provide similar scoring and playmaking off the bench. Meanwhile, Cason seeks a new environment where he can fully recover, reapply his improved shooting touch, and continue his ascent as a college guard.