Michigan WR and former Iowa target Oliver Martin enters NCAA transfer portal

One of the bigger recruiting targets in recent Iowa football history is back on the market.

Former Iowa City West standout Oliver Martin, a four-star receiver in the 2017 class who committed to Michigan, has entered his name in the NCAA transfer portal, a source with direct knowledge of the situation confirmed to the Register on Wednesday. 

A 6-foot-1 athlete with excellent hands and precise routes, Martin picked the Wolverines over a wide range of powerhouse suitors, including Florida, Notre Dame, Ohio State, UCLA, Michigan State and Auburn. Iowa was also involved.

Martin redshirted his freshman year in Ann Arbor. As a redshirt freshman last season, he played in seven games and caught 11 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown.

A QUIET STAR: Inside Oliver Martin's hectic, under-the-microscope recruitment

The transfer is somewhat surprising, considering Michigan offensive coordinator Jeff Gattis recently tweeted a photo of all the receivers, including Martin, at a team meal. However, one could say the transfer also is not surprising, as this wasn't the first time rumors had swirled that Martin might be on his way out of Ann Arbor.

Naturally, people have connected Martin to the Hawkeyes, who play their home games about 10 minutes from the Martin family's house. Sources close to the situation have indicated Iowa is a possible destination for Martin.

Iowa would surely take a receiver talent like Martin if he wanted to come. Due to NCAA transfer rules, he would have to sit out his first season at a new school.

Matthew Bain covers recruiting, Iowa/Iowa State athletics and Drake basketball for the Des Moines Register and USA TODAY Network. Contact him at mbain@dmreg.com and follow him on Twitter @MatthewBain_.