Rocco Milia, third-generation Wolverine, transfers to Michigan

Michigan football has added another legacy to its roster with the transfer of linebacker Rocco Milia from Columbia on Friday.

The Bloomfield, Michigan, native will join a deep and experienced Wolverines linebacker room led by Ernest Hausmann and Jaishawn Barham.

Milia arrives in Ann Arbor after a standout career at Columbia, where he developed into one of the Ivy League’s most productive defenders. In 2024, he started eight games and recorded 49 tackles, including four for loss, with an 11-tackle performance against Dartmouth. The year prior, he started all 10 games, finishing third on the team with 54 tackles and tying for the team lead with three interceptions. Known for his versatility and playmaking ability, Milia has scored multiple defensive touchdowns in his college career, including a 93-yard interception return against Georgetown in 2022.

Football runs deep in Milia’s family. His father, Dr. Marc Milia, played offensive line for Michigan in the late 1980s and early 1990s, earning Academic All-Big Ten honors three times and appearing in three Rose Bowls. Marc delayed medical school to complete his football career, later becoming a specialist in knee and shoulder surgery. Rocco’s grandfather, Donald Kolcheff played for Michigan in 1956-59, playing for Bennie Oosterbaan and Bump Elliott.

The family’s football pedigree extends further — uncles Kevin and Donnie Kolcheff also played college football, and cousins Alex Bars, Bradley Bars, and Blake Bars suited up for Notre Dame, Penn State, and Michigan, respectively.

At Birmingham Brother Rice High School, Rocco Milia was a multi-year standout, earning All-State honors and serving as team captain. He played multiple positions, including safety, wide receiver, and punt returner, and set a school record for the longest interception return for a touchdown. He was also recognized for his academic achievements, graduating with a 4.2 GPA.

Milia joins a competitive Michigan linebacker group that also features sophomore breakout candidate Cole Sullivan, veteran depth in Jimmy Rolder and Jaydon Hood, Georgia transfer Troy Bowles, and highly rated freshman Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng. His experience, football IQ, and family ties to the program could make him a valuable asset in the Wolverines’ defensive rotation this fall.