It’s been a whirlwind couple of months in Ann Arbor, but somehow, some way, Michigan has managed to come out of the recruiting cycle with a class that’s not just intact - it’s impressive.
Let’s set the stage: after locking in a strong early signing class in December, chaos erupted. The coaching staff was overhauled, leaving the program in flux and fans wondering how much damage control would be needed. But instead of watching their class fall apart, Michigan held firm - and even added a few late pieces.
On National Signing Day, the Wolverines added three more names to the 2026 class: a kicker, a versatile DE/LB who happens to be the younger brother of a current starter on the defensive line, and a long snapper. These aren’t headline-grabbing additions, but they’re the kind of depth signings that championship programs quietly make to sustain success.
Now, let’s talk about the core of this class - and there’s a lot to like.
Star Power Up Front
Michigan brought in two five-star recruits in Carter Meadows and Savion Hiter. Meadows, a dominant presence on the defensive line, headlines what might be the best DL class in the country.
He’s the kind of player who can wreck a game plan on his own - explosive off the snap, technically refined, and already built like a Sunday player. Pair him with the rest of this group, and Michigan’s defensive front could be a nightmare for opposing offenses for years to come.
Hiter, meanwhile, gives the Wolverines a dynamic option at running back. He’s got that rare blend of vision, burst, and balance that separates good backs from great ones. Expect him to push for early playing time, especially with Michigan’s recent track record of developing backs into NFL-caliber talent.
The Numbers Behind the Class
Here’s how the class breaks down by star ratings:
- 5 Stars: 2 (Meadows, Hiter)
- 4 Stars: 9
- 3 Stars: 10
- Not Rated: 3
That’s a balanced group - top-end talent at the top, solid depth through the middle, and a few under-the-radar names who could develop into contributors down the line.
As for the national rankings, Michigan sits just outside the top 10 across the board:
- 247Sports: 12
- Composite: 12
- On3/Rivals: 12
- ESPN: 11
It's worth noting that these rankings don’t include freshman Salesi Moa, who’s officially listed as a transfer but is considered a five-star prospect by some services. His addition, while not factored into these rankings, only strengthens the overall profile of this group.
Holding the Line Through Turmoil
Considering the circumstances - a coaching change that could’ve sent recruits scrambling - this class is a testament to both the program’s resilience and the work of the new staff. Holding onto this many top-tier players, and even adding a few late, is no small feat.
There’s still work to do, of course. A new coaching staff means new systems, new relationships, and a new identity to forge.
But with a class like this coming in, the foundation is strong. The trenches are loaded, the skill positions have playmakers, and the roster looks ready to keep Michigan in the national conversation.
It wasn’t a smooth ride, but Michigan stuck the landing. And if this class lives up to its potential, the Wolverines might look back on this chaotic stretch as the start of something special.