Michigan’s recruiting efforts under new head coach Kyle Whittingham are already making noise, and running backs coach Tony Alford is right in the thick of it. Known for his track record as one of the nation’s top recruiters at his position, Alford is wasting no time shaping the Wolverines’ 2027 class - and January has been a busy month.
Noah Roberts: A Key Target with Strong Interest
One of the top names on Michigan’s board is four-star running back Noah Roberts. The Chandler, Arizona native is ranked just outside the top 100 on the 247Sports composite, and he’s no stranger to Ann Arbor. Roberts made the trip for last year’s spring game and came back for the Purdue matchup in November - a sign that Michigan is firmly on his radar.
Roberts recently shared that Michigan, Oregon, and Texas are recruiting him the hardest. He’s already visited Oregon three times and Texas once, but Michigan is still in the picture - and Alford’s presence is a big reason why.
“I like Michigan and the new staff a lot,” Roberts said. “They’re a run-heavy team.
I watched them at Utah, and they always had a great running game, and I can see them bringing that over to Michigan. They’re a physical team, and I like the all-around fit for me.”
While Michigan may not be the frontrunner at the moment, Roberts isn’t ruling out a return visit. In fact, he’s planning spring trips to all three top schools - Oregon, Texas, and Michigan - before making his decision. His plan is to take all his unofficial visits, then commit and follow that up with one official trip to the school he chooses.
Tranard Roberts: A Strong Connection with Alford
Noah’s not the only Roberts Michigan is pursuing. Four-star running back Tranard Roberts - no relation - has also emerged as a top target. Hailing from The Villages, Florida, Tranard has already been to Ann Arbor twice, catching the atmosphere during both the Washington and Ohio State games.
Tranard was once leaning toward Florida, but the Gators’ coaching change shifted his recruitment. That opened the door for Michigan, and Alford has done more than just keep it open - he’s built a relationship that goes well beyond football.
“He’s one of the best in the game,” Roberts said of Alford. “He’s like a father to me.
We grew up the same way. We can relate on a lot of different things.
We have simple conversations. It’s not always about football.
It’s about life.”
That bond is clearly paying dividends. Tranard praised Michigan’s physical run game, especially what he saw in the win over Washington.
He had Michigan in his top five back in October, and now they’ve climbed into his top three. His priorities?
A chance to run the ball early and often - and Michigan’s message has been clear: if you’re ready, you’ll play.
“They are top-three right now,” he said. “I want to run the ball.
I want to get on the field early. Michigan told me if you’re a dawg, they are going to play you.”
Tranard plans to return to Michigan this offseason, though a date hasn’t been locked in yet.
Oluwasemilore Olubobola: A Priority in the Trenches
Michigan isn’t just focused on the backfield - they’re also working hard in the trenches. One of their top offensive line targets in the 2027 class is four-star tackle Oluwasemilore Olubobola out of Jersey City, New Jersey. At 6-foot-6, 275 pounds, Olubobola is ranked 69th overall and seventh among offensive tackles on the composite.
He visited Ann Arbor for the Ohio State game and came away impressed. “I’m definitely interested in Michigan,” Olubobola said.
“They are in constant thought. When I’m thinking about top schools, I think about Michigan.
They are a good school. They are known for winning.
They offer a great education as well.”
With more than 30 offers - including from Ohio State, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas A&M and Miami - Olubobola has options. But like many prospects, he’s still getting a feel for the new regime under Whittingham.
“I want to know more about him. He seems like a cool guy,” Olubobola said.
“I’m sure I’ll get in contact with him and his new staff soon. I want to see how coach Whittingham changes the program.
I want to see how the new offensive line coach works with his players. I just want to see the culture, how the team looks and how they bounce back from everything.”
Olubobola hopes to return to Michigan this offseason to connect with Whittingham and new offensive line coach Jim Harding.
Quick Recruiting Notes
- Michigan has offered 2027 three-star athlete Peyton Higginson out of Salem, Utah. New defensive coordinator Jay Hill extended the offer, and Higginson is being recruited as a potential defensive back.
- The Wolverines are also tapping into some NFL bloodlines. They’ve offered 2027 linebacker Sam Ngata - the son of former NFL star Haloti Ngata - and Diesel Dart, a 2027 athlete and brother of current New York Giants quarterback Jackson Dart.
With a new coaching staff in place and a clear vision taking shape, Michigan is laying the groundwork for a strong 2027 class. Alford’s recruiting chops are already paying off, and as Whittingham and his staff settle in, the Wolverines are showing they’re not just reloading - they’re building for something big.