The Michigan Wolverines are just getting started with their 2027 recruiting class, and they’re doing so under a new regime. With Kyle Whittingham now steering the ship in Ann Arbor, the program is working to keep its early foundation intact-and so far, so good. All four of Michigan’s current commits remain on board, and the staff is looking to build momentum as the calendar flips deeper into the recruiting cycle.
One name to keep a close eye on: Quentin Burrell. The four-star wide receiver out of Chicago has been a longtime target for Michigan, and there’s growing buzz that the Wolverines are in a strong position to land him.
While Notre Dame has been the primary competition in what’s largely been a two-team race, Arizona State has recently emerged as a legitimate contender. Still, Michigan’s familiarity and consistent pursuit could prove decisive.
Burrell, listed at 6-foot-3 and 175 pounds, has been on Michigan’s radar since the previous coaching staff, but Whittingham and wide receivers coach Micah Simon have made it clear that he remains a top priority. The new staff wasted no time making that known-visiting Burrell and his family in-home this winter before the recruiting dead period began. That early face time was all about setting the tone and laying the groundwork for what they hope becomes a long-term connection.
“My interest still remains with U-M,” Burrell told On3 in January. “Right now, coach Simon and I are building a relationship, and I look forward to meeting some of the other coaches to continue to learn more about their program.
I am familiar with the campus and the school, so now it’s more about this new staff and their plan for me. Michigan is definitely in the running, and coach Simon knows that.”
That familiarity with campus? It runs deeper than just football.
Burrell’s sister plays for the Michigan women’s soccer team, and he’s made multiple trips to Ann Arbor over the past year-two of which were game-day visits this past fall. Another visit is expected this spring, and if that goes well, don’t be surprised if he sets up an official visit soon after.
Burrell ranks as the No. 9 wide receiver and No. 50 overall player in the 2027 class, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings. Adding a player of his caliber would be a major win for Whittingham’s staff, especially when paired with top-100 quarterback commit Peter Bourque. That duo could be the kind of offensive spark Michigan’s been looking for as it looks to evolve its passing game under new leadership.
There’s still work to be done, but if Michigan can close the deal on Burrell, it would be a statement early in Whittingham’s tenure-and a big step toward keeping the Wolverines among college football’s elite on the recruiting trail.