In the Big Ten, where championships are often decided by a single possession and field position is everything, a dependable kicker isn’t just a luxury - it’s a necessity. Michigan Football took a big step toward securing that edge on Thursday, landing a commitment from Jacob Baggett, one of the top kicking prospects in the 2026 recruiting class.
Baggett, hailing from Charlotte (N.C.) Providence Day, made it official shortly after wrapping up his official visit to Ann Arbor.
He’s ranked as the No. 8 kicker in the country and chose the Wolverines over offers from Kentucky and several other FBS programs. For Michigan, this isn’t just a recruiting win - it’s a strategic one.
A Kicker With Game-Changing Potential
At 6-foot, 185 pounds, Baggett brings more than just a strong leg - he brings reliability, range, and a track record of performance under pressure. During his senior season, he drilled 6-of-7 field goal attempts, including a long of 48 yards.
His lone miss? A 51-yarder that had the distance but sailed just wide.
That kind of consistency, especially at the high school level, is hard to ignore.
But what really turns heads is his kickoff ability. In 2025, Baggett launched 102 kickoffs - and 95 of them ended in touchbacks.
That’s not just impressive; it’s a North Carolina high school record. In a game where field position can swing momentum, having a kicker who can neutralize return threats is a massive asset.
Special teams expert Chris Sailer summed it up best: “Jacob is a fantastic prospect with a live leg. He hits a pure ball, gets great height, and easily has 55+ yard range. His kickoffs are D1 ready right now.”
The Coombs Factor
The man behind this recruiting win? Special Teams Coordinator Kerry Coombs - and his fingerprints are all over it. Since being retained by new head coach Kyle Whittingham, Coombs has wasted no time rebuilding a unit that struggled mightily in 2025.
Last season, Michigan’s special teams were a far cry from the reliable groups seen during the Harbaugh era. The Wolverines ranked near the bottom nationally in both punt and kickoff return yardage, and veteran kicker Dominic Zvada saw his field goal percentage take a dip.
Enter Coombs, a seasoned veteran with stops at Ohio State, the Tennessee Titans, and Cincinnati. He’s brought energy, experience, and a clear vision - and recruits are buying in.
Baggett called his connection with Coombs a “no-brainer” in making his decision. That relationship became even more critical after Michigan lost 2026 kicking pledge Micah Drescher earlier in the cycle. Baggett’s commitment doesn’t just fill that void - it upgrades the room.
A New Era for Michigan Special Teams
Baggett’s arrival, paired with the winter transfer portal addition of punter Trey Butkowski from Pittsburgh, signals a full-on reset for Michigan’s special teams. And it’s not just about plugging holes - it’s about raising the ceiling.
Let’s break down what Baggett brings to the table:
| Metric | Jacob Baggett (HS Stats) | Impact for Michigan |
|---|
| FG Accuracy | 85.7% (Senior Year) | Reliable scoring from inside 50 yards | | Touchback Rate | 93.1% | Flips field position, limits return threats |
| Max Range (Practice) | 65 Yards | Adds scoring potential from near midfield |
With Baggett in the fold, Michigan isn’t just adding depth - they’re adding a kicker who can compete for the starting job from Day One. And for a program looking to return to the College Football Playoff under Whittingham, having a kicker who thrives in high-pressure moments is the kind of detail that can make all the difference in November.
Coombs is setting a new tone in Ann Arbor. He’s not just recruiting players - he’s recruiting a standard. And with Jacob Baggett, Michigan might have found its next special teams cornerstone.