The Michigan football program is in a holding pattern right now, and it’s not just about who will be standing on the sidelines next season. Following the abrupt firing of head coach Sherrone Moore, there’s a ripple effect making its way through the recruiting landscape - a space where stability is currency and uncertainty can flip commitments overnight.
But here’s the surprise: despite the coaching shakeup, Michigan’s 2026 recruiting class hasn’t unraveled the way many expected. Yes, there have been some early departures, but the core of what was shaping up to be a top-tier class is still intact - at least for now.
Savion Hiter Still Locked In - For Now
The headline here is five-star running back Savion Hiter. According to reports, he’s still on track to enroll early and plans to arrive in Ann Arbor the weekend of January 2.
That’s a massive win for Michigan amid the current chaos. Hiter is the type of game-changing talent you build an offense around, and his commitment - at least for the moment - speaks volumes about Michigan’s ability to keep top-tier recruits engaged even without a head coach in place.
A key factor here? NIL.
The Wolverines have made a significant financial investment in Hiter, and that appears to be helping hold the line while the program works through its transition. In today’s recruiting world, NIL isn’t just a bonus - it’s often the glue that keeps elite players from jumping ship when turbulence hits.
Other Signees in Wait-and-See Mode
While Hiter’s situation provides a bit of stability, others are clearly in wait-and-see mode. Two players - four-star tight end Matt Ludwig and three-star offensive lineman Bear McWhorter - have already decommitted and found new homes at Texas Tech and Auburn, respectively. But the rest of the class, which currently ranks 11th nationally per 247Sports’ composite, is holding steady - for now.
Here’s where things stand with some key names:
- Carter Meadows, a five-star edge rusher, hasn’t made any public moves or statements. Understandably, he’s still processing the sudden firing - and legal issues - involving Moore. No news here doesn’t necessarily mean good or bad, just that Meadows is taking his time.
- Marky Walbridge, a four-star offensive lineman, hasn’t spoken out either. But there’s buzz that Penn State’s new staff is showing interest. That’s a situation worth watching closely.
- Travis Johnson, a four-star wide receiver, was direct about his stance: “I’m just trying to see who they hire. Then I’m going to go from there.” That’s the kind of honest, no-fluff answer you get from a recruit who’s still interested - but not locked in.
- Malakai Lee, another four-star offensive lineman, is in a similar boat. If Michigan can’t bring in a coach who resonates with him, Texas could become a serious contender to flip his commitment.
- Andre Clarke Jr., a four-star cornerback, is also drawing attention from other programs. Colorado, Kentucky, and Virginia Tech are all circling, and Michigan will need to move quickly once a new coach is in place to shore up his commitment.
In short, this class is hanging together - but just barely. The next head coach won’t just be walking into a new locker room; they’ll be stepping into a recruiting firestorm with immediate decisions to make and relationships to salvage.
The Holly Family Connection
If there’s one thing that can stabilize recruiting during a coaching transition, it’s family - and Michigan has that in Jaxon Holly.
Holly, a top edge rusher in the 2027 class, is the younger brother of current Michigan defensive end Julius Holly. That connection is proving to be a major asset for the Wolverines. Ranked just outside the top 400 nationally and 35th at his position, Jaxon has already made multiple visits to Ann Arbor, including a trip for the Ohio State game over Thanksgiving.
“This was my sister’s first time coming up there,” Holly said. “Seeing The Game for the first time, the snow was amazing, it was a great time.”
That kind of experience - the kind you can’t script - matters. And while Alabama and Georgia are both in the mix (because of course they are), Holly says Michigan still holds the lead despite the coaching uncertainty.
“I think they’re still in front,” he said. “Obviously, my brother’s up there, my parents got a house up there, I know a lot of players on the team through my brother… I’m just getting to know all the guys a lot actually. Getting closer with them is making it better, easier for Michigan.”
Recruiting is about relationships, and Jaxon Holly’s ties to the program run deep. He’s not just visiting a school - he’s spending time with a second family.
Players greet him when he’s on campus. He feels the brotherhood.
That sense of belonging is something even the best recruiters can’t manufacture.
“They bring people in, it’s home, a brotherhood, a family,” Holly said. “I think it’s awesome.”
The Road Ahead
The truth is, Michigan’s recruiting picture is still very much in flux. Until a new head coach is announced, we’re going to see more of this cautious optimism - players staying quiet, waiting, evaluating.
Some will stay. Some will leave.
That’s the reality of the current college football landscape.
But what’s clear is that Michigan still has something to sell - whether it’s the brand, the NIL backing, or the family feel that players like Jaxon Holly are experiencing firsthand. The next head coach won’t be starting from scratch, but they’ll need to hit the ground sprinting.
Because the clock is ticking - and in the recruiting world, every hour matters.