Michigan Football Recruiting: Updates on Top QB Target Donald Tabron, Commit Peter Bourque, and Rising LB Michael Griffin
With the early signing period in the rearview mirror and many recruits spending the holidays at home, the college football recruiting trail has hit its usual December lull. Add in Michigan’s ongoing head coaching search, and things around Ann Arbor are understandably quiet. Still, there are a few key updates worth spotlighting as the calendar prepares to flip to 2026 - including some intriguing developments involving a local five-star quarterback, a committed signal-caller getting attention elsewhere, and a rising linebacker who’s keeping Michigan high on his radar.
Donald Tabron: Local Five-Star QB Keeps Michigan in the Picture
Donald Tabron is only a sophomore, but he’s already generating the kind of buzz that puts him near the top of every recruiting board. The 2028 quarterback out of Detroit Cass Tech is rated as a five-star prospect and currently sits 28th overall in the country, fourth among quarterbacks, and second in the state of Michigan, per the 247Sports composite rankings.
Fresh off a tough loss in the Division 1 MHSAA state championship game to Detroit Catholic Central, Tabron made his way to California to compete at the Trillin Boys Showcase - a national platform where top underclassmen get to show off their skills. While he's still years away from making a college decision, Tabron is already holding a strong list of offers that includes Michigan, Michigan State, Oregon, Indiana, and most recently, Virginia Tech.
What makes Tabron particularly interesting for Michigan fans is his proximity to Ann Arbor and his childhood fandom of both in-state programs.
“I always root for the hometown teams, and that was Michigan and Michigan State,” Tabron said. “With Michigan, I’m just patiently waiting to see what they’re going to do and I’m going to have high interest in them no matter what.”
That kind of early connection can go a long way, especially when you’re talking about a quarterback who’s already on the national radar. Tabron also spoke highly of Michigan associate head coach Biff Poggi, noting that he's well-liked by players and someone Tabron respects. That’s a name to keep in mind, especially as Michigan works through its coaching transition.
Tabron has plans to visit several other major programs - including UCLA, USC, Texas, and Texas A&M - in the coming months. Once Michigan has clarity at the head coaching position, expect the Wolverines to push for another visit from the in-state star.
Peter Bourque: 2027 QB Commit Drawing Attention Amid Coaching Uncertainty
The coaching carousel always brings a bit of chaos to recruiting, and Michigan is feeling that now with its 2027 quarterback commit, Peter Bourque. The four-star from Massachusetts committed over the summer and capped off his season by earning Gatorade Player of the Year honors in his state.
But with Michigan’s head coaching future still up in the air, other programs are starting to circle. Penn State and Virginia Tech have extended recent offers, and Missouri could be a factor as well - especially after Michigan’s former quarterbacks coach, Chip Lindsey, joined the Tigers’ staff.
Bourque hasn’t publicly wavered in his commitment, and his past comments about Michigan paint the picture of someone who was genuinely excited about the program.
“Always been a big fan of the program,” Bourque said after an unofficial visit earlier this year. “This trip gave me the chance to really get to know the people involved and to see the culture.
Michigan has so many things that are important to me. I want to play in the biggest games and compete for championships.
I want to be in a quarterback room where there is great competition that will get the most out of everyone. The education and the Michigan network is a huge factor.
I am excited to continue to build the relationships with the staff.”
That’s the kind of quote that shows a deep connection - not just to the football side of things, but to the broader Michigan experience. Still, with the coaching staff in flux, Michigan will need to re-solidify those relationships and make sure Bourque remains locked in. He’s a talented player with options, and other programs know it.
Michael Griffin: 2027 LB Likes What He Sees from Michigan
Another name to keep an eye on is Michael Griffin, a 2027 linebacker who’s beginning to build momentum in his recruitment. Griffin is a three-star prospect just outside the top 500 nationally, but his offer list is growing - and Michigan is among the schools that have caught his eye.
Griffin already holds 20 offers, including ones from Oklahoma and Florida State. He visited Florida State for a camp this past summer and says he plans to visit both Oklahoma and Michigan for the first time soon.
“It’s very big to me because I feel like a school keeping a relationship with their recruits plays a big part in the recruiting cycle,” Griffin said.
That’s a key point, especially during a coaching transition. Consistency and communication matter. Griffin also made it clear that he views Michigan as a place where linebackers can thrive.
“Michigan is a defensive program. They’ve always been good, and I want to get up there and see what they’re about.”
He’s not wrong. Michigan has built a reputation for developing defensive talent, and that identity could be a major selling point for Griffin - especially if the new coaching staff maintains that defensive pedigree. For now, Michigan is in a good spot, but like with any early recruitment, continued engagement will be crucial.
Final Thoughts
While Michigan’s coaching situation has understandably slowed some of the momentum on the recruiting trail, the Wolverines are still in the mix for some major names in the 2027 and 2028 classes. Donald Tabron is a high-upside, local quarterback who already has strong ties to the program.
Peter Bourque remains committed but is being pursued by other schools looking to take advantage of the current uncertainty. And Michael Griffin is a promising linebacker who sees Michigan as a potential fit for his long-term development.
Once Michigan names its next head coach, the priority will be to stabilize these relationships and reaffirm the program’s direction. The talent is interested. Now it’s about locking it in.