Recruiting Roundup: Michigan Staff Makes Early Impressions Ahead of Dead Period
With the NCAA’s recruiting calendar entering a dead period this week - meaning no in-person visits or on-campus trips until March 2 - the early groundwork laid by Michigan’s new coaching staff just became even more important. The first month of 2026 was all about building relationships, evaluating talent, and planting seeds for the future. Now that the dust has settled, here’s a look at some of the key developments before the pause.
Tony Alford Targets 2027 RB Jayshon Gibson
Tony Alford’s move from Ohio State to Michigan a couple of years ago turned plenty of heads - and so far, it’s paid off. On the field, his backs have produced.
On the trail, he’s continued to be one of the most respected recruiters in the country. His latest target?
2027 running back Jayshon Gibson out of North Richland Hills, Texas.
Alford made the trip to see Gibson in January, and the early signs point to a strong connection forming between the two.
“My relationship with Michigan is really good,” Gibson said. “Me and coach Alford, we’ve been talking and stuff. This past week was my first time getting a chance to meet him in person and get to know him a little bit better, but we’re about to start building this relationship.”
At 5-foot-9, 185 pounds, Gibson is ranked No. 438 nationally in the 247Sports Composite rankings. He’s already drawing interest from a wide range of Power Five programs - including Wisconsin, Iowa, USC, Arizona, Baylor, Utah, Texas Tech, and others - but Michigan is clearly making an early push.
What makes Alford such a compelling figure for a young back like Gibson? Track record.
Development. Trust.
“His background is proof that he has developed running backs,” Gibson said. “He’s a great guy, and somebody, I feel, who can push me to the best of my abilities. All around, I just love everything about Michigan.”
There’s a long road ahead in Gibson’s recruitment, but Michigan is firmly in the mix - and with Alford leading the charge, they’ve got a real shot.
Michigan Re-Offers 2027 LB Ba’Roc Willis
Linebacker Ba’Roc Willis already had Michigan on his radar before the recent coaching change in Ann Arbor. Now, with Kyle Whittingham at the helm and his son Alex Whittingham coaching linebackers, the Wolverines are making it clear they still view Willis as a top priority - reaffirming their interest with a re-offer in January.
The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Alabama native is ranked No. 299 overall in the 2027 class and is already building an impressive offer list, including Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Texas, Tennessee, USC, Ole Miss, LSU, Miami, and more.
After getting the call from Michigan’s new linebackers coach, Willis didn’t hide his excitement.
“Got a call from the coach and was excited,” he said. “I can’t wait to build a relationship with the staff.”
He also made it clear that a visit to Ann Arbor is on his radar.
“I’m interested for sure and yes, I plan on visiting soon,” Willis said. “Just have to get to know everyone and see. He told me I’m high on their board and I would love to play for Michigan, so I think they have a shot.”
It’s early, but Michigan’s persistence - even through a coaching transition - is paying off. Willis is one to watch closely in the coming months.
Quick Hitters
- The dead period may have hit, but that doesn’t mean recruiting momentum has to stop. The relationships built in January will carry weight into the spring evaluation period, when visits and in-person evaluations resume.
- Michigan's new staff is clearly prioritizing 2027 talent - a sign of long-term vision and program-building under Whittingham.
- With offers going out and relationships forming now, the Wolverines are setting themselves up for a strong foundation in the next recruiting cycle.
Bottom Line: Michigan’s new coaching staff wasted no time getting to work. From Tony Alford’s early connection with a rising Texas running back to the re-engagement with four-star linebacker Ba’Roc Willis, the Wolverines are making it clear they’re not easing into this new era - they’re attacking it head-on.
The dead period may have put things on pause, but the groundwork is already in place. Come March, expect Michigan to hit the trail running.