Michigan’s NFL-Driven Defensive Rebuild Starts with Philly Linebacker Brandon Lockley
From the Super Bowl sidelines in Kansas City to the recruiting trail in North Philadelphia, Alex Whittingham isn’t wasting any time putting his stamp on Michigan’s next era of defense. The newly minted Wolverines linebackers coach-and son of head coach Kyle Whittingham-has turned his NFL pedigree into instant momentum, and his first major recruiting target is a big one: 2027 four-star linebacker Brandon Lockley out of St. Joseph’s Prep.
This isn’t just another offer. This is a calculated move to make Lockley the face of a new-look Michigan defense.
The NFL Comes to Ann Arbor
Alex Whittingham arrives in Ann Arbor with three Super Bowl rings and eight years of experience working under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo in Kansas City. That’s not just résumé filler-that’s real-time experience developing elite defenders like Nick Bolton and Chris Jones in one of the NFL’s most complex defensive systems.
Now, he’s bringing that knowledge to the college game, with a clear vision: build a defense that blends NFL versatility with Big Ten toughness. It’s a shift toward a more modern, pro-style unit-one that values speed, intelligence, and adaptability over rigid positional roles.
And that’s where Lockley fits in perfectly.
Brandon Lockley: The Prototype for the Modern Defense
At 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, Lockley already looks the part. But it’s not just about size-it’s about what he can do with it. Ranked as the No. 13 linebacker in the 2027 class and the No. 8 overall prospect in Pennsylvania, Lockley has emerged as a key national recruit, thanks to his rare combination of physicality and fluidity.
He can plug gaps like a traditional Mike linebacker, but he also has the sideline-to-sideline range and coverage instincts of a safety. That kind of versatility is gold in today’s game, especially in a Big Ten that’s increasingly leaning into spread offenses and tempo. You need linebackers who don’t come off the field-and Lockley fits that bill.
St. Joseph’s Prep has a reputation for producing NFL-ready talent, with alumni like D’Andre Swift and Marvin Harrison Jr. Lockley looks poised to be the next in line, and Michigan is making sure they’re in the conversation from the jump.
More Than a Visit-A Statement
Whittingham’s trip to Philadelphia wasn’t just a courtesy call. It was a strategic move to build an early, meaningful relationship with one of the best defensive prospects in the country.
Since re-extending Lockley’s offer on January 15, the buzz around their connection has only grown stronger. Reports indicate the two have “hit it off,” and it’s easy to see why.
Lockley gets a coach who’s spent nearly a decade in the NFL trenches, someone who knows exactly what it takes to play-and thrive-at the next level. And Whittingham gets a player who embodies everything he wants in his linebacking corps: smart, physical, and scheme-versatile.
The Recruiting Battle Ahead
Of course, Michigan isn’t the only school that sees Lockley’s potential. Powerhouses like Penn State, Alabama, and Georgia Tech have already offered, and he’s recently taken visits to Nebraska and Pittsburgh. The competition is real, and it’s only going to intensify as Lockley’s junior season approaches.
But Michigan is hoping to gain an early edge by showing Lockley something different: a chance to be the centerpiece of a defense built with NFL principles, coached by someone who’s lived it.
What’s Next
As the winter contact period rolls on, all signs point to Lockley making a return trip to Ann Arbor later this spring. That’s when he’ll get a firsthand look at the Whittingham defensive blueprint during spring practices-an opportunity to see how the scheme fits his skill set and how serious Michigan is about making him a foundational piece.
There’s still a long road ahead in Lockley’s recruitment, but one thing is clear: Michigan isn’t just looking for talent. They’re looking for tone-setters. And in Brandon Lockley, they might have found exactly that.