Kyle Whittingham is wasting no time putting his stamp on Michigan football. The longtime Utah head coach, now leading the Wolverines, is bringing familiar faces with him to Ann Arbor - and one of the most notable so far is four-star cornerback Smith Snowden.
Snowden, who spent three seasons under Whittingham in Salt Lake City, officially committed to Michigan after entering the transfer portal on January 2 - just days after Whittingham was named Michigan’s new head coach. And while it might seem like a straightforward follow-the-coach move, Snowden made it clear: this was about more than just loyalty. This was about Michigan.
“It’s Michigan. It’s The Big House,” Snowden said. “Having an opportunity to play for Michigan, it was a no-brainer for me.”
That sentiment speaks volumes. Snowden didn’t rush into a decision - he took 11 days to weigh his options. But in the end, the combination of Whittingham’s leadership and the chance to suit up in one of college football’s most iconic stadiums was too good to pass up.
Snowden brings elite speed, strong instincts, and a high football IQ to Michigan’s secondary - all traits that made him a standout in the Pac-12. He’s the kind of player who can make an immediate impact, especially in a defensive system he already knows inside and out.
And he’s not alone. Snowden is one of four former Utah players who’ve followed Whittingham to Ann Arbor, joining four-star edge rusher John Henry Daley, three-star pass rusher Jonah Lea'ea, and wide receiver JJ Buchanan. Each of them brings familiarity with Whittingham’s culture and expectations - a valuable asset as the Wolverines transition into a new era.
In total, Whittingham has already secured 16 commitments from the transfer portal, helping offset the 27 players Michigan lost when the portal opened earlier this month. That’s a significant reshaping of the roster in a short amount of time.
Now, let’s be real - the Wolverines’ transfer class currently ranks 68th nationally and sits dead last in the Big Ten. But that number doesn’t tell the whole story.
Whittingham is building something here, and the early returns suggest he’s got a clear vision. The rankings may not reflect it just yet, but momentum is building in Ann Arbor.
Michigan fans have every reason to be intrigued. Whittingham is bringing in his guys, retooling the roster, and laying the foundation for a program that fits his blueprint. And with players like Snowden leading the charge, the Wolverines may be closer to turning the page than it seems.