With Michigan’s new coaching staff now fully in place and the 2026 roster nearly locked in, Kyle Whittingham and company are wasting no time turning their attention to the future. The Wolverines are hitting the recruiting trail hard, laying the groundwork for the 2027 class with a mix of in-state talent and national prospects-and there’s already some early momentum building.
First In-State Offer Under Whittingham Goes to Howell’s Bryce Kish
The first in-state offer of the Whittingham era has officially gone out, and it’s a name local fans might already be familiar with. Bryce Kish, a 2027 athlete out of Howell High School, picked up a Michigan offer after visiting campus earlier this week. Kish, who played alongside current Michigan defensive lineman Bobby Kanka at Howell, is starting to draw significant attention despite not yet being ranked on the composite.
Kish came away from the visit impressed with both Whittingham and new defensive coordinator Jay Hill.
“I think both coach Whittingham and coach Hill are winners,” Kish said. “I spoke with coach Whittingham briefly, but he, as well as coach Hill, seemed to have genuine interest in me… coach Hill sees me being a linebacker and likes that I can get after the quarterback as well.”
That edge-rushing ability is something Hill clearly values, and Kish’s physicality and versatility could make him a natural fit in Michigan’s evolving defensive scheme.
Perhaps just as important as the coaching connection is the personal one-Kish got a chance to catch up with Kanka during the visit, and that kind of relationship can be a major factor in recruitment.
“I talked with Bob toward the end of the visit, we talked about workouts, class, and just caught up with life a little,” Kish said. “I see Bob a good amount-he comes by the high school a good bit. He was excited to hear I got offered.”
Michigan will have to fend off other programs-Kish already holds offers from Michigan State, Minnesota, and Toledo-but having a former teammate already in Ann Arbor gives the Wolverines a strong foundation to build on.
West Coast Target Isala Aisa Wily-Ava Locks In Spring Game Visit
While Michigan is keeping an eye on local talent, Whittingham’s staff is also tapping into their deep connections out west. One of the more intriguing national targets is four-star safety Isala Aisa Wily-Ava, a 2027 prospect out of powerhouse St. John Bosco in Bellflower, California.
Defensive ends coach Lewis Powell recently visited Wily-Ava and other targets at Bosco, and it’s clear the relationship is off to a strong start.
“Our talk was great,” Wily-Ava said. “Coach Powell is a great person.
He was saying how he sees me playing in their defense and how the Michigan environment can help me accomplish lifelong goals! He’s also big on family, which is big for me as well.”
That emphasis on family and fit seems to be resonating. Wily-Ava had Michigan in his top eight as of November, and even with a new staff in place, the Wolverines are still firmly in the mix. In fact, he now lists Michigan among his top three and has confirmed he’ll be in Ann Arbor for the Spring Game, scheduled for Saturday, April 18.
Wily-Ava is currently ranked No. 232 nationally, the No. 24 safety, and the No. 23 overall recruit from California. He’s got a loaded offer sheet, including Ohio State, Texas, Washington, Notre Dame, and Cal, so this is shaping up to be a high-level battle. But Michigan is clearly in the thick of it.
Utah Athlete Peyton Higginson Plans Spring and Summer Visits
If there’s one area of the country this staff knows like the back of their hand, it’s Utah-and that’s exactly where Michigan found another promising 2027 prospect in Peyton Higginson. The 6-foot-3, 181-pound athlete from Salem, Utah is already pulling in offers from across the country, and Michigan is now firmly in the picture.
“Michigan is for sure a top school for me and, when I get out there, I’m positive that will only make me more interested!” Higginson said.
Higginson is planning a spring visit to Ann Arbor, with an official visit likely to follow in the summer. His connection with Jay Hill could be the X-factor here-Hill’s familiarity with Utah’s prep scene is a major asset, and it sounds like he’s already made a strong impression.
“He told me that, ever since the day he came and watched me practice, he fell in love with me, and he said he wants me with him no matter where he is at!” Higginson said. “He likes how I am a versatile player that’s not afraid to lay a hit and can get downhill fast to make tackles!”
That kind of downhill, aggressive style fits perfectly with what Michigan is looking to build on defense under Hill and Whittingham. Higginson’s ability to play multiple roles and bring physicality to the field makes him a valuable chess piece in any scheme.
Final Thoughts
It’s still early in the 2027 cycle, but Michigan’s new staff is already showing a clear strategy: blend strong local recruiting with national reach, and lean into the relationships and regional ties they’ve spent years building. Whether it’s reconnecting with former teammates in-state or leveraging Utah pipelines, the Wolverines are putting themselves in position to make noise on the recruiting trail.
And with visits lining up for the spring and beyond, the next few months could be crucial in setting the tone for this staff’s first full recruiting class.