The Michigan Wolverines are heading into the 2026 season with a fresh slate-and that includes a nearly brand-new coaching staff. After a couple of turbulent seasons, this reset feels less like a rebuild and more like a reboot. And with the coaching carousel finally coming to a stop in Ann Arbor, the new staff isn’t wasting any time hitting the recruiting trail hard-especially when it comes to quarterbacks.
Quarterback Offers Flying Out Early
With the transfer portal mostly settled for now, Michigan’s focus has shifted fully to high school recruiting. And if the early activity is any indication, quarterback is a top priority. That makes sense-Bryce Underwood won’t be in the maize and blue forever, and the Wolverines are clearly looking to build out the future of the QB room.
Just this past week, the staff extended offers to several quarterbacks, including Lukas Prock (class of 2028) and Walker Snee (class of 2029). These early offers tell us a few things.
First, the new staff is looking to establish relationships early and often with young talent. Second, they’re not just looking for a short-term fix-they’re laying the groundwork for the next wave of Michigan signal-callers.
That kind of long-term vision is exactly what you want to see from a new regime trying to build something sustainable.
Special Teams Getting Attention Too
It wasn’t just quarterbacks getting love from the Wolverines last week. Michigan also extended an offer to 2026 kicker Jacob Baggett on Friday.
Baggett, one of the top 10 kickers in his class, made a quick visit to Ann Arbor and has already started to generate buzz. Recruiting insiders Ethan McDowell and EJ Holland have both logged predictions in Michigan’s favor.
This offer comes at a time when the Wolverines could use a little clarity at kicker. Former signee Micah Drescher asked out of his letter of intent, leaving a gap in the 2026 class.
Michigan has a strong tradition of reliable kickers, and it’s clear the new staff wants to keep that pipeline flowing. Baggett could be the next in line to carry that torch.
Blake Betton Still a Priority Under New Staff
When a new coaching staff takes over, one of the biggest challenges is figuring out which existing offers still make sense moving forward. For 2027 linebacker Blake Betton, it looks like his spot on Michigan’s radar is secure.
Betton, a three-star prospect who has already visited Ann Arbor multiple times, recently heard from new linebackers coach Alex Whittingham. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because he’s the son of longtime Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham and brings eight years of NFL experience with the Kansas City Chiefs to Michigan’s sideline.
According to Betton, Whittingham reached out after reviewing film on previously offered players-and Betton’s tape stood out. “He told me my offer is still good,” Betton said.
“I’m excited about coach Whittingham. He solidified my confidence in Michigan and the new coaching staff.”
Betton is hoping to return to Ann Arbor this spring, and based on his comments, Michigan remains firmly in the mix for his commitment.
2027 Class in Full Swing
With the 2026 cycle winding down, the Wolverines are now turning their full attention to the 2027 class-and the offers keep coming.
Among the latest to receive one is wide receiver Gavin Honore, a three-star Georgia commit. Honore said the conversations with Michigan’s staff went well and that he’s planning a spring visit to campus. That’s a big development, especially considering Michigan is trying to make inroads in the Southeast, a region that’s traditionally SEC-heavy.
The Wolverines also offered 2027 safety Darrell Mattison, who came away impressed after speaking with new safeties coach Tyler Stockton. “The meeting went wonderful,” Mattison said.
“Loved coach Stockton’s energy. He is very cool and straightforward.”
Building a Foundation
It’s early, but the message from Michigan’s new coaching staff is clear: they’re not here to ease into things. They’re aggressively pursuing top talent across multiple classes and making sure that previously offered players still feel like priorities. Whether it’s identifying quarterbacks for the future, shoring up special teams, or keeping tabs on rising defensive stars, this staff is planting seeds now for what they hope will be a fruitful few years ahead.
And for a program looking to turn the page, that kind of urgency-and vision-is exactly what’s needed.