Michigan lost a couple young, promising defensive backs this offseason via the transfer portal. And for a moment, it looked like sophomore Jordan Young was going to join them on the way out. Instead, he’s back for another season with a chance at becoming a starter for the first time in his career.
Here’s a look at what Young’s recruitment and career have looked like to this point, as well as what to expect from him in 2026.
The story so far
From Michigan’s perspective, Young’s recruitment was pretty quiet. He was a highly
sought-after four-star from Monroe, North Carolina and was rated No. 120 overall in the 2025 class. He visited Michigan in the summer of 2024, but ultimately committed to Clemson.
Although he’d been committed elsewhere, Michigan continued to make a push behind the scenes and ultimately flipped him on National Signing Day. After committing, he famously slammed Clemson and its 2025 recruiting class when explaining why he reversed course.
Michigan’s defensive back depth chart was pretty full heading into the 2025 season, so Young didn’t see a ton of playing time right away. Instead, he got his start on special teams before getting more run at safety near the end of the year. He played in 10 games, recording 15 tackles and three pass breakups, but his biggest moment of the year came in November during the Wolverines’ matchup with Northwestern at Wrigley Field. Late in the game and needing to halt Northwestern’s momentum, Young made a critical third-down pass breakup to get Michigan the ball back.
By season’s end, Young was identified as a player who would be a big part of the future for Michigan’s defense. It didn’t always look like that, though, as Young, along with Elijah Dotson and Jayden Sanders, entered the portal. Young was the only one from that trio to return, and now he has a chance to become a starter as a sophomore.
Outlook for 2026:
By returning to Michigan this offseason, Young still finds himself in a pretty good spot he might not have been able to find elsewhere as it relates to potential for playing time. Michigan does still have Rod Moore, Memphis transfer Chris Bracy and Mason Curtis, as well as Smith Snowden and Zeke Berry rotating at nickel, both spots Young could play.
At safety, Young’s path to playing time likely hinges on Moore’s health. By all accounts, he should be ready to go for Week 1, but after missing nearly all of 2024 and 2025 with recurring knee injuries, you just never know how things will go until the games are played. Young would naturally slot in as a starter next to Bracy if Moore can’t suit up. Snowden and Berry seem locked in at nickel right now, but Young can get some snaps in relief there as well.
The cleanest path for Young to get a starting spot in 2026 would likely be for him to win the attention of the coaching staff this fall while battling with Bracy, Moore and Curtis. Even if he’s unable to land a starting spot to begin the season, his versatility should allow him to get on the field frequently as part of the rotation.
