When the news of Sherrone Moore’s firing broke, a million thoughts raced through the minds of fans. “What the hell?!” was the prevailing sentiment, quickly followed by, “No, seriously, what the f–” (we’ll keep it PG). Not too far behind the genuine frustrated shock and awe was, “What about the recruiting class?” Signed a few days before Moore was dismissed, questions about the class’s retention were on every fan’s mind.
But despite the chaos behind Michigan’s late-cycle coaching turnover, the new
staff was able to keep the majority of the 2026 class intact. There were some anticipated defectors, but the two prized recruits of the class honored their commitments. Miracles never cease.
Beyond the obvious of replenishing the talent stores in Ann Arbor, the staff fought like crazy to keep the class together because several freshmen are going to be playing a vital role as soon as this September. Let’s rank the 2026 freshman class in order of likelihood to have an impact for Team 147.
- RB Savion Hiter
Was there really any other choice? A cross between Bijan Robinson and Jesus, Hiter may be the 1B to Jordan Marshall, but he is still a threat to usurp Rick Powers’s No. 2 all-time mark for freshman rushing yards (748). The term “generational prospect” is tossed around far too often, so saying it once more won’t hurt…Hiter is a generational running back prospect.
- DE Carter Meadows
After John Henry Daley, is there a solidified hierarchy for Michigan’s pass rush? Cam Brandt and Dom Nichols appear to be next in line, with Nate Marshall also in the mix, none of whom have the athletic profile or ceiling of Meadows. Even if Meadows is only used situationally, he is a Ferrari of an outlier that can’t be left in the garage.
- WR Salesi Moa
“Transfer” Moa should still be counted as a freshman recruit. Moa has a veteran fluidity to his game and a high rookie floor despite being 170 pounds soaking wet. Whether it be as a receiver, returner or additional ball carrier, Moa will be used early and often.
- DT Titan Davis
The lack of established defensive tackle depth will give Davis and his advanced technical abilities a chance to break through this fall. If he can gain 15 to 20 pounds of muscle to survive against the run in the Big Ten, his snap count could steadily increase throughout the season.
- OT Malakai Lee
There are not many humans who are 6-foot-7 and 350 pounds, let alone those with soft feet. Sure, Michigan is presumably set at both tackles and Lee’s pass pro needs to catch up to his run blocking, but Jason Beck’s penchant for utilizing six or more offensive linemen is Lee’s ticket to action this season.
- IOL Ace Hamilton
Hamilton was one of the biggest surprises of the spring. With Michigan’s abundance of tackles and limited interior options, he has a more direct path to the field than most.
- DE Tariq Boney
Boney is a werewolf. Watching his highlights is similar to watching a “Best RKOs” compilation. Boney is a relentless, ferocious defender who has seized the title as the most underrated commit in this class with both hands. If you are unfamiliar with his game, pour yourself a drink, fire up his tape and watch the next evolution of Josaiah Stewart terrorize local youths fresh out of Algebra II.
- DT Alister Vallejo
Unlike Davis, Vallejo already has the size; he just needs to round out the rest of his game and prove he can win with tools, not just traits, against more talented opponents.
- WR Travis Johnson
Michigan feels like it has a defined top four at wide receiver — Andrew Marsh, J.J. Buchanan, followed by Jaime Ffrench and Salesi Moa in some order. After that, it is a who’s who of video game side-character NPCs. Stranger things have happened than a talented, physical freshman cutting the line to make an early impact.
- OT Marky Walbridge
The “other” tackle in the class doesn’t have the freakish outlier size of Lee, but Walbridge overcompensates with a nastiness on the field. As an early enrollee, he also gained a head start learning the new system as he battles to be the primary sixth offensive lineman. Although still a long shot once Lee gets up to speed, Walbridge will offer fresh competition across the line.
- CB Jamarion Vincent
Michigan has a cornerback depth issue, and if coordinator Jay Hill plans to run as much man-to-man as he has in the past, he’s going to need bodies. Vincent arrives with a similar build to young Jyaire Hill; he just needs a collegiate frame to match his collegiate readiness if he is going to immediately challenge the two-deep.
- DE McHale Blade
Waves of pass rushers will ease the burden on the entire defense. If Blade can stay healthy, he could push for situational playing time as a third-down specialist.
- LB Markel Dabney
Dabney burst onto the scene during the spring game, similar to Cole Sullivan in 2024. At a position with question marks all over, Dabney will have ample opportunity to compete for snaps right away.
- S Jordan Deck
Deck is a natural-born, thoroughbred safety prospect, but plays at a premium position loaded with talent and depth. It isn’t completely crazy to think he could break through like Rod Moore in 2021, but if you say it too loudly, your family might reconsider inviting you to Thanksgiving.
- TE Mason Bonner
Despite being initially viewed as a project, Bonner is already ahead of schedule. Reportedly tipping the scales at 230 pounds (he was recruited at 200 pounds), the 6-foot-6 freshman is ready to learn the power forward receiver role from J.J. Buchanan and carve out a role with his long wing span and sure hands. However, there is still a logjam of talent at the position.
- QB Tommy Carr
Placing Carr on this list was the most difficult of the class. Not because he’s hot on Underwood’s heels after a scrimmage or because Eric Weddle knows ball, but if Carr can win the backup job, he is an Underwood tweaked ankle away from leading this team into battle.
- RB Jonathan Brown
With as much as Beck likes to run the ball with different players — eight players averaged a carry per game last season for the Utes — and the propensity for running backs to get banged up, Brown could see rotational action. But the safer bet is a redshirt season.
- WR Jaylen Pile
Pile has everything you want in a wide receiver, except speed. However, most receivers on this team have equal cons to match their pros, so Pile could have his name in the mix in fall camp.
- LB Aden Reeder
Reeder is an instinctual, high-effort player with great short-area quickness who feels destined to be special teams candidate this season. With a year to put on some grown man weight, he can challenge for a bigger role on defense in 2027.
- CB Ernest Nunley
Nunley’s effort and physicality cover up a lot of sins. If his mental processing can catch up to his pursuit and fearlessness, he will find a role. But that’s an “if” that most recruits never overcome at this level.
- LB Kaden Catchings
Hot take — this is the second-best running back in this class. Similar to Hassan Haskins or Kalel Mullings, Catchings feels destined for a position switch in the future. Although, he’s still likely a year away from being a year away.
- K Jacob Baggett
How does anyone rank a kicker on this list? Kickers are weird and unpredictable. Baggett could come in and immediately win the job, or he could never set foot on the field during his Michigan tenure. With Stuart Blake shining in the spring game and Trey Butkowski being added via the transfer portal, for now, this spot seems fair.
- OT Tommy Fraumann
A raw 6-foot-8 prospect who enters a loaded room featuring two players in his class who are already ahead of him. Fraumann will be afforded a year to learn and fill out his frame before challenging for any offensive role in the future.
- Edge Ndi Etta
Michigan beat out Army, Miami (OH), Sacramento State, Toledo, UTEP, Austin Peay and Tennessee State for Etta’s services. A small price to pay to ensure Enow got out of the portal.
- QB Brady Smigiel
Coming off an injury and playing behind at least three others at the most competitive position in sports, this is a headset year for Smigiel.
