College football is a jungle. Recruiting efforts are at an all-time cutthroat high, the transfer portal is a jumbled realm of backstabbing and conniving and commitments do not mean what they once did.
Whether you like it or not, this is the world we live in. For Michigan, part of that world means prying prospects from other programs. With the 2026 class winding down, here are five recruits the Wolverines are trying to flip.
Four-star CB CJ Bronaugh, Florida Gators
Bronaugh committed to Florida back in June, but the recent firing of head coach Billy Napier and questionable status among the SEC powerhouses should jeopardize its recruiting class. Michigan is reportedly heavily pursuing the four-star, with LSU being another contender. Perhaps Bronaugh fell in love with the Gators for more reasons than the former coach, but those decisions tend to trickle down the recruiting well. This feels like a good spot for the Wolverines to insert themselves.
Four-star OL Sean Stover, Duke Blue Devils
The 6-foot-2.5, 275-pounder officially visited for the Washington game despite having committed to Duke nearly a year ago. Michigan was one of the favorites back in the day, and that recent trip to Ann Arbor could sway him to make those visits more permanent.
The Blue Devils are having a fine campaign at 5-3 overall, but they do not offer nearly the same offensive line pedigree as the Wolverines. Maybe this season in particular, which has demonstrated the full prowess of Michigan’s line depth, could signal to Stover he made a mistake the first time around.
Three-star LB Aden Reeder, uncommitted
This guy isn’t technically a flip candidate anymore, but we’re going to include him here anyways. On Monday night, Reeder posted his decommitment from the Wisconsin Badgers on his social media. This coincides with his official visit to Michigan this past weekend. Are the stars aligning? Maybe. Maybe not. But the timeline is encouraging, and Reeder would be a nice add to this 2026 class.
To make potential matters sweeter, Reeder is an Ohio native. Would anyone mind plucking another kid from Cincinnati? I wouldn’t.
Three-star OL Adrian Hamilton, Virginia Tech
Much like the Bronaugh situation with Florida, Hamilton committed to head coach Brent Pry back in July. But the Hokies let go of Pry and there should be some serious concerns about their ability to retain prospects.
Enter Michigan, which has a longstanding tradition of developing offensive linemen and could help turn the Washington, DC native into much more than his three stars indicate. He is set to make his official visit for the Ohio State game.
Four-star CB Havon Finney, LSU
Are you starting to recognize the theme? No, Brian Kelly was not beloved at LSU, but the Tigers still have a strong claim for DBU. Finney, a California native, may not be overly deterred by a change in leadership, especially considering his reportedly strong bond with the Tigers’ defensive backs coach.
Michigan defensive backs coach LaMar Morgan wanted Finney badly earlier in the cycle, and the timing feels perfect to re-engage those conversations. There is also a chance Finney visits for the Ohio State game, but there is no concrete word yet.
