Kyle Whittingham is the new head coach of the Michigan Wolverines, and recruiting will be crucial for him in the early stages of his tenure. Some people are concerned about his lack of midwest ties and how that might impact his recruiting, so it will be interesting to see how he performs in that realm.
But so far, there are some good early returns from guys on the recruiting trail, including a quarterback already committed to a Big Ten program.
Michigan has eyes on Illinois QB commit
One recruit who Kyle Whittingham is expected to target
is already committed to a Big Ten school — 2027 four-star quarterback Kamden Lopati, who committed to Illinois back in July. The 6-foot-3, 215-pounder ranks No. 150 overall in the class and had a good junior season, throwing for 2,671 yards while completing 64.8 percent of his passes.
Despite his commitment to the Illini, Lopati did admit the Whittingham hire is intriguing. It will be hard for any school to flip his commitment, but there is a chance he shows some interest in the Wolverines.
“I would be because of coach Whittingham,” he told On3’s Ethan McDowell ($).
There’s a reason why Michigan fans are so excited about this hire, and Lopati sees all the positives.
“His passion for the game of football, plays the game the right way and his genuine love for his players,” Lopati said.
Michigan already has a quarterback committed in the 2027 class in four-star Peter Bourque, but it’s clear that Whittingham is going to go after his guys. That doesn’t mean Bourque is completely out of the picture, but guys like Lopati may be prioritized.
Michigan a top option for four-star RB
Another player to watch in the 2027 class is four-star running back Tranard Roberts. Right now, three schools are standing above the rest for Roberts — Michigan, Ohio State and Auburn.
“Coach Tony Alford, he produces,” Roberts told On3’s Marcus Benjamin ($). “He has the most draft picks of any running backs coach in college football. He doesn’t make the player, but he improves the player.”
Running backs know they are going to be used often at Michigan, and that is a big reason why the Wolverines recruit the position so well.
“I want to run that ball,” Roberts said. “I want to get on the field early. Michigan told me if you’re a dog, they are going to play you.”
Roberts is a Florida native and ranked No. 209 overall on the 247Sports composite.
Midwest WRs crucial for Michigan in 2027 class
Michigan has struggled historically recruiting wide receivers, but the new coaching staff is looking to bring in good talent and taking advantage of local players.
Two of those players are 2027 four-star wideouts Quintin Burrell and Dakota Guerrant. Both are top-50 overall prospects in the class and have been longtime targets for the Wolverines. By the sounds of it, Michigan’s new staff is going to continue making those two guys priorities under new head coach Kyle Whittingham and wide receivers coach Micah Simon.
Gerald Guerrant, Dakota’s father, told On3’s McDowell ($) that he spoke with Simon and assistant wide receivers coach Marques Hagans late last week over the phone. McDowell also reported that Guerrant’s parents “absolutely love Michigan” and that their son has visited Ann Arbor at least 16 times during his recruitment. We’ll see if the Wolverines are able to move the needle any further in the months to come.
Additionally, Burrell, who also got to talk with Simon late last week, spoke highly about the Whittingham hire.
“It’s a great hire,” Burrell said. “Coach Whittingham has a strong track record, consistently wins and runs a disciplined, physical program. I’m excited to learn more and see how everything comes together as my recruitment moves forward.”
Quick hitter
2026 three-star edge rusher signee Tariq Boney went off in the Under Armour All-American Game over the weekend, tallying five total tackles, two tackles for loss and three sacks. For his efforts, he was named one of the top-10 performers from the week by On3.
Here is what On3 had to say:
Michigan EDGE signee Tariq Boney capped off the week with a sensational, stat-stuffing performance in the Under Armour All-America Game. Boney lived in the backfield all evening, notching multiple tackles for loss and three sacks in an eye-opening display of disruption. He seemed to be around the football on nearly every snap, creating constant problems for the Team Pearls offensive line throughout the game. The Washington D.C. St. John’s College product showed the ability to explode upfield while keeping his chest clean as a pass rusher, allowing him to generate pressure consistently and overwhelm opposing blockers. Throughout the week of practice, Boney flashed that same disruptive ability during team periods, but quick whistles often limited his ability to fully showcase his motor and play style. Fortunately, the game environment provided the perfect stage for him to cut loose. With the freedom to play at full speed from the opening snap to the final whistle, Boney made it clear just how impactful and relentless he can be when allowed to hunt. At around 6-foot, 240 pounds, Boney is an undersized pass rusher, but his polish and effort level make him a high floor prospect. – Cody Bellaire
