College football has gone absolutely sideways. If you’ve been following the Michigan football recruiting rumors lately, you know it feels less like a traditional sports season and more like a high-stakes corporate takeover mixed with a soap opera.
Everything changed on December 10, 2025. When Michigan fired Sherrone Moore, the ripples didn't just shake Schembechler Hall; they sent the entire 2026 recruiting class into a tailspin. We went from "solidly committed" to "open season" in about forty-five minutes.
Then came the hire. Kyle Whittingham stepping in was a massive pivot. Honestly, most fans didn't see it coming. But with a new coach comes a new philosophy, and the rumors are flying faster than a Bryce Underwood deep ball.
The Whittingham Effect and the Moa Connection
Whittingham didn't waste any time. He brought Jay Hill with him as Defensive Coordinator, and that single move has already paid massive dividends in the transfer portal and the late 2026 high school cycle.
Take the Moa brothers. This is peak modern recruiting.
Just yesterday, Aisea Moa, the former Michigan State linebacker, flipped the script and committed to the Wolverines. This isn't just a depth move. He played for Jay Hill at BYU before his stint in East Lansing. He knows the system. He’s the veteran presence a young linebacker room desperately needs after losing guys like Cole Sullivan and Jimmy Rolder.
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But the real "get" was his brother, Salesi Moa.
Salesi is a four-star athlete from the 2026 class who was originally signed with Utah. When Whittingham left, Salesi followed. He committed live at the Polynesian Bowl in Hawaii. Rumor has it he wants to play wide receiver to catch passes from Bryce Underwood, but the staff might see him as a shutdown corner. Think Travis Hunter vibes. It’s a gamble, but one Michigan fans are thrilled to take.
Who Is Staying and Who Is Gone?
The 2026 class currently sits at No. 11 in the 247Sports rankings, which is wild considering the coaching turnover. But let’s be real: it wasn't all sunshine.
When Moore was fired, we lost Andre Clarke Jr., a four-star defensive back who was a cornerstone of the class. That hurt. However, Whittingham managed to lock down the "Big Three" that everyone was worried about:
- Savion Hiter (RB): The No. 1 running back in the country. Losing him would have been a disaster. He’s officially signed and ready to go.
- Carter Meadows (EDGE): A five-star freak of nature from D.C. He’s the crown jewel of the defensive class.
- Brady Smigiel (QB): Despite the Underwood hype, Smigiel is the future. He’s a 6-foot-5 gunslinger from California who stayed firm through the coaching change.
It's sorta crazy to see how many players chose to stay. Usually, a coaching change is a "flush the roster" moment. Not here. Whittingham’s track record of stability at Utah clearly meant something to these kids and their parents.
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The Ernest Nunley Rumors
The latest buzz is coming out of California. Ernest Nunley, a cornerback who was committed to Cal, recently asked for his release after their own coaching carousel started spinning.
Michigan offered immediately.
Now, the "experts" are all putting in predictions for him to land in Ann Arbor. He’s a three-star guy, but his tape is better than his ranking. We’re talking five interceptions and thirteen pass breakups in his senior year. If Whittingham and Hill want him, there’s a reason. They have a knack for finding these "under-the-radar" guys and turning them into NFL draft picks.
The NIL Reality Check
We have to talk about the money. NIL is the reason Michigan was able to retain Bryce Underwood and land guys like Jaime Ffrench in the portal.
The rumor mill suggests Michigan’s NIL collective, Champions Circle, has significantly stepped up its game to compete with the likes of Oregon and Ohio State. It’s a "pay to play" world now. You’ve probably heard people complaining about it, but honestly, it’s the only way to stay in the Top 15.
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The strategy under Whittingham seems to be:
- Secure the elite "difference makers" with competitive NIL packages.
- Build the trenches with "blue-collar" developmental guys who fit the Michigan culture.
- Use the portal for immediate surgical fixes (like the Moa brothers).
What’s Next for the Wolverines?
The 2026 class is mostly "inked," but the late-signing period and the portal never sleep. Michigan is still thin at linebacker and secondary.
Keep an eye on Samson Gash, the wide receiver from Detroit Catholic Central. He’s committed to Michigan State but hasn't signed yet. Penn State is lurking, but Michigan is making a late push to keep the local talent home. If Whittingham can flip a Spartan legacy, the "Year One" hype will reach a fever pitch.
Also, watch the defensive line. Michigan addressed the interior with Alister Vallejo and Titan Davis, but they need one more big body to fill the gaps left by graduating seniors.
Actionable Insights for Michigan Fans:
- Monitor the Transfer Portal: The deadline for entry was January 16, but commitments will trick out over the next week. Expect at least one more veteran defensive lineman.
- Watch the Secondary: If Ernest Nunley signs, it signals the staff is done with the 2026 DB class. If not, look for them to scour the remaining unsigned seniors.
- NIL Transparency: Follow the official Champions Circle updates. The "rumors" about specific dollar amounts are often inflated, but their success in retaining talent like Andrew Marsh tells you all you need to know about the war chest.
Michigan is in a weird spot. It’s a transition year that doesn't feel like one because the talent level stayed so high. Whittingham has the keys to a Ferrari; he just needs to make sure he doesn't grind the gears while he learns the local roads.