If you haven't been checking your phone every five minutes, you’ve missed a decade’s worth of drama packed into a single month of u of michigan football news. Honestly, it's exhausting. We went from the high of a 9-3 regular season and Bryce Underwood leading the charge to the absolute gut-punch of Sherrone Moore being fired for cause on December 10.
Everything changed in an instant.
The university cited an "inappropriate relationship with a staff member," and just like that, the Moore era ended before it truly began. Biff Poggi stepped in as the interim for a messy 41-27 Citrus Bowl loss to Texas, but the real story was happening behind the scenes. Michigan didn't just look for a replacement; they went out and hired a legend. Kyle Whittingham. Yes, that Kyle Whittingham. The man who built Utah into a powerhouse is now the guy in Ann Arbor, and he is already tearing the house down to build it back up.
The Whittingham Effect and the Staff Overhaul
You’ve probably noticed the sidelines are going to look a lot different next year. Whittingham didn't waste time. He brought a "Utah North" vibe to the building almost immediately. While it was a relief to hear that running backs coach Tony Alford is sticking around for 2026—continuity matters, especially with the ground game—the rest of the room is getting a facelift.
Whittingham brought over his guys. Jason Beck is taking over as Offensive Coordinator, and Micah Simon is handling the wide receivers. It's a specific brand of tough, disciplined football that worked in Salt Lake City, and the bet is that it'll translate to the Big Ten.
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Some fans are nervous.
I get it. Changing schemes when you have a generational talent like Bryce Underwood under center feels risky. Underwood threw for 2,229 yards and 14 touchdowns as a true freshman in 2025. You don't want to mess with that development. But Whittingham’s track record with quarterbacks is underrated, and the staff he's assembling suggests a more balanced, pro-style attack that could actually protect Underwood better than the "pro spread" we saw last year.
Transfer Portal Chaos: Who is Staying and Who is Gone?
The portal is basically a revolving door right now. As of mid-January 2026, the u of michigan football news ticker shows nearly 30 players leaving the program. That sounds like a disaster, doesn't it? But look closer. A lot of these guys were Moore recruits or players who didn't see a fit in the new regime.
Losing Semaj Morgan to UCLA hurts. There's no way around that. He was a spark plug. Seeing Brady Prieskorn head to Ole Miss and Cole Sullivan go to Oklahoma also stings.
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But the "In" column? It's electric.
The biggest win so far happened just yesterday at the Polynesian Bowl. Salesi Moa, a four-star "athlete" who was originally signed with Utah, followed Whittingham to Michigan. This kid is special. He runs an 11-second 100-meter dash and can play wide receiver or cornerback. He’s already being called a "year one impact" player. Then you’ve got Jaime Ffrench and Taylor Tatum (the Oklahoma transfer) joining the mix.
Key Incoming Transfers (The "Whittingham Haul"):
- Salesi Moa (ATH): The prize of the class. Fast, versatile, and loyal to Whittingham.
- Taylor Tatum (RB): A massive get from Oklahoma to bolster the backfield.
- JJ Buchanan (TE): A freshman standout from Utah who knows the system.
- Colin Hurley (QB): An LSU transfer providing much-needed depth behind Underwood.
- Houston Ka’aha’aina-Torres (OL): A Nebraska transfer to help rebuild a thinning line.
What about the 2026 Recruiting Class?
Despite the coaching change, the 2026 recruiting class is actually holding together surprisingly well. Michigan signed 27 student-athletes back in December. The headliners? Savion Hiter and Carter Meadows. These are top-20 national prospects who represent the "old" Michigan—big, physical, and mean in the trenches.
Whittingham has been on the phone constantly to keep these kids committed. It’s a delicate balance. You have to respect what Moore built while convincing these 17-year-olds that the new vision is better. So far, the 247Sports rankings have Michigan sitting comfortably in the top 10 for the 2026 cycle.
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Looking Ahead: Can Michigan Reclaim the Big Ten?
Let's be real for a second. 2025 was weird. We beat Washington, Penn State, and Wisconsin, but then we lost to Ohio State for the first time since 2019. That 27-9 loss in "The Game" was the beginning of the end for the previous staff. It felt like the program had lost its edge.
Whittingham’s job isn't just to win; it's to restore the "Michigan Man" toughness without the baggage of the last few months. The schedule for 2026 is brutal, and the Big Ten is only getting tougher with Oregon and USC fully integrated.
Actionable Insights for the 2026 Season:
- Watch the Spring Game: This will be the first time we see Jason Beck’s offense with Bryce Underwood. Look for how much they utilize the tight ends (like Buchanan and the remaining vets).
- Monitor the O-Line: With so many portal departures, the starting five on the offensive line is a giant question mark. Success hinges on Ka’aha’aina-Torres and the development of the 2025 freshmen.
- Follow Salesi Moa: If he starts at wide receiver, he could be the deep threat Michigan has lacked for years.
The transition from Moore to Whittingham is the biggest story in college football right now. It’s messy, it’s fast, and it’s completely redefined what we expect from this program. Keep an eye on the late-January portal window—more "Utah-to-Michigan" moves are likely coming before the deadline.
Next Steps for Michigan Fans:
- Verify your season ticket status through the MGoBlue portal, as the university has announced updated "Whittingham-era" loyalty perks.
- Follow the 2026 NFL Draft declarations; while Marlin Klein has declared, keeping guys like Jimmy Rolder for another year is vital for the defense.
- Check the finalized spring practice schedule, which is expected to be released by the athletic department in the first week of February.