If you’d told a Michigan fan two years ago that the post-Jim Harbaugh era would involve a mid-season firing, a "morality clause" scandal, and a legendary coach from the Pac-12 taking the reins, they’d have probably asked you to lay off the Ann Arbor craft beer. But here we are. It’s January 2026. The dust has finally—hopefully—settled on the Sherrone Moore era, and the University of Michigan football update is basically one giant reset button.
Honestly, the last few months felt like a fever dream for the Maize and Blue.
Watching Sherrone Moore go from the national championship hero of 2023 to being terminated "for cause" in late 2025 was a whiplash moment for the ages. Between the allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a staffer and the reported "dishonesty" during the university's investigation, the program was staring into a void. Enter Kyle Whittingham. Yes, that Kyle Whittingham. The man who built Utah into a perennial powerhouse is now the guy tasked with keeping the Big House from crumbling.
The Whittingham Revolution: New Staff, New Vibes
Whittingham didn't waste any time. He’s basically moved the Salt Lake City coaching offices to Washtenaw County. On January 7, 2026, the school officially announced the new-look offensive staff. It’s a heavy Utah flavor, but with enough "Michigan DNA" to keep the boosters happy.
Jason Beck is the new Offensive Coordinator. If you followed what he did with the Utes, you know he likes a brand of football that’s physical but surprisingly creative. He brought a whole posse with him: Jim Harding to fix the O-line, Micah Simon for the receivers, and Freddie Whittingham (the HC’s brother, naturally) for the tight ends.
But here’s the kicker.
They kept Tony Alford. Retaining Alford as the running backs coach and run game coordinator was arguably the smartest move Whittingham made in his first week. It provides a bridge. You’ve got a guy who knows the current roster and the Big Ten landscape, working alongside a staff that’s used to punching above its weight class.
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On the defensive side, it’s much of the same. Jay Hill took over as the Defensive Coordinator on January 2nd. He’s joined by Jernaro Gilford (DBs) and Alex Whittingham (LBs). It’s a total overhaul. Usually, this much turnover leads to a disastrous "transition year," but Whittingham isn't a "rebuild" kind of coach. He’s a "reload" guy.
Roster Chaos: Who Stayed and Who Bailed?
The transfer portal is basically the Wild West, and Michigan just survived a massive shootout. From January 2nd to January 16th, the revolving door at Schembechler Hall was spinning so fast it probably generated its own power grid.
Let's talk about the win of the winter: Bryce Underwood.
Retaining the superstar quarterback was priority number one, two, and three. Whittingham admitted as much in his first presser. If Underwood had left, the 2026 season would have been a write-off before spring ball. Along with Underwood, the Wolverines managed to keep a core of young talent including Jordan Marshall, Andrew Marsh, and Jyaire Hill.
But it wasn't all high-fives and victory cigars. The "Panic Meter" was hitting the red for a minute there.
Michigan lost 22 players to the portal. Some of those hurt. Seeing wideout Semaj Morgan and quarterback Jadyn Davis walk out the door felt like a gut punch to the fans who saw them as the future. And let’s be real—losing 22 guys is a lot, even in this era. It’s a clear sign that the locker room was fractured under the previous regime.
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To fill those holes, Whittingham dipped back into his Utah well and the broader portal market.
- Smith Snowden (CB, Utah): This might be the sneakiest-best get of the cycle. Michigan’s secondary was, to put it politely, "leaky" in 2025. Snowden is a physical, high-motor corner who held first-round NFL prospects to peanuts last year.
- Colin Hurley (QB, LSU): A four-star talent who didn't see the field at LSU but provides much-needed depth behind Underwood.
- Max Alford (LB, BYU/Utah State): The nephew of Tony Alford. Family ties matter, but so does his experience. He’s a plug-and-play linebacker for a room that lost some serious thump.
Recruiting: Still Elite, Despite the Drama
You’d think a coaching scandal would kill a recruiting class. Nope. Michigan actually closed the 2026 cycle with a top-15 class, ranked 11th by 247Sports. Sherrone Moore might be gone, but the foundation he laid (and that Whittingham finished) is legit.
The crown jewel is Savion Hiter, a running back who some scouts think is the best to come out of high school in years. Then there’s Carter Meadows, an elite edge rusher who should make an immediate impact.
There was a bit of signing day heartbreak, though. Losing a top-100 pass rusher like Walker at the last second stung. But when you look at the haul—27 signees, 14 of them "blue-chip" prospects—it’s hard to complain. They addressed the wide receiver need with 6-foot-3 Travis Johnson and flipped Brady Marchese from Georgia. That’s big-boy recruiting.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Update
People see "22 players leaving" and think the sky is falling. It's not.
In the modern NIL era, a coaching change requires a roster purge. Whittingham is bringing in "his guys"—players who fit a specific culture of toughness and discipline that some felt was slipping. The 2026 University of Michigan football update isn't about a team in decline; it’s about a team undergoing a radical identity shift.
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The defense is switching to a multiple 4-2-5 look under Jay Hill. The offense is moving toward a spread-option hybrid. This isn't your grandfather’s "three yards and a cloud of dust" Michigan. It’s going to be faster, more versatile, and—if Whittingham’s track record holds—a lot more disciplined.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Schedule
The schedule-makers didn't do the new staff any favors. Michigan opens against Western Michigan on September 5th, but the real test comes a week later. Oklahoma comes to the Big House on September 12th. That game will tell us everything we need to know about the Whittingham era.
If they can beat the Sooners, the hype train will be officially out of the station. If they struggle, the "was Whittingham the right choice?" columns will start appearing by Sunday morning.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Watch the Spring Game: Mark your calendars for mid-April. While the official date is still being finalized (likely April 11 or 18), this will be the first chance to see Jason Beck's new offense in action.
- Follow the Remaining Targets: There are still a few uncommitted 2026 prospects like wideout William Jones-Terrell and tackle Owen Winder. Keeping these local kids "home" is Whittingham's next big recruiting hurdle.
- Monitor the Post-Spring Portal: Expect another small wave of departures after spring practice as the new depth chart becomes clear. This is normal; don't panic when it happens.
The University of Michigan is currently a construction zone. There’s noise, there’s dust, and there’s a lot of heavy lifting going on. But for the first time in months, there’s also a clear blueprint. Whether Whittingham can build a championship house in the Big Ten remains to be seen, but the foundation being poured right now looks solid.
Stay tuned to the official roster trackers as we head into February. The final scholarship count is still fluid, and the "February Signing Period" might still hold a surprise or two if Whittingham finds a late-bloomer who fits his system.