The saga is over. The Michigan Wolverines have officially found Sherrone Moore’s replacement, as Kyle Whittingham was introduced as the 22nd head coach of the Michigan football program on Sunday.
A huge question now that the Wolverines have their guy is whether or not he can keep a talented 2026 recruiting class together. Let’s take a look at what recruits are saying about this hire in today’s Recruiting Roundup.
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Peter Bourque, Carter Meadows and Malakai Lee optimistic about Kyle Whittingham
Two important players who will be welcomed to Michigan soon are 2026 five-star edge Carter Meadows and 2026 four-star offensive lineman Malakai Lee. Meadows is happy about the hire.
“I’m feeling good,” Meadows told Rivals ($). “It was a long process. We waited for the outcome and based off what I know about coach Whittingham, I’m confident. He’s built a culture of accountability and discipline and his defense has a play style of physical and tough. I’m still 100 percent committed to Michigan and feeling good about the future.”
It doesn’t sound like Lee is going anywhere either. He is excited about the future that Whittingham is bringing.
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“Very excited to get to work with coach Whit,” he told 247Sports Tom Loy ($). “He’s a great builder of men, which is what Michigan needs right now. I got to sit down with him during recruiting season, and he is just an awesome man, definitely can’t wait to get to A2!”
Meanwhile, 2027 four-star quarterback Peter Bourque is also an important commitment for the Wolverines, despite him still having another year of high school before he joins Michigan. He is also feeling good about the Wolverines’ choice.
“Great news,” Bourque said. “Obviously coach Whittingham is a great coach as his record at Utah shows. I am fired up to speak with him and the staff and learn about them and their vision for Michigan football.”
Finally, 2026 four-star safety Jordan Deck signed with Michigan earlier this month, but it doesn’t sound like he is 100 percent bought in following the new hire. He thinks Whittingham was a good choice, but he is waiting to see how things shake out with the new staff that Whittingham brings in.
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“I think it’s a good hire,” Deck told On3 ($). “I’m waiting to see if they keep my position coach (LaMar Morgan) or not.”
Needless to say, Morgan staying or leaving could also determine what Deck does.
2027 and 2028 recruits react to Kyle Whittingham hire
The Wolverines also want to remain in good standing with their future targets. A lot of them like the hire, including 2027 four-star offensive lineman Jackson Roper.
“This was the best possible option for Michigan at this point in my opinion,” Roper told On3’s Ethan McDowell ($). “Coach Whittingham did an excellent job at Utah and will be even better at a school like Michigan. My family and I are excited to see how the staff comes together. I hope they retain coach (Grant) Newsome, as we’ve built a good relationship over the last 3-4 months. Michigan immediately moves up my board on this news!”
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The 2028 class isn’t as big of a priority right now, but there is a very talented quarterback in Michigan’s backyard who would be a major get for the program. That player is five-star Donald Tabron II, and he thinks Whittingham will do well in the Big Ten at Michigan.
“Coach Whittingham, from what I’ve seen at Utah, is a coach who knows how to build culture, demand accountability, and win without shortcuts,” Tabron told Rivals ($). “He’s not flashy, but his teams are always prepared, physical, and competitive. It fits the Big Ten and it fits Michigan.”
Another important target in the 2027 class is four-star wide receiver Quentin Burrell. Michigan was battling Notre Dame before Moore was fired, and it sounds like the Wolverines will still be in the thick of it now that Whittingham has been hired.
“It’s a great hire,” he told On3’s McDowell ($). “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.”
