Bold opening: Michigan is turning heads in the recruiting world, and the staff is laying the groundwork for a powerful 2027 class before the dead period ends. But here’s where it gets controversial: they’re already setting up official visits with top in-state targets and may soon add another high-profile prospect to the mix.
In-state targets moving toward OV status
- Michigan is prioritizing local talent as head coach Kyle Whittingham and his staff work to maximize the spring recruiting window. One standout is 2027 four-star tight end Anthony Cartwright from Detroit Country Day, a player who already visited Ann Arbor three times last fall and again recently before the dead period began.
- Cartwright told On3 that Michigan remains among his top choices and that he plans to visit a couple of times in the spring, with an official visit (OV) likely to be scheduled soon. He also noted meaningful conversations with Michigan’s coaching staff, including tight ends coach Freddie Whittingham, who reviewed Utah game film to illustrate how Cartwright might be utilized in Michigan’s offense.
- Cartwright stands at 6 feet 5 inches and weighs 235 pounds. He’s ranked No. 302 nationally and No. 6 in Michigan by 247Sports’ composite. While he’s keeping an eye on Michigan, he also has Oregon, Michigan State, and Miami on his radar and intends to take official visits to those programs this summer.
Spring game spotlight: four-star safety in the mix
- Michigan’s spring game, set for April 18 at the Big House, is poised to draw several top recruits. Among them is 2027 four-star safety Isala Wily-Ava from St. John Bosco in Bellflower, California. Wily-Ava recently shared with Rivals that he’s excited for his first trip to Michigan and praised the new staff for how they envision using him.
- He highlighted the staff’s interest in moving him around to multiple positions, a role he finds appealing. Wily-Ava also mentioned Michigan’s ongoing national championship potential as a significant draw.
- Wily-Ava’s recruiting picture includes a spring trip to Washington (March 7–8) and a visit to Arizona State. As of now, those three programs—Michigan, Washington, and Arizona State—lead his top group, with a late spring or early summer decision anticipated. His composite ranking places him at No. 232 nationally, No. 24 at safety, and No. 32 in California.
2027 commit’s loyalty stands firm amid coaching changes
- Michigan’s 2027 class has remained comparatively intact despite a rocky period in 2025. Four-star edge rusher Recarder Kitchen committed to the Wolverines recently, but he has explained to On3 that his decision wasn’t tied to any single coach or staff member. He emphasized his attraction to Michigan’s tradition and program as the primary reasons for his commitment.
- Kitchen has maintained that other programs have checked in, yet he remains solid with Michigan. He said he plans to visit frequently during the offseason to observe practices and see how the new coaching staff operates with the players on the field.
- In terms of rankings, Kitchen sits at No. 110 overall, No. 16 at the edge position, and No. 2 in Michigan within his class on the composite.
Quick-hitting recruit notes
- Broncs Baker, a 2027 four-star linebacker, announced an official visit to Michigan’s spring game with plans to return for an official visit in June.
- Peyton Higginson, a 2027 three-star athlete, also announced a spring-game visit date.
- Marcus Fakatou, a 2027 five-star defensive lineman, included Michigan on his top-10 list.
- Michigan has also made the top-12 list for Elijajuan Houston, a 2027 three-star safety.
Bottom line
- The Wolverines are actively leveraging in-state connections and showcasing their new staff’s compatibility with top targets. If Cartwright, Wily-Ava, Kitchen, and others align with Michigan’s spring and summer visit plans, the program could build significant momentum heading into the 2027 cycle. Do you think this class could shift Michigan’s standing nationally, or will other programs pull more of the attention? Share your thoughts in the comments.
