Michigan football recruiting had a torrid month of June and appeared to be en route to a similar July, but ended up missing out on two of its biggest targets over the weekend.
Though the Wolverines reeled in 2026 Chesapeake (Va.) Oscar Smith four-star wide receiver Travis Johnson and Carrollton (Ga.) four-star cornerback Dorian Barney they missed out on Fort Worth (Tx.) four-star offensive lineman John Turntine III and Miami (Fla.) Northwestern five-star wide receiver Calvin Russell. With 21 commitments at the moment, who’s next for the maize and blue?
Here are the top remaining targets for Michigan football in the 2026 recruiting cycle and our feelings on the likelihood that they could end up wearing a winged helmet.
Mineral (Va.) Louisa County five-star RB Savion Hiter
Schools: Michigan, Tennessee, Ohio State, Georgia
Long been Michigan’s big fish in the 2026 class, Hiter has teased that he plans to set a commitment date soon. This appears to be a battle head-to-head with Tennessee, with the Wolverines being perhaps slightly ahead.
Chances: Very high
Ogden (Utah) Fremont four-star ATH Salesi Moa
Schools: Utah, Tennessee, Michigan, Washington, Michigan State
Moa might move up the Wolverines’ board after losing Calvin Russell to Syracuse. The elite athlete is being recruited as a defensive back but wants to play on both sides of the ball. The school that gives him that opportunity is likely to win out, and that’s the one thing that the maize and blue are missing.
Chances: Medium
Westlake Village (Calif.) Oaks Christian four-star S Davon Benjamin
Schools: Oregon, Michigan, Texas, Washington
After Benjamin took his official visit, it was all quiet on the western front, and it appeared he would head elsewhere. However, optimism is surging in Ann Arbor with the thought of a potential upset in his recruitment.
Chances: Medium high
Suwanee (Ga.) Collins Hill four-star DL Deuce Geralds
Schools: Ohio State, Michigan, Ole Miss, LSU
Like with Benjamin, it appeared that the official visit had limited impact, but there has been increased optimism surrounding Geralds and the Wolverines. This one might end up playing in Michigan’s favor.
Chances: Medium high
Owings Mills (Md.) McDonogh School four-star LB Nick Abrams II
Schools: Alabama, Georgia, Oregon, Michigan
With a decision coming on July 16, Abrams recently told Rivals that Michigan is running fourth. However, with need at linebacker and Michigan offering everything that Abrams is looking for, the Wolverines still have (limited) time to get back in this race.
Chances: Medium
Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy four-star LB DQ Forkpa
Schools: Miami, Florida, Florida State, North Carolina, Michigan
Michigan has long been in his recruitment, but appeared to have taken the foot off the gas. With a major need at linebacker, has that changed? Given that Forkpa is deciding on July 12, there’s not much time to go here.
Chances: Medium
This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Michigan’s 2026 recruiting board updated after new commits, missed top prospects
Reporting by Isaiah Hole, Wolverines Wire / Wolverines Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
