The Michigan Wolverines coaching staff is actively targeting top recruits from the 2026 class, but they are also facing some competition for one of their own committed players. Jacksonville (FL) Mandarin’s four-star cornerback, Brody Jennings, has been committed to Michigan since last July, but several schools are still pursuing him.
Jennings, who stands 6-foot-1 and weighs 175 pounds, is a sought-after recruit, with Florida and Miami trying to keep him in the state, while Georgia recently made an offer. Multiple coaches have been in contact with Jennings this month, including Florida secondary coach Will Harris, Miami head coach Mario Cristobal, and Michigan’s own Sherrone Moore and LaMar Morgan. While this increased attention hasn’t caused panic within Michigan’s program, Jennings did share his admiration for Miami with On3: “Coach Cristobal is a great dude. He’s a great guy. I like the history behind Miami. I have family members there and my family’s from Miami. It’s like a family atmosphere down there.”
Despite this interest from other schools, Jennings remains strongly committed to Michigan, thanks in part to his solid relationship with Moore and Morgan. “I love Michigan,” Jennings said. “It’s a great spot for me. They love me, too. That’s part of why I committed. I’m going to visit other schools, but I’m still 1,000% locked in with Michigan.” Time will tell if he sticks to his word.
Meanwhile, the Wolverines are also making moves in New York, where they’re in the hunt for four-star wide receiver Messiah Hampton from Rochester (NY). Hampton, ranked as the top player in New York for the 2026 class, has 17 offers, with Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan, Rutgers, and Syracuse emerging as his top five. “I went to games at each of those schools in the season, and those are my top-five schools. They are up there because of how they recruit me. Each is trying to get me to commit, so they are coming hard. They have shown me that I am a priority,” Hampton told On3.
While Ohio State and Penn State may be the current frontrunners, Hampton is well aware of Michigan’s appeal. “My relationship with coach B (Ron Bellamy) is strong at Michigan. He is a cool guy and we talk a lot. I am learning about the new offensive coordinator (Chip Lindsey), but I have heard great things. Michigan having Bryce Underwood and playing young players also stands out.”
The Wolverines have struggled in the wide receiver position, so adding a playmaker like Hampton could significantly improve their roster. As Hampton’s recruitment intensifies, Michigan will look to leverage the strengths of their coaching staff and the opportunity to play with top young talent like Underwood.
In addition to Jennings and Hampton, the Wolverines are also pursuing other highly rated players. Four-star safety Ayden Pouncey, currently ranked No. 11 in the nation at his position, has included Michigan in his top ten schools. Michigan recently offered four-star safety Cooper Witten, the son of NFL legend Jason Witten, who is ranked as the No. 34 player in the 2027 class. Sherrone Moore and the coaching staff have also paid visits to some top prospects, including five-star running back Savion Hiter and 2026 four-star edge rusher Carter Meadows. Moore, Morgan, and Magee visited Meadows at one of his basketball games and are hopeful for a visit this spring. Additionally, Moore, Morgan, and Magee visited Bishop Gorman (NV) last week to check out the No. 1 safety in the 2026 class, Jett Washington.
