Michigan Wolverines Eye Top Talent to Bolster Future Roster

With the NFL Draft still fresh in the minds of football fans, Michigan’s recruitment trail is heating up as the Wolverines gear up for the 2026 recruiting class. Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood is taking on the role of a vocal recruiter, working to bring elite talent into the fold — a strategy that’s often seen among NFL quarterbacks who recruit top free agents to their teams.

Underwood’s Push for Local Star CJ Sadler

In the world of recruiting, securing homegrown talent is as crucial as locking in a top draft pick. Michigan accomplished that with the commitment of standout QB Bryce Underwood in 2025, and now they’re aiming to land 2026 four-star athlete CJ Sadler—Michigan’s reigning High School Football Player of the Year. Ranked No. 87 in the 247Sports composite, Sadler has drawn interest nationwide. However, Underwood’s relentless push to recruit his longtime friend could sway Sadler to stay in-state and suit up for the Maize and Blue.

Defensive Line Depth: Michigan Eyes Deuce Geralds

Building strength in the trenches remains a core strategy for Michigan, mirroring the NFL’s focus on defensive dominance. The Wolverines are set to host four-star defensive lineman Deuce Geralds later this month. Geralds, who boasts an impressive stat line — 114 tackles, 30 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, and 36 QB hurries — is being scouted as a potential game-changer on Michigan’s defensive front. Defensive line coach Lou Esposito has maintained contact with Geralds since January’s evaluation period, focusing on his development and potential impact.

Geralds, whose father played at Ole Miss, is also drawing attention from SEC powerhouses and Ohio State, creating a competitive recruitment battle reminiscent of high-stakes NFL free agency negotiations.

Three-Star Talent Brian Harris Draws Michigan’s Interest

Adding to their defensive depth, Michigan extended an offer to Jacksonville, Florida native Brian Harris, a versatile defensive lineman. Harris, who recently reopened his recruitment after initially committing to Maryland, expressed strong interest in the Wolverines. He praised Michigan’s storied tradition and defensive scheme, noting how well his aggressive play style fits their system.

Adding fuel to the fire, Harris’ high school teammate and current Michigan commit, four-star cornerback Brody Jennings, is vouching for the Wolverines — a classic example of locker room connections influencing roster decisions, much like NFL teammates recruiting each other to join their squads.

With Michigan’s coaching staff emphasizing versatility, aggressive play, and homegrown talent, the Wolverines are positioning themselves to build a powerhouse roster for years to come. Stay tuned as they navigate the recruitment process, looking to secure impact players for their future lineup.