Michigan Football's 2026 Recruiting Class Lacks In-State Talent

As of August 21, 2025, Michigan's 2026 recruiting class is poised to be another top-10 national haul, featuring five-star talents like running back Savion Hiter and edge rusher Carter Meadows. However, the class stands out for a glaring omission: not a single player hails from the state of Michigan.

This would mark the first time in the 146-year history of Michigan football that a freshman class does not include an in-state player. Recruiting experts note this is an extremely rare occurrence, with one stating it may take another 20 years for it to happen again.

The absence of local talent is not due to a lack of quality prospects in Michigan. The state produced a solid 2026 class, but there was no headliner on par with Michigan's own 2025 recruit, quarterback Bryce Underwood. Instead, the top in-state players have committed to other schools, including three offensive linemen headed to Notre Dame.

Michigan's coaching staff, led by second-year head coach Sherrone Moore, has been aggressive in building connections with local high schools. However, the Wolverines appear to have focused their efforts on landing elite national recruits, leaving little room for the state's top four-star prospects.

While this 2026 class is an anomaly, there are concerns it could signal a shift in Michigan's recruiting strategy, potentially allowing programs like Notre Dame, Iowa, and Wisconsin to make inroads with top talent in the Wolverines' backyard. To maintain their status as a premier program in the state, Michigan will need to continue landing the Underwoods of the future.