Michigan HC Kyle Whittingham Discusses Incoming Recruiting Class

Whittingham highlights top prospects Savion Hiter, Carter Meadows, and transfer Salesi Moa

Feb. 4, 2026 at 5:47pm

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In a recent interview, new Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham discussed the Wolverines' high school and transfer portal recruiting classes. Whittingham highlighted top prospects like five-star running back Savion Hiter, five-star edge rusher Carter Meadows, and five-star athlete Salesi Moa, a transfer from Utah. The coach praised the talent and potential of these incoming players as he works to build Michigan's roster for the future.

Why it matters

Whittingham's comments provide insight into Michigan's recruiting strategy under the new coaching staff. Retaining top talent from the previous class and adding high-profile transfers are key priorities as Whittingham looks to quickly rebuild the Wolverines into a national contender.

The details

Whittingham said recruiting to Michigan is not much different than recruiting at his previous school, Utah, as the Wolverines cast a wide net across the country for top talent. He highlighted five-star prospects like safety Honor Fa'alave-Johnson, defensive lineman Marcus Fakatou, and wide receiver Dakota Guerrant that he visited recently. Whittingham also praised the potential of five-star running back Savion Hiter and five-star edge rusher Carter Meadows, who were part of Michigan's highly ranked 2026 recruiting class. Additionally, the coach is excited about the addition of five-star athlete Salesi Moa, a transfer from Utah who could play on both offense and defense.

  • Whittingham returned to Ann Arbor this week after a busy recruiting trip in January.
  • He called each member of Michigan's 2026 recruiting class to establish connections.
  • More than half of Michigan's 2026 class has now enrolled in Ann Arbor, including Savion Hiter.

The players

Kyle Whittingham

The new head coach of the Michigan Wolverines football team, who previously served as the head coach at the University of Utah.

Savion Hiter

A five-star running back who is part of Michigan's 2026 recruiting class.

Carter Meadows

A five-star edge rusher and the top-ranked prospect in Washington D.C. out of Gonzaga Prep, who signed with Michigan in the 2026 class.

Salesi Moa

A five-star athlete and the No. 31 recruit nationally, who transferred from Utah to play for Michigan.

JJ Bucahnan

A standout wide receiver transfer from Utah who will join Moa in Michigan's offense.

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What they’re saying

“He's doing a great job during the workouts. He's doing very well, and [I am] really excited to see what he can do in spring ball.”

— Kyle Whittingham, Head Coach (on3.com)

“Big, good looking young man. Six-foot-seven, one of the top defensive ends in the country, if not the top, a tremendous athlete. The length, as I mentioned, is a big positive for him. I had some good conversations with Carter, the young man out of Maryland, and we're excited to get him here in June.”

— Kyle Whittingham, Head Coach (on3.com)

“He was almost a tight end-sized young man, but we kept him at wide receiver. He was about 215, 220 pounds but tremendously athletic— a 40-inch vertical jump— and that really comes in handy when you look at the contested balls up the field. That's where he really excels, at the contestant ball.”

— Kyle Whittingham, Head Coach (on3.com)

“He's a guy that has an incredible motor. He plays every snap, like it was his last, a tremendously talented young man...He's just a relentless, throwback type of defensive end. He's just physical, but he's got great pass rush ability.”

— Kyle Whittingham, Head Coach (on3.com)

What’s next

Whittingham and the Michigan coaching staff will continue to work with the incoming 2026 recruiting class and transfer additions as they prepare for spring practice and the upcoming season.

The takeaway

Whittingham's comments highlight the high-caliber talent Michigan has added to its roster through both its 2026 recruiting class and the transfer portal. The Wolverines have brought in several elite prospects who could make an immediate impact, as Whittingham looks to quickly rebuild Michigan into a national title contender in his first season.