Michigan Loses Top 2027 QB Recruit Amid Coaching Change

Quarterback room shakeup as Wolverines transition to new coach Kyle Whittingham's staff

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Michigan Wolverines football program is undergoing a significant transition as head coach Kyle Whittingham takes over, leading to the de-commitment of top 2027 quarterback recruit Peter Bourque. Meanwhile, veteran backup Jake Garcia has entered the transfer portal, while the team has added versatile athlete Salesi Moa from Utah via the portal.

Why it matters

Losing a highly-touted quarterback prospect like Bourque is a major blow to Michigan's future recruiting pipeline, underscoring the inevitable roster and recruiting "churn" that accompanies a coaching change, especially for a defensive-minded coach like Whittingham taking over a high-profile program mid-reset.

The details

Following the dismissal of offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore, Whittingham's arrival from Utah has immediately shifted the team's internal dynamics. Veteran backup Jake Garcia has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal, marking his fifth program in as many seasons, while the focus shifts to developing young star Bryce Underwood under Whittingham and his new staff, including trusted assistants Jason Beck and Koy Detmer Jr. Top 2027 quarterback recruit Peter Bourque has also de-committed from Michigan, becoming the first major high school prospect to move away from the program since the leadership change. However, the Wolverines have added versatile athlete Salesi Moa, the top-ranked prospect in Utah, via the transfer portal after he initially committed to Utah.

  • On February 18, 2026, quarterback recruit Peter Bourque de-committed from Michigan.
  • Veteran backup Jake Garcia has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal.

The players

Kyle Whittingham

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

Peter Bourque

A top-130 overall recruit in the Class of 2027 and a Top 10 quarterback recruit, who has de-committed from Michigan.

Jake Garcia

A veteran backup quarterback who has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal, marking his fifth program in as many seasons.

Bryce Underwood

A young star quarterback who will be the focus of development efforts under Whittingham and his new staff.

Salesi Moa

A four-star athlete and the top-ranked prospect in Utah, who recently flipped his commitment to Michigan via the transfer portal after initially committing to Utah.

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What they’re saying

“He told ESPN that he plans to reopen his recruitment, becoming the first major high school prospect to move away from the program since the leadership change.”

— Peter Bourque (ESPN)

What’s next

As the Wolverines balance these high-profile exits at quarterback with elite arrivals, the focus remains on building a cohesive unit capable of sustaining Whittingham's proven winning culture in the Big Ten.

The takeaway

This coaching transition at Michigan has led to significant roster and recruiting changes, highlighting the challenges of maintaining continuity during a mid-reset program overhaul. The loss of a top quarterback prospect like Bourque is a blow, but the addition of versatile athlete Salesi Moa shows Whittingham's ability to leverage his Utah connections to bolster the roster.