Michigan Football Lands First Commitment Under Kyle Whittingham Era

Darrell Mattison, a top safety prospect, chooses Michigan over other top programs

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:39am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a college football player in motion, with sharp planes of navy blue, maize yellow, and crimson red, conveying the dynamic energy and potential of a new era for the Michigan Wolverines.A cubist interpretation of a rising star in Michigan's secondary, symbolizing the program's shift under new leadership.Ann Arbor Today

The University of Michigan football program has secured its first commitment under new head coach Kyle Whittingham, landing highly-touted safety prospect Darrell Mattison from Chicago. Mattison, a 6-foot-2, 160-pound athlete, chose Michigan over offers from schools like Ole Miss, Penn State, and Wisconsin, citing a strong connection with new safeties coach Tyler Stockton as a key factor in his decision.

Why it matters

Mattison's commitment is a significant win for Whittingham as he looks to rebuild Michigan into a national contender. The fact that he was able to land a top recruit like Mattison over other powerhouse programs signals that the Wolverines are back in the mix for elite talent, a crucial step in returning the program to prominence.

The details

Mattison is a versatile defensive back with impressive stats across the board in high school. His combination of size, speed, and instincts make him an enticing prospect for the Wolverines, who are looking to bolster their secondary. Mattison cited Stockton's 'genuine' and 'straightforward' approach as a key factor in his decision, highlighting the importance of personal connections in the recruitment process.

  • Mattison recently visited the Michigan campus, where he solidified his commitment to the program.
  • Mattison's commitment marks the first for the Wolverines under new head coach Kyle Whittingham, who took over the program in 2026.

The players

Darrell Mattison

A 6-foot-2, 160-pound safety prospect from Chicago who has committed to play for the University of Michigan under new head coach Kyle Whittingham.

Kyle Whittingham

The new head coach of the University of Michigan football program, taking over in 2026 after a successful tenure at the University of Utah.

Tyler Stockton

The new safeties coach at the University of Michigan, who played a key role in recruiting Darrell Mattison to the program.

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What they’re saying

“Darrell is a genuine, straightforward guy, and that's what I really connected with during the recruiting process.”

— Darrell Mattison, Incoming Michigan Football Recruit

What’s next

Mattison's commitment is the first of what Whittingham and his staff hope will be a strong 2027 recruiting class for the Wolverines. The team will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

Darrell Mattison's decision to commit to Michigan under the new leadership of Kyle Whittingham is a significant win for the program, signaling that the Wolverines are back in the mix for top-tier talent. The personal connection Mattison developed with safeties coach Tyler Stockton highlights the importance of building strong relationships in the recruitment process, and this commitment could be the start of a new era of success for Michigan football.