The Wolverines are feeling the effects of their recently-lifted self-imposed contact ban with high school recruits. Here is how Michigan can overcome these restrictions moving forward:
When it seemed like the Connor Stalions saga was nearly over, when the Michigan Wolverines could operate without the NCAA and Big Ten breathing down their necks, when it was time to move on from the Jim Harbaugh era and ignite Sherrone Moore’s reign, the program implemented self-imposed punishments.
The most notable of these punishments is Moore’s suspension for Week 3 vs. Central Michigan and Week 4 at Nebraska. He will not be able to partake in any team activities, including practice leading up to those games, during that stretch.
However, there is another issue that has plagued Michigan as of late. The Wolverines have not been allowed to contact recruits for several weeks, and this lack of communication, particularly during a crucial spring contact period from April 15 to May 29, could have lingering effects.
While other schools can make their mark with high school prospects, Michigan has been sidelined and could fall out of heated races.
One example is five-star running back Savion Hiter. The Wolverines led for Hiter earlier this spring — and they still might — but Tennessee and Ohio State have made up some ground by hosting him this spring for unofficial visits.
It seems ludicrous Michigan would do anything to hinder its own success, but perhaps this is not as big of a deal as it may seem. For one, the Wolverines saw much of their 2025 commitments come later in 2024:
- Four-star wide receiver Andrew Marsh: August 20
- Five-star offensive lineman Andrew Babalola: Oct. 21
- Four-star cornerback Shamari Earls: Nov. 1
- Five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood: Nov. 11
- Four-star safety Jordan Young: Dec. 1
- Four-star linebacker Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng: Dec. 4
Albeit early in the cycle, Michigan has a solid foundation to work off, headlined by four-star offensive lineman Bear McWhorter, four-star cornerback Brody Jennings, four-star quarterback Brady Smigiel, and the newest addition to the class, four-star tight end Matt Ludwig, who committed on Tuesday .
Patience is key, as prospects are often wise to let the process unfold until the last minute. Schools, such as Michigan, know when to strike and do not need to rush or panic.
If anything, the contact ban feels like window dressing for the NCAA. Who knows what their final word in this story, and Michigan punishing itself could be a long-term gain for some short-term pain. As far as recruiting is concerned, Michigan fans should expect even an stronger summer and fall for the Wolverines.
Moore and his staff reeled in the No. 6 class in 2025, and there is no reason not to expect a similar result for 2026.