After two drama-filled days, the 2026 Michigan football recruiting class is signed, sealed, and delivered.
There isn't the expectation that Michigan adds anyone in the late signing period, although another EDGE wouldn't be surprising after the loss of Julian Walker.
Outside of that, it seems like the die is cast. Michigan ranks 12th overall in the 247 Sports team rankings for 2026. We offered up some takeaways on Thursday, but here are five 2026 signees who will make an immediate impact for the Wolverines.
Savion Hiter, RB
Depending on what Justice Haynes does, Hiter could have a big role to play next season. The five-star running back is ranked eighth overall. He's elite and behind what should be a stellar offensive line, the running game should excel.
Michigan football is trying to get Haynes to come back for one more season. It's up in the air, but even if he does, Sherrone Moore said Hiter would have an "instant" impact next season.
Carter Meadows, EDGE
The Wolverines are losing their best pass rusher to the NFL, Derrick Moore. T.J. Guy is also out of eligibility. There are some holdovers such as Cameron Brandt, Nate Marshall and Dom Nichols. Marshall was a top-50 recruit in the 2025 class.
Marshall should take a jump next season. Michigan will surely try to add some pass-rush help in the portal, but Carter Meadows, who is ranked No. 6 overall and took a big step forward on the field this past season, should help with the pass rush, too.
Travis Johnson, WR
Johnson is one of the top-rated recruits Michigan football signed in the 2026 class, but there is a glaring need at wide receiver, so it makes sense that Johnson will play early.
The 6-foot-3, 185-pounder is out of Virginia, just like Hiter. It wouldn't be surprising at all if he had an impact similar to Andrew Marsh. Michigan needs to find a reciever or two in the transfer portal.
Yet, with Johnson's frame and his ability, he should be catching plenty of passes from Bryce Underwood next season.
Brady Marchese, WR
Rivals and ESPN each have the former Georgia commitment ranked in the top 101. 247 Sports has him rated as a three-star with a ranking of 134 in the 247 Sports composite rankings.
He's 6-foot-1, 184 pounds. Adding him makes Michigan football one of just eight teams to add multiple receivers ranked in the top 25 (via Rivals rankings). Marchese is different from Zion Robinson. Yet, he's explosive, can play in the slot, can play outside, too, and can help in the return game.
It would be ideal to have someone other than Marsh returning punts next season. Marchese seems like a good candidate to take that over, which would be huge, even if he were just above average at it.
Even average would be a huge upgrade.
Alister Vallejo, DT
Defensive tackle will be another position targeted in the transfer portal. Rayshaun Benny is leaving along with Damon Payne and Tre Williams.
Trey Pierce and Enow Etta are the top players slated to come back. Michigan football will need an influx of talent, which is why it was important to add Titan Davis (No. 114 overall) and Alister Vallejo (No. 205 overall).
Vallejo was a three-star when he committed to Michigan. Yet, the 6-foot-3, 310-pound defensive tackle flew up the rankings after another solid season. He's ranked 113th by 247 Sports. Over the past two seasons, he's got 122 tackles. That's in addition to 23 sacks and 39 tackles for the loss dating back to his sophomore season.
Vallejo has been compared by some to Mason Graham. That's lofty. Graham is probably the best defensive tackle in Michigan football history. However, it's hard to ignore the similarities.
Michigan could be thin on impact players at defensive tackle, so Vallejo could have a chance to play next season, even in just a rotational role. It feels like by season's end, you will see him on the field against Ohio State, and he'll be an established part of the defense.