Believe it or not, spring practices are winding down for Michigan football. There is one week left before the spring game, which means it's an important time for recruiting visits.
The Wolverines still have just three commitments in the 2026 class, but they have put the infrastructure in place to sign another top-10 class just like in 2025.
Michigan football has been trending toward commitments with a few recent visitors, as well as a recently offered 2026 quarterback, Nathan Bernhard from Ohio.
Yet, there are still some moving parts when it comes to quarterback recruiting. Bernhard is also considering Ohio State but the Buckeyes haven't offered and unless that happens, Michigan football feels like it will get his commitment.
So what does that mean for five-star quarterback Ryder Lyons, who will visit Michigan football this weekend? Honestly, not a whole lot. Lyons is ranked as the No. 16 overall prospect in the 2026 class and is ranked fourth among quarterbacks according to the 247 Sports composite rankings.
Lyons is also taking a Mormon mission after this season and is more of a 2027 recruit. That works perfectly for Michigan football, which is searching for the guy it can groom to replace Bryce Underwood, likely after the 2027 season.
If the Wolverines landed Lyons, it would fit their timeline perfectly. He'd be a freshman during the 2027 season to learn, then could compete for the starting job in 2028. I know that's thinking ahead but that's what you have to do with quarterback recruiting.
A class of Bernhard and Lyons would be ideal for Michigan football and as of today, it still seems possible. We'll see what the weekend brings with Lyons.
Michigan is set to host another BIG recruiting weekend featuring a five-star QB, a five-star pass rusher, a major flip target, multiple On300 prospects and more.
— "EJ Holland" (@EJHollandOn3) April 11, 2025
Get the full breakdown here #GoBlue. https://t.co/tUfJw7Vv3U pic.twitter.com/DrgPP4WxX4
Multiple 5-stars visiting Michigan football plus a flip target
According to EJ Holland of The Wolverine, Michigan will host seven blue-chip prospects in the 2026 class this weekend, Lyons included. Shadarius Toodle, an Auburn commitment, will also be on campus. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound linebacker is ranked No. 131 overall according to the 247 Sports composite rankings. He's been committed to Auburn since July of 2024.
Anthony Jones, a five-star pass rusher ranked 10th overall in the 2026 class, will also be visiting. He's 6-foot-3, 240 pounds out of Mobile, Alabama. Auburn is the current crystal ball leader.