One of Michigan's early targets at wide receiver, Eli Woodard, is off the board after he committed to USC. Woodard, a rising prospect in the 2027 class, chose the Trojans over the Wolverines and also considered Missouri and Oregon.
Things have been going so well for Kyle Whittingham since he arrived in Ann Arbor that it's tough to think about a loss on the trail or anywhere else. But these things happen, especially when trying to recruit players from the West Coast.
BREAKING: Class of 2027 WR Eli Woodard has Committed to USC, he tells me for @Rivals
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) February 10, 2026
The 6’1 185 WR from Temecula, CA chose the Trojans over Oregon, Michigan, and Missouri
“All Glory to God, I’m home✌️”https://t.co/EJfhEVYadO pic.twitter.com/8qvlgV370f
That will be one of the adjustments that Whittingham will have to make to his recruitment over time. Michigan is a national...heck a global...sports brand with a deep alumni base, so this staff can recruit anywhere. And Whittingham's success in California, especially southern California, will pay off over time, but not everyone wants to come even if the opportunity to play for an iconic football program presents itself.
Michigan moves on after WR target commits to USC
This brings up a bigger question of exactly what Whittingham's recruiting strategy is going to be. Obviously, he'll lean into his West Coast ties and even ties in the state of Utah, where there are always a couple of decent players. He'll also have to continue to make sure to have an impact in some areas that have traditionally been good for Michigan. That includes New Jersey, Ohio, parts of Missouri and Illinois, especially the St. Louis area and the Chicago area.
And there are secondary areas where Michigan should be able to land top talent. The beltway (Maryland, Virginia and D.C.) has been good to the Wolverines and will continue to be. And the SEC/ACC strongholds like Georgia, Florida and the Carolinas are opportunities for Michigan to extend its recruiting arm.
Where is Michigan's 2027 recruiting class ranked?
The Wolverines' class has four commitments and is ranked 17th overall according to 247Sports. Blue-chip quarterback Peter Bourque and four-star edge rusher Recarder Kitchen are two names that Whittingham will build the class around. Joining them as early Michigan pledges are offensive linemen Tristan Dare and Louis Esposito.