Things are starting to heat up for Michigan football on the recruiting trail. With almost an entirely new staff, it has taken some time to hit the ground running, but the staff is doing that now.
Four-star quarterback Peter Bourque decommitted a few weeks ago. That reset the board at quarterback. The two sides weren't an ideal fit. Bourque is a pocket passer. Jason Beck, the new Michigan football offensive coordinator, prefers dual-threat quarterbacks.
Bryce Underwood certainly is that. It's going to be incredible to watch Bryce work with a competent coaching staff and a dedicated QB coach. However, the focus has also shifted to the future.
In the 2027 class, Michigan is certainly behind the 8-ball with quarterbacks, but the Wolverines have turned their attention to a name they are familiar with, Kamden Lopati, the four-star quarterback committed to Illinois.
Lopati, who is 6-foot-3, 215 pounds, is out of West Valley, Utah. Kyle Whittingham offered him while he was the Utah head coach. So when the Michigan football offer came, it resonated.
Michigan football making a move with dynamic Big Ten QB commitment
Lopati has visited Illinois four times. That's why he's committed. He's got an official visit scheduled for the summer, too. Yet, Ethan McDowell of The Wolverine reports that Lopati has scheduled a three-day visit for early April.
Michigan set a 3-day spring visit with one of the fastest-rising quarterbacks in the country.
— Ethan McDowell (@ethanmmcdowell) March 3, 2026
The Wolverines are also recruiting a Big Ten commit, and they locked in a few new visit dates.
Monday night recruiting updates: https://t.co/BMfxNfuF55 pic.twitter.com/hsaWM26H52
That sets the stage for the four-star quarterback to come back for an official visit. If that happens, all bets are off in terms of his Illinois commitment.
Lopati is ranked 113th overall via the Rivals Industry Rankings. He's ranked 10th among quarterbacks and second in the state of Utah. When you watch the film, he reminds me a little of Marcus Mariota. The way he throws the ball and moves in the pocket.
Oregon, Notre Dame, Tennessee, and Nebraska are some of the big-name programs that offered. Lopati feels like a top-100 talent. He would be the perfect quarterback to develop for the future after Bryce Underwood.