The Michigan Wolverines crossed a large need off their list last week with the commitment of Matt Ludwig. Now they can turn their attention to other positions as they are in the full-time mode of laying the foundation for next year's class and beyond.
Here are three of Michigan's biggest areas of need as the 2026 recruiting cycle rolls on.
Defensive Line
With three starters on the NFL radar for the 2026 draft, the defensive staff has to bring in both tackles and ends to replenish the depth. Michigan football just made the final four schools for edge/tackle Titan Davis and is in the mix for borderline five-star Carter Meadows. On3 is already predicting that both will go elsewhere. Defensive line is arguably the team's biggest need, with little experience behind the current crop slated to start in August.
Trenton Henderson is another four/five-star recruit who Michigan football needs to turn the heat up on his recruitment. Kendall Guervil is gotta be getting viewed as Kenneth Grant 2.0. For instance, Meadows, Tyson Harley, Ashton Blatt, Luke Wafle, Anthony Charles, and Jackson Ford have all been crystal balled to Penn State, meaning when one ultimately commits, it will open up the door for Michigan to pounce.
Interior Offensive Line
Two or three starters should be moving on in April after the fall and Michigan has some guys who will be vying for a starting position. Leo Delaney is the primary favorite to land in Ann Arbor, while Malakai Lee just put the Wolverines in his final group. He's got the size to kick outside too. Michigan is also a contender for the services of Carter Scruggs. The local kid from Cass Tech, Khalief Canty, could be a tandem recruitment with his teammate, C.J. Sadler. Bear McWhorter wants a running mate.
Wide Receiver
This is the position where the most offers have been handed out. The chances of signing a five-star at wideout are slim and none. However, if Donaven McCulley has a 1,000-yard year, then things can change. The last Michigan pass catcher to surpass 1,000 yards was Jeremy Gallon in 2013. Gallon had Devin Gardner, who threw for a shade under 3,000 yards. Bryce Underwood shouldn't reach that number by himself, but he and Mikey Keene could both combine for that lofty goal.
Andrew Marsh and Jamar Browder are only freshmen, despite the hype. Messiah Hampton keeps Michigan football alive with his commitment coming on June 13th, but he's trending away from Michigan. Regardless, it is going to be a bloodbath to go to battle with all these schools and land a class that is half as revered as the 2025 one.