While Michigan’s football team is off to a strong 3-1 start this fall, the Wolverines are also making significant progress in building for the future on the recruiting trail. Recruiting is a key element in sustaining success for any college football program, and Michigan is proving its commitment to remain competitive. One of the major developments for the Wolverines is their pursuit of top talent for the 2026 recruiting class.
NEWS: Elite 2026 CB Elbert Hill is down to 🔟 Schools, he tells me for @on3recruits
The 5’10 180 CB from Akron, OH is ranked as the No. 1 CB in the ‘26 Class (per On3)
Where Should He Go?👇🏽https://t.co/zAZwpctYzg pic.twitter.com/wztw8At3UE
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) September 27, 2024
On Friday, Michigan achieved a significant milestone in this process, as they were named in the ‘Top 10’ list for Elbert Hill, a five-star cornerback from Akron, Ohio, who plays at Archbishop Hoban High School. Hill is widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the 2026 class, and his inclusion of Michigan on his list of preferred schools is a promising sign for the Wolverines’ recruiting efforts.
Hill’s recruitment is highly competitive. Along with Michigan, he has narrowed his list to several elite programs, including Ohio State, Tennessee, Oregon, Texas A&M, USC, Alabama, Notre Dame, Penn State, and UCLA. These schools represent some of the most successful and storied programs in college football, meaning that Michigan will need to continue working hard to secure his commitment. Still, being in his Top 10 is a positive indication that Hill sees potential in Michigan’s program.
Standing at 5-foot-10 and weighing 170 pounds, Hill is an elite prospect with outstanding athleticism and skill. According to 247Sports’ Composite rankings, he is the No. 18 overall prospect in the 2026 class, the top-ranked cornerback, and the best player from Ohio. His recruitment is particularly noteworthy given that Ohio State, a long-time rival of Michigan, is also on his list of possible destinations. Hill’s talent has garnered attention from across the country, as he has accumulated 29 scholarship offers from Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) programs.
Michigan is already laying a solid foundation for its 2026 recruiting class. With more than a year remaining until 2026 prospects can officially sign their letters of intent, Michigan has secured commitments from two highly regarded recruits. These early commitments include Brody Jennings, a four-star cornerback from Jacksonville, Florida’s Mandarin High School, who is ranked as the No. 282 overall player in his class. The Wolverines have also added four-star quarterback Brady Hart from Cocoa, Florida, ranked as the No. 93 overall player in the class. With these two players already in the fold, Michigan’s 2026 class is currently ranked No. 20 nationally, showing strong potential for further growth as the recruiting cycle continues.
As Michigan continues to compete on the field this season, its efforts off the field in recruiting top talent like Elbert Hill could have a long-term impact on the program’s success.
