With Kyle Whittingham now running the show, the Michigan Wolverines managed to stay afloat in the 2027 recruiting race. Standing at No. 15, they just had a tough heartbreak, as their 2027 quarterback commit, Peter Bourque, called off his commitment. Sensing the heat, Whittingham went straight into damage-control mode and dished out an offer for another 2027 quarterback recruit.

Michigan has just offered Salt Lake City’s 2027 four-star QB and Illinois commit, Kamden Lopati, per CBS Sports. Kamden Lopati has established himself as one of the top prospects in the 2027 recruiting cycle. He checks in at No. 143 overall and No. 12 among quarterbacks in the Rivals Industry Ranking. Within his home state of Utah, he ranks third among all players.

His junior film backs up the hype. Lopati completed nearly 65% of his pass attempts for 2,671 yards and 34 touchdowns against just eight interceptions. He also contributed on the ground with 730 rushing yards and 10 scores. His dual-threat ability helped power West High to an 11-2 record and an 11th-place finish in Utah, per the Rivals Composite Team ranking.

Illinois landed Lopati’s commitment, making him the first pledge in the Illini’s 2027 class. The program is coming off a strong showing on the recruiting trail, having closed out the 2026 cycle with the country’s 22nd-ranked class according to the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.

The difficulty level in this recruiting race is off the charts. After all, Lopati is not someone who is still busy figuring out where to commit. Last year in July, the Illinois Fighting Illini went to the Beehive State and returned with his commitment. Seven months later, Lopati is still committed to Bret Bielema’s program but has been receiving offers nonstop. 

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“I love the coaching staff and what Coach B (Bret Bielema) is building,” Lopati told Rivals’ Greg Biggins in January. “I like the direction the program is going in. They treat us like family there and a high priority, and that means a lot.”

But does that stop his suitors from chasing him? No. Kyle Whittingham has now joined the chase with Michigan State and Notre Dame as the newest additions. Even though the 6-foot-3, 215-pounder is with Illinois, Whittingham’s staff did not give up on trying their luck to flip the commit.

Back in January, the Wolverines’ offensive coordinator/quarterback coach Jason Beck and quarterbacks coach Koy Detmer took the assignment to woo Lopati by hitting the road for a home visit. And the recruiting efforts did not go to waste. The quarterback recruit came with a positive update for Whittingham’s Michigan.

“I am a huge fan of Coach Whitt, Coach Beck, and Coach Detmer,” Lopati said. “What catches my eye is the culture under Coach Whitt and the expectation to win and compete for a national title every year.”

Whittingham was the all-time winningest head coach in the history of the Utah Utes football program. His 177 career victories are the most among all active Big 12 head coaches, and he sat third nationally at the FBS level. The Utes enjoyed the stability that Whittingham brought with him.

“It was weird seeing them in the blue shirts for sure, but Coach Beck and Coach Detmer have had very successful offenses that they’ve been with, and I think it’s gonna be exciting to see how it looks with the players they have now and the ones coming into the Michigan program,” said Lopati.

Even though the Whittingham factor played a crucial role, his staff also won the 2027 recruits’ trust. Under Jason Beck, Utah made its way to No. 2 nationally in rushing at 266.3 yards per game and flexed at No. 4 in total offense with 482.9. 

While Michigan is already in the picture, its latest heartbreak makes the matter more urgent. But will Bourque’s decommitment come off as a red flag?

Kyle Whittingham and Michigan’s costly loss in the 2027 roster 

The Tabor Academy four-star quarterback, Peter Bourque, is listed as a top 10 quarterback recruit. So, initially, he held 30 offers from college football programs. However, while Chip Lindsey was there in Ann Arbor, he pushed the recruiting and earned Bourque’s commitment. But with Lindsey gone before Whittingham took over, the commit was caught in two minds about his decision. 

“Just uncertainty, I’d say,” Bourque shared the reason behind his decision with Rivals’ Steve Wiltfong. “I want to make sure I’m making the best decision. I’m going to take some visits this spring. I’m not sure where. I think it’s the right thing to do to be decommitted for that.” 

So, another reason behind Whittingham’s program falling short of keeping Bourque committed is the depth chart issues. Already, two 2026 quarterback commits, Tommy Carr and Brady Smigiel, are waiting in the wings. 

Now, that’s a common issue that might slow their recruitment process for Lopati as well. More trouble is brewing for Whittingham, as last week, Blue & Gold’s Mike Singer reported that Notre Dame was circling back. The Fighting Irish quarterback coach even made a personal stop at Bourque’s campus.

Carrying the burden of a fresh decommitment, will Kyle Whittingham and Michigan’s luck favor bringing Kamden Lopati to Ann Arbor?