The fallout from a lost commitment has thrown Michigan’s Kyle Whittingham directly into a head-to-head recruiting war with his new biggest rival, Ryan Day. Both are targeting the same No. 4 QB, who also ranks No. 29 in the 2028 class by Rivals. That is 4-star Neimann Lawrence, who has narrowed his list to eight schools. Both Michigan and Ohio State are right in the thick of it. His decision will come in the next four months, and he’s even thinking about reclassifying. 

This dual decision matters to programs trying to stack their QB rooms. Kyle Whittingham needs him after losing his 4-star commit QB Peter Bourque. As of now, Neimann Lawrence has already been to Ann Arbor and wants to visit again. 

“I am looking forward to getting up there and spending time with the new staff,” he said. “Michigan has a lot of history. That is a school I am high on, too.” 

But even as Michigan is a school he’s high on, Ohio State may have more to sell. Neimann Lawrence visited Columbus six times and doesn’t hesitate when talking about QB development. 

“They develop quarterbacks,” he said. “They have a long list: Dwayne Haskins, C.J. Stroud, Justin Fields, Will Howard, and now Julian Sayin.”

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“For the past five or six years, they’ve had the best quarterbacks come out of here,” he added. “So, just the QB development and the quarterbacks they have helped raise to the next level is definitely what stands out for me.”

Neimann Lawrence is paying attention because his ultimate goal is to go pro. 

“Getting on the field early is great, but ultimately getting to the next level is the goal,” he said. “That is what I’m looking for: development.”

Both Columbus and Ann Arbor have developed QBs that go play as starters in the NFL. Recently though, apart from CJ Stroud, the QB output has not been stable. Players like Justin Fields and even J.J. McCarthy are having a tough time finding their footing. Being a national championship winning QB doesn’t guarantee immediate success in the pro game.

Lawrence isn’t just a promising prospect. His production already backs up his Power Four interest. He earned MaxPreps Sophomore All-American honors by throwing for 2,603 yards and 39 touchdowns, proving he can light up a scoreboard. He’s been on varsity since eighth grade. At Ohio State’s camp last June, the 6’0, 190-pound QB reportedly stood out physically along with his arm talent among other P4 prospects. 

Michigan offered early, while Ohio State keeps hosting. But landing Lawrence should be one of the priorities for Kyle Whittingham after his 2027 class received a huge blow. 

Kyle Whittingham loses his 2027 headliner

Kyle Whittingham lost the top 2027 pledge. 4-star QB Peter Bourque out of Tabor Academy decommitted, per ESPN’s Pete Thamel. He had been committed since August 2025, back when Sherrone Moore was still in charge. The 6’4, 220-pounder ranked No. 86 overall in the 247Sports Composite and is the No. 6 QB.

Bourque passed for 2,241 yards and 18 TDs during a 9-0 season, earning Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year honors. Since committing, he picked up new offers from Penn State, Virginia Tech, and Washington. After coaching changes and multiple visits from the new staff, he decided to reopen things.

Kyle Whittingham opens his first full season on September 5 against Western Michigan with Bryce Underwood back in the fold. But he’ll be without his top 2027 QB and in a heavyweight fight for a 2028 star. It’s Michigan versus Ohio State all over again. That is, if other contenders don’t swoop in first.