Losing 4-star CB Dorian Barney to Ole Miss was a wake-up call to Michigan. Now, there’s a gap in the 2026 recruiting class and an urgent need to fill it. But if there’s one thing Sherrone Moore has shown early, it’s that he’s not afraid to play in the deep NIL waters. And right now, the current has led him straight to Waco, Texas. Because that’s where Baylor’s prized 4-star corner calls home. And Michigan could be ready to make him an offer too big to ignore. 

When Jamarion Vincent committed to Baylor back in January, it seemed like a done deal. The 6’2, 165-pound CB looked locked into the Bears’ 2026 class until Michigan came calling last week. Michigan not only extended an offer but also managed to get him to Ann Arbor this past weekend for the Wisconsin game. That wasn’t a coincidence. According to what EJ Holland told Josh Newberg in a Rivals’ episode on October 5, Sherrone Moore and his staff are making him their top flip target, and they’re willing to spend big to make it happen. “There are some things working in Michigan’s favor,” he said. “One, the Wolverines are willing to spend on NIL for a top cornerback. So, thinking about Michigan versus Baylor on the NIL side, I’d give the advantage to Michigan for sure.” Because when Michigan’s checkbook opens, history suggests fireworks follow.

Bryce Underwood is the perfect example. Last December, the 5-star QB and No. 1 overall player in the country stunned everyone by flipping from LSU to Michigan. That move was fueled by one of the largest NIL deals ever seen. With help from mega-donors Dave Portnoy and Larry Ellison, the Wolverines reportedly offered a package north of $10 million. This flip became a recruiting milestone, proof that Michigan could play the NIL game at a national-championship level. Now, it feels like Jamarion Vincent could be the next name on that list.

There’s more to Michigan’s pursuit than money, though. Wolverines secondary coach LaMar Morgan, a Texas native from Copperas Cove (just an hour from Waco), has deep ties in Central Texas. That local connection gives Michigan a unique inroad. He already flipped another Baylor commit, 4-star corner Jordan Deck, who happened to be in Ann Arbor alongside Jamarion Vincent this weekend. The two trained together over the summer and are close friends. “I think Deck will help Michigan in this recruitment,” EJ Holland said. “So Vincent is certainly a flip possibility for Michigan at the cornerback position.” 

But Michigan’s not just chasing stars for 2026. Sherrone Moore and his staff are already setting the tone for the next generation of Wolverines.

Sherrone Moore is building for Michigan’s future 

While Michigan fights for Jamarion Vincent, it’s already planting seeds in the 2027 class. Rivals’ Steve Wiltfong placed a prediction for Michigan to land 4-star edge Recarder Kitchen, giving the Wolverines a solid ‘60’ confidence rating. Kitchen cited relationships and the prestige of The Big House as key reasons why he’s leaning maize and blue.

The Wolverines are now projected to land both Kitchen and Charles Woodson Jr., with three early commits already in the fold including 4-star QB Peter Bourque and linemen Tristan Dare and Louis Esposito. Michigan’s 2027 class currently ranks No. 16 nationally, and with Washington coming to town in two weeks, expect another wave of top-tier recruits to flood Ann Arbor.

There have been some disappointments. But under Sherrone Moore, Michigan’s message is clear. If you’re elite, the Wolverines will find you and they’ll make it worth your while.