The Michigan Wolverines are wasting no time under new head coach Kyle Whittingham on the recruiting trail this spring. Freshly hired head coach Whittingham and his staff are already making aggressive moves on the recruiting trail for their 2027 class. Four commits locked in already, several visits locked in for the spring and summer. Now they’re closing in on four-star defensive back Tavares Harrington (Mount Carmel High School in Chicago, Illinois).
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According to sources closest to Harrington, Michigan, along with Alabama, Georgia, and Nebraska have separated themselves from the pack in recent weeks as he’s prioritizing visits. Notre Dame is still very much in the mix as well according to multiple industry experts, but Michigan is obviously moving up the board here.
For those unaware how big a win this could be for Michigan, Harrington is a top 150 overall recruit in the 2027 class and he’s racked up more than 40 scholarship offers from top programs. He has the versatility to play both safety and cornerback, which is exactly the kind of talent that Whittingham has thrived with throughout his career. So, how does Michigan close the deal, making him the fifth commit for the Wolverines in 2027?
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Whittingham’s defense, proximity, and opportunity could close deal for Michigan
Harrington has already locked in a spring visit to Michigan in March, giving the coaching staff an early shot at convincing Harrington he could be their next great versatile defensive back weapon. Whittingham has sent plenty of underrated defenders to the NFL Draft over the years with far less originally recognized talent. The sales pitch is easy from a proven developmental standpoint for Harrington. Considering that Harrington is currently speaking with Whittingham’s staff almost every day (according to him), the fit and relationships are already there.
For those who may not be in the know about Whittingham’s longstanding accomplishments, he led Utah to nearly 180 wins over 20+ seasons, won three national coach of the year awards, and took down multiple conference championships. He should be able to close the deal here as one of the most proven defensive coaches with one of the best defensive schemes in the game.
Beyond obvious fit, accomplishments, and defensive development, Whittingham and Michigan should be able to sell him on proximity to his hometown. Most of the real contenders here for Harrington are much further away. And on top of the obvious closeness to home, Harrington very well could earn an early opportunity given that Michigan will likely be losing some veterans after this season like Rod Moore (long-time safety).
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What Harrington could bring to Michigan’s 2027 Class
Landing Harrington would be a big early win for Whittingham’s first full recruiting cycle as Michigan’s head coach that could lead to many more victoriess in the coming months. The Wolverines need to reload their secondary over the next few years, and securing a top-150 overall prospect with Harrington’s positional versatility would go a long way toward doing just that.
Harrington has shared with all those close to this recruitment that he plans to make his college decision a bit late in the process (unless something changes), so there’s still plenty of time for this recruitment to play out. Alabama and Georgia will certainly make their pushes this summer, and Nebraska isn’t going away either. However, Michigan has advantages. Early visits, perpetual communication, proximity to home, likely early opportunity, and a head coach whose entire coaching identity is built on developing elite defensive talent.
If the Wolverines can close on Tavares Harrington, it’ll be a clear signal that the Whittingham era in Ann Arbor is off to a good start, and that Michigan is still a premier destination for the best defensive players in the country.
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This story was originally published by A to Z Sports on Feb 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
