Michigan football 2026 class takes hit as Andre Clarke decommits

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Michigan football has managed to have turmoil surrounding a coaching firing (Sherrone Moore) and hiring (Kyle Whittingham) without a full-blown mass exodus. Though there have been quite a few transfer portal entries since it opened on January 2, the 2026 class has mostly stuck together.

There were two defections, with tight end Matt Ludwig flipping to Texas Tech and offensive lineman Bear McWhorter flipping to Auburn. But until Monday, that was it. However, another was released from his NLI to open up the week.

One of the Wolverines‘ many Virginia pledges, Richmond (Va.) Hermitage four-star cornerback Andre Clarke was a summer commit, but with the changes made (to the head coach, to his position coach), Clarke has decided to get out of his commitment and signing and look elsewhere.

BREAKING: Four-Star DB Andre Clarke has been released from his signing with Michigan, he tells me for @rivals
“Thank you to the Michigan program for everything”https://t.co/j40Eik6bV7 pic.twitter.com/5I45OeeFd8
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 5, 2026

Ratings

Service	*	Rank	Position	State
247Sports Composite	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️	213	21	5
Rivals Industry Ranking	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️	229	23	5
247Sports	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️	–	30	8
Rivals	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️	–	32	6
ESPN	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️	101	15	3

Clarke was between Michigan and Kentucky and ultimately chose the Wolverines. We’ll know soon if things move quickly as far as his new destination of choice.