Recruiting Roundup: WR signee discusses late push from James Franklin, Virginia Tech
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Last week was a big week in the recruiting world with the early signing period, and the Michigan Wolverines signed 27 players in the 2026 class. With the whirlwind of signing day in the rearview mirror, let’s catch up on the latest news and developments in today’s Recruiting Roundup.
Travis Johnson breaks down NSD drama
Michigan suffered a scare with one of its top commits in the 2026 class, as four-star wideout Travis Johnson received some last-minute attention from James Franklin and Virginia Tech before ultimately signing with the Wolverines. He likes his outlook at Michigan and has faith in the offense.
“I believe in the vision they have for me,” Johnson told On3’s EJ Holland ($). “I still like what they are doing with the offense. I think Bryce (Underwood) is a great player. I’m excited to play with him. Michigan has always felt like family.”
Johnson’s mother weighed in on her son’s decision, and she noted the family just wanted to take a step back to make sure that the best choice was being made.
“We were making sure all avenues were covered when it came to everything,” she said. “Just making sure he was all good… Michigan has been home for him. I told him from the jump when we started this process with his older brother, TJ, that ‘when you know, you may not be able to put it into words, but you’ll feel it.’ He felt that a long time ago with the coaches and how kind everybody has been, how everyone has expressed their plan for him and it’s a great area. That puts me at ease. When we go to Ann Arbor, I don’t even see him. He’s gone with the players and his friends. He feels right at home.”
There was a push from Franklin, but like we’ve seen so many times when he has gone up against Michigan on the football field, he came up short.
“Virginia Tech did talk to me a lot here at the end,” he said. “It got a little stressful. But it was late. I had good talks with the coaches at Michigan. I just felt comfortable with Michigan. …I’m super excited that the process is over. I’m ready to get there and make an impact. But first, I’m ready to go win another state championship with my brothers.”
Three-star OL talks flip to Michigan
One player Michigan added via a late flip was 2026 three-star offensive lineman Adrian Hamilton, who signed with the Wolverines last week. Hamilton had been committed to Virginia Tech, but he decided that Michigan was a better fit. after taking an official visit for the Ohio State game.
“It’s like a dream come true,” Hamilton told 247Sports’ Brian Dohn ($). “That’s a school I always liked since I was in middle school and now that they started recruiting me, to be honest, it was one of the happiest moments of my life. Me and my mom were very happy the night that they offered me. I am glad I am able to be this close and in contact with them. It’s a great feeling. When I got there, I went into the hotel room and for 10 or 15 minutes, thought about where I was. It made me very happy.
“The atmosphere of the game Saturday, it was crazy. I’ve never been a part of something like that. They had 113,000 people in attendance and they were loud, and that made me realize, ‘Wow, I really, really do like the place.’”
Offensive line coach Grant Newsome formed a strong relationship with Hamilton, and he and the whole staff think he is a great fit.
“They were excited,” Hamilton said. “They all like me. They really think I can do great things. Me and coach Newsome, we sat down and talked about where he saw me in the offense, and how I can help out. They are all excited. I am excited as well.”
Hamilton will be among the 17 recruits enrolling early for the Wolverines.
Elite 2027 WR talks Michigan visit
With the 2026 cycle wrapped up, attention now turns to 2027. Michigan desperately needs to secure some talent at the wide receiver position, and a top target is four-star Jaden Upshaw. He was in Ann Arbor for The Game, and like most recruits who come to the Big House, the atmosphere was a big takeaway.
“It was a great visit,” Upshaw told On3’s Holland ($). “It was great to talk to coach (Sherrone) Moore and the whole staff. I would say that was a big highlight and just being on campus. Coming from Georgia, it was cold as I don’t know what (laughs). It was great to see all the fans out there. The stadium was jumping.”
It’s no secret that Michigan fans want to see the offense open up a bit more, and Upshaw wants to see that as well. If the Wolverines want to secure wide receivers in the future, they need to show them that they will be used.
“It’s a good offense,” Upshaw said. “Bryce Underwood is definitely a great player. I feel like they could have done a little bit more passing the ball during the game. I just want to see them pass a little bit more.”
Michigan is in the mix here, but things will probably have to change offensively to put the program in a good spot to secure a commitment from Upshaw.
“I’ve been talking to the staff for a long time, and I heard great things about Michigan,” he admitted. “Why not go visit? It was definitely a good experience. Michigan is on my list. I would say all the schools on it are the same right now.”
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