ANN ARBOR – Michigan’s football program is facing challenges within its 2026 recruiting class following the recent firing of head coach Sherrone Moore. Bear McWhorter, a three-star offensive lineman from Cass High in Georgia, has opted to withdraw from his National Letter of Intent (NLI) just a week after signing due to these unforeseen changes. A Michigan spokesperson confirmed McWhorter’s decision to MLive on Friday, noting that it was a direct response to recent events involving the program.
McWhorter expressed his gratitude toward the Michigan staff in a post on X, stating, “In light of recent events, I’ve made the very difficult decision to withdraw my NLI.” His departure marks the second loss for Michigan’s 2026 class since Moore’s dismissal, following four-star tight end Matt Ludwig’s decision to reopen his recruitment as well.
The Wolverines had signed 27 recruits during the recent early signing period, a class ranked 11th in the nation, which included 11 top-250 prospects. McWhorter, who stands at 6-foot-4 and weighs 300 pounds, was among the initial commitments for this recruiting cycle, having chosen Michigan over the University of Alabama earlier in February. According to the 247Sports composite rankings, he is recognized as the No. 514 overall prospect and the No. 40 interior offensive lineman nationally.
Biff Poggi, who served as interim head coach for two games during Moore’s suspension, has stepped in once again as Michigan navigates the process of selecting a full-time replacement. According to recruiting analyst Allen Trieu from 247Sports, the uncertainty surrounding the coaching position can significantly influence recruit retention. Trieu emphasized the importance of a timely hiring process to mitigate further departures from the recruiting class.
The situation reflects the challenges that college football programs often encounter during transitional periods, and the hope remains that a swift resolution will help stabilize the Wolverines’ recruiting efforts moving forward.