Michigan football suffered a setback in its 2026 recruiting efforts when four-star cornerback Dorian Barney of Carrollton (Ga.) announced he would no longer be part of the Wolverines’ class.
Instead, Barney switched his pledge to Ole Miss following a weekend trip to Oxford. His move leaves Michigan with only one cornerback in the current cycle, four-star Andre Clarke from Richmond (Va.) Hermitage.
The Wolverines had built momentum by securing top prospects across the country, including five-star running back Savion Hiter and quarterback Brady Smigiel. However, Barney’s departure signals another battle ahead as the program works to hold ground in a competitive national recruiting race.
According to On3, Michigan’s class has 22 commits and ranks No. 10 overall and fourth in the Big Ten. USC currently leads the conference.
Dorian Barney’s recruitment journey and Michigan’s next moves
Barney’s recruitment has been anything but straightforward. Michigan first extended an offer in May of last year. Within a week, he committed to Alabama, but by the fall, he backed out of that decision.
Soon after, Texas A&M gained traction, followed by Penn State, which took the lead heading into the summer. Michigan surged late and secured his commitment, only to see Ole Miss win out this fall.
Barney’s commitment announcement last year hinted at uncertainty, as he never verbally declared the Wolverines on a live stream, and the camera missed the maize and blue-themed celebration. That hesitation foreshadowed his eventual flip.
Michigan is now turning its attention to other secondary targets. The Wolverines remain active with Top 100 prospects Khary Adams (Notre Dame commit), Davon Benjamin (Oregon commit), and Baylor pledge Jamarion Vincent.
Landing any of them will be crucial as the program works to fill the void left by Barney while solidifying a class still stocked with five-star and Top 100 talent.