The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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54 THE WOLVERINE ❱ FEBRUARY 2026 ❱ MICHIGAN RECRUITING Jim Harding stopped by his school, and he already held a high opinion of Kyle Whittingham as well. "Definitely a wild experience, but Coach Whittingham is an amazing hire with his reputation at Utah, and then Coach Harding, with his reputation as an O-line coach — he has two pro- jected first-rounders, both at tackle, out of Utah this year," Dare said. "So, obviously, a great reputation for those coaches, and I'm just excited to build that relationship." The Wolverine caught up with Dare during practice for the Navy All-Amer- ican Bowl, Jan. 10 in San Antonio, Texas. Michigan's old coaching staff was a significant reason why Dare committed to the program in the first place, so he needs to see how he meshes with the new group. "Some of the main questions are where they see me, what's their plan?" Dare said. The class of 2027 Michigan commit played both tackle spots for Southlake Carroll, one of Texas' top prep pro- grams, as a junior. This was just his sec- ond season playing offensive line. He also spent time practicing at center and guard. If Michigan hosts a junior day at the end of January, Dare said he'd love to make the trip. He will be back on cam- pus for spring practice at the latest. Harding's reputation impressed Dare, and he explained what he'd like to see from his future position coach as they continue to bond. "The experience he's had, that's defi- nitely a good thing," Dare said. "In the same way the University of Michigan has a reputation of being a good football program, you want someone who knows what they're doing and has experience, but also just a coach who is concerned about their players getting better and focused on both them being the best people on and off the field and being the best they can be for the team. It'll be interesting to see." Dare picked up recent offers from TCU and Virginia Tech, but his Michi- gan commitment has not wavered be- cause he has the benefit of time on his side. He will spend the next few months evaluating how he fits in with the staff. The lineman would still like to sign with U-M at the end of this year. "I'd love to be in Ann Arbor because I did love it when I was out there," Dare said. — Ethan McDowell CAN MICHIGAN KEEP NO. 1 IN-STATE PLAYER AT HOME? Dakota Guerrant is the No. 1 class of 2027 prospect in Michigan, and the pre- vious coaching staff was in the middle of a recruiting battle with Oregon, Ohio State and others to keep the Harper Woods (Mich.) High standout home. The new staff, in an effort led by wide receivers coach Micah Simon and as- sistant wide receivers coach/analyst Marques Hagans, has a tall task on its hands. Dakota's father, Gerald Guerrant, spoke with the two Wolverine assistants shortly after they joined the staff. He doesn't have any previous connection to Simon, but the receivers coach wants to make Dakota a priority. "He has watched the film," Gerald said. "He's interested. He's definitely going to be giving us a call, and we'll start that process of building the rela- tionship." Simon just wrapped up his first sea- son as Utah's receivers coach and hit the Tristan Dare, a 2027 Michigan commitment, is rated as the No. 46 interior offensive lineman in the land and No. 76 prospect in Texas. PHOTO BY ETHAN MCDOWELL Harper Woods (Mich.) wide receiver Dakota Guerrant is the No. 1 prospect in Michigan in the 2027 recruiting class. U-M remains in his top five schools, but the new staff will need to sell him on their passing game and a development plan for him to reach his goal of playing in the NFL. PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS