Michigan Football Aims to Flip Four-Star Cornerback from Notre Dame
The Wolverines are focused on bolstering their 2026 recruiting class while aiming to make a significant impact on their regional rival from South Bend.
Matt Lounsberry | 54 Minutes Ago
Michigan defensive backs coach LaMar Morgan reacts to a play against Oregon during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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Michigan’s coaching staff has been active on the recruiting trail over the last couple of weeks, making in-home visits with high school prospects nationwide.
On a recent trip to Tennessee, U-M defensive backs coach LaMar Morgan met with four-star cornerback Chaston Smith from Chattanooga’s McCallie School, who verbally committed to Notre Dame on Dec. 1, just two months ago. This visit indicates that Smith’s pledge to the Fighting Irish hasn’t slowed Michigan’s pursuit of the four-star prospect.
According to On3’s Industry Ranking, Smith is rated as the No. 258 overall prospect, the No. 16 cornerback, and the No. 7 player from Tennessee in the 2026 class. However, his extensive offer list suggests he might be undervalued by recruiting services. The 6-foot-1, 175-pound cornerback has received scholarship offers from 35 FBS programs, including top schools like Alabama, Oregon, Penn State, and Tennessee, along with Michigan and Notre Dame.
Flipping Smith won’t be an easy task for Morgan and the Wolverines. Initially, the four-star committed to Notre Dame after also considering offers from programs like Clemson, Texas A&M, South Carolina, and Indiana, and the Fighting Irish will undoubtedly work to keep Smith in their fold as the 2026 cycle continues.
Currently, Michigan’s 2026 recruiting class has two commitments: four-star defensive back Brody Jennings and three-star wide receiver Jaylen Pile. At this early stage in the cycle, Michigan’s class is ranked No. 39 nationally and 13th among the 18 Big Ten schools.
Michigan Football Targeting Four-Star Cornerback Chaston Smith, Notre Dame Commit for 2026 Recruiting Class
Michigan defensive back coach LaMar Morgan observes a play against USC during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
