With Will Johnson off to the NFL and the Wolverines looking to reload their secondary, LaMar Morgan and the coaching staff are making a strong push to flip Smith before signing day.
Michigan isn’t backing down. Even with top-tier recruits already locked into other programs, the Wolverines’ coaching staff is staying aggressive on the recruiting trail. That persistence is now being directed at four-star cornerback Chaston Smith, a Notre Dame commit who just might be hearing the Michigan pitch a little more often.
Defensive backs coach LaMar Morgan recently made the trip to Chattanooga, Tennessee, to meet with Smith, who committed to Notre Dame on Dec. 1. Despite that pledge, Michigan is pushing hard, making it clear that they have no intention of backing off.
Smith is currently ranked as the No. 258 overall prospect and the No. 16 cornerback in the 2026 class, according to On3’s Industry Ranking. But the offer list tells a different story. The 6-foot-1, 175-pound defensive back has drawn interest from 35 different FBS programs, including Alabama, Oregon, Penn State, and Tennessee, making him one of the more sought-after defensive backs in his class.
For Michigan, the pursuit of Smith isn’t just about adding talent—it’s about addressing a growing need. With Will Johnson heading to the NFL, the Wolverines are once again looking to reload at a position that has seen its fair share of stars over the years. Johnson, a former five-star and the best corner Michigan has had since Jourdan Lewis, leaves massive shoes to fill. Historically, Michigan has thrived when it’s had elite playmakers in the secondary. From Lewis to Leon Hall, from Marlin Jackson to Charles Woodson, the Wolverines’ best defenses have been anchored by top-tier corners.
Landing Smith would help continue that legacy, but it won’t be easy. Notre Dame isn’t letting go without a fight, and with schools like Clemson, Texas A&M, and South Carolina already in the mix, Michigan has work to do if they want to flip him.
Michigan’s 2026 recruiting class is still in its early stages, currently sitting at No. 39 in the country with two commits: four-star defensive back Brody Jennings and three-star wide receiver Jaylen Pile. If the Wolverines can land Smith, it would be a major step toward solidifying their secondary of the future.
The chase is far from over, but Michigan is making it clear—they’re going all in on Chaston Smith.