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There was a late exodus of defensive backs in Ann Arbor, weeks after Kyle Whittingham was hired to oversee the program as Michigan football's 22nd head coach. At his introductory press conference, Whittingham shared his vision for the program, noting that it would be player-focused, but at the same time, it wouldn't acquiesce to those who want to do things their own way.
"I think the retention is very good here," Whittingham said. "But the key there is the players that are here and understand what we want, what the culture is, they're responsible to set the standard for the guys that are coming in. And another thing I believe strongly in is that you will become us, we will not become you. As far as the players that are coming in, you will become us and do things the way that we do things."
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Safeties Brandyn Hillman, Jordan Young, and TJ Metcalf, along with cornerback Jayden Sanders, ended up joining Elijah Dotson and Jaden Mangham, departing the program. Cornerback Zeke Berry had left, but withdrew from the transfer portal, and there are indications that some who are in the portal who may come back. But you know who never left? Cornerback Jyaire Hill.
And, as it turns out, he doesn't intend on leaving, having posted to his Instagram that he will be back with the Wolverines in 2026.
With Hill returning, both of Michigan's starting cornerbacks return, along with Shamari Earls and Jo'Ziah Edmond. The Wolverines did lose a cornerback who had initially signed in the 2026 class in Richmond (Va.) Hermitage four-star Andre Clarke, but still retain Waco (Tx.) Connally four-star Jamarion Vincent.
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Michigan hosted Utah transfer cornerback Smith Snowden but he has continued to take visits and hasn't made a decision as of yet.
This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Jyaire Hill stays at Michigan as DB room sees transfer portal exits
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