12/12/2025
Top 10 Michigan Commits Most Likely to Flip to Virginia Tech After Coaching Shakeup
Michigan’s firing of head coach Sherrone Moore sent immediate ripples through the college football world, but nowhere is the impact felt more sharply than on the recruiting trail. Whenever a powerhouse program undergoes sudden leadership change, commitments become unstable, relationships weaken, and rival programs smell opportunity.
Enter James Franklin and Virginia Tech.
Franklin has already proven that he can swing major recruiting battles, flip blue-chip prospects, and rebuild a roster quickly. Now, with Michigan’s 2026 class facing uncertainty, the Hokies have a real chance to capitalize. Several Michigan commits—especially those outside the Midwest or those with previously fluid recruitment histories—may now take a harder look at Blacksburg.
Here are the Top 10 Michigan commits most likely to flip to Virginia Tech.
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1. Savion Hiter – RB (Five-Star)
The crown jewel of Michigan’s class and the most dangerous name now on flip-watch. Hiter is a generational running back talent from Virginia, giving Tech a built-in regional advantage. Franklin dominates in-state relationships, and Hiter’s home ties make him the most realistic flip target on the board.
Flip Probability: ★★★★★ (Very High)
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2. Carter Meadows – EDGE (Five-Star)
One of the top edge rushers in the country. Meadows committed early, but Michigan’s coaching staff was a major factor in his decision. If defensive staff turnover occurs, Virginia Tech becomes a legitimate player. Franklin has a long track record of flipping elite defensive recruits when instability hits.
Flip Probability: ★★★★☆
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3. Travis Johnson – WR (Four-Star)
A dynamic receiver who has long drawn interest from programs nationwide. Johnson’s recruitment remained open longer than most, and schools—including Franklin-led staffs—have been heavily in the mix before. Coaching turnover is exactly the type of event that can reopen this recruitment.
Flip Probability: ★★★★☆
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4. Titan Davis – DL (Four-Star)
A highly coveted defensive lineman with national appeal. Michigan sold him on development and continuity; without that continuity, his recruitment becomes vulnerable. Tech’s need for impact defensive linemen makes him a major flip priority.
Flip Probability: ★★★★☆
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5. Brady Marchese – WR (Four-Star)
Marchese has already flipped once—he previously switched from Georgia to Michigan. Recruits who have already made one move are historically more likely to entertain another change if circumstances shift. With Michigan’s offensive future unclear, he becomes a realistic target.
Flip Probability: ★★★☆☆
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6. Marky Walbridge – OT (Four-Star)
One of the fastest-rising offensive line prospects in the country. His stock exploded late, and programs that missed out may now take another run. Franklin has always prioritized long, athletic tackles—Walbridge fits that mold perfectly.
Flip Probability: ★★★☆☆
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7. Julian Walker – EDGE/DL (Four-Star)
A versatile defensive athlete who can play multiple spots along the front. Players in this mold often commit based on the defensive scheme. If Michigan’s scheme shifts under a new coach, Walker becomes a prime candidate to explore other options.
Flip Probability: ★★★☆☆
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8. Andre Clarke – DB (Four-Star)
A defensive back whose game fits Franklin’s secondary-centric recruiting philosophy. If he’s from outside the Midwest, that geographic distance—combined with staff turnover—makes a flip even more plausible. Tech is rebuilding the DB room and would pursue Clarke aggressively.
Flip Probability: ★★★☆☆
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9. Tariq Boney – DE/EDGE (Four-Star)
A national defender who committed later in the cycle. His recruitment wasn’t locked down by years of relationships, making him more likely to rethink things. With the identity of Michigan’s next defensive staff uncertain, Boney becomes a name to watch.
Flip Probability: ★★☆☆☆
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10. Jaylen Pile – WR (High-Upside Three-Star)
A developmental receiver with strong upside. These types of recruits often reevaluate after coaching turnover because depth charts, offensive coordinators, and positional philosophies change. Tech could offer a faster path to reps.
Flip Probability: ★★☆☆☆
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Why Virginia Tech Is Positioned to Strike
1. A stable, energized coaching staff
With a new direction, continuity, and strong leadership under Franklin, Tech offers the exact opposite of Michigan’s present uncertainty.
2. Rebuilt recruiting infrastructure
Tech is recruiting at its highest level in years. Franklin’s connections in the Mid-Atlantic, southeast, and Midwest give the Hokies national reach.
3. A compelling playing-time pitch
Many positions—RB, WR, EDGE, DB—offer immediate impact opportunities. Recruits notice that.
4. Michigan’s timeline issues
If the Wolverines take too long to hire a replacement, multiple commits may look elsewhere.
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Final Outlook
Virginia Tech may not land all 10 names on this list—no program would. But flipping one or two blue-chip Michigan commits would significantly reshape Tech’s 2026 class and further accelerate the Franklin era.
Hiter, Meadows, and Johnson headline the list, but the window is open wider than it has been in years. If momentum swings toward Blacksburg, this recruiting cycle could mark a turning point.
