In a stunning recruiting shake-up, Michigan football has lost out on highly touted four-star edge rusher Jermaine Kinsler, who announced his commitment to Texas A&M on Thursday morning. The decision comes as a major surprise, especially after Kinsler’s recent visit to Ann Arbor, which many believed had positioned the Wolverines as frontrunners.
Kinsler, a standout from Oradell (N.J.) Bergen Catholic, is ranked as the No. 170 overall prospect in the 2026 class and the top player in New Jersey. His commitment to Texas A&M highlights the growing recruiting influence of head coach Mike Elko, who successfully swayed the elite defender away from Michigan and other top programs.
In an exclusive with On3, Kinsler revealed that his bond with the Texas A&M coaching staff and Elko’s defensive philosophy played key roles in his decision. “I like what Coach Elko is doing, and he’s a defensive-minded coach,” Kinsler said. “That definitely led me in that direction.”
Michigan was considered a serious contender, with On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine giving the Wolverines a 12% chance of landing Kinsler—equal to Ohio State and Penn State. Meanwhile, Texas A&M had just a 5% chance, making this commitment a major recruiting upset.
The Wolverines now find themselves regrouping as they continue to build their 2026 class. With just two commitments—four-star cornerback Brody Jennings and wide receiver Jaylen Pile—head coach Sherrone Moore will need to secure additional top-tier talent to stay competitive.
Losing Kinsler underscores the intense national recruiting battles Michigan faces, particularly when competing against SEC programs for elite defensive prospects. His decision serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of recruiting, where relationships and coaching philosophies can shift the landscape.
Despite this setback, Michigan remains in the hunt for several other high-profile recruits. With official visits and key evaluation periods ahead, the Wolverines will look to rebound and strengthen their class.
Fans will be watching closely as Michigan attempts to bounce back from this recruiting surprise. Could another unexpected twist be on the horizon? Stay tuned for full details.