Kyle Whittingham, Michigan have major win on recruiting trail, steal elite QB from Big Ten rival

Lopati is one of the top recruits from the state of Utah, so the connection to Michigan makes sense. Whittingham, the new head coach at Michigan, had gotten to know the four-star quarterback when he was recruiting him to come play for the Utah Utes.

New Michigan offensive coordinator Jason Beck also had developed a relationship with Lopati while at Utah. Now, with both at Michigan, those relationships gave the Wolverines an advantage.

“I have great relationships with the entire Michigan staff and that was big for me,” Lopati said, via Greg Biggins of Rivals. “All of those coaches were recruiting me when they were at Utah and picked things right back up when they got to Michigan."

Kamden Lopati always liked the Michigan Wolverines 

The relationships were there, but Lopati also likes the vibe at Michigan. 

“The game day atmosphere there is incredible and the fan base is so passionate. I love the culture of the program and it’s just a special place," he said of Michigan. "The Big House is incredible, the facilities are as good as you’re going to see and it’s just different there. When you combine all that with my relationships with the staff, it really helped put them over the top.”

Lopati had committed to Illinois in July 2025. Michigan offered this past February. 

“Growing up, I’ve always liked Michigan and their football tradition,” Lopati said. “When they offered, that was big deal for me because it’s a school I always followed when I was younger.

That was a big deal for Lopati, and he's now going to be playing college football in The Big House.

He's ranked as the No. 9 quarterback in the 2027 class, according to the 247Sports Composite.