Kyle Whittingham, Michigan steal Ohio native from Buckeyes in massive recruiting win

Michigan Wolverines head coach Kyle Whittingham. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Kyle Whittingham, Michigan steal Ohio native from Buckeyes in massive recruiting win

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Jul 1, 2026 10:32 PM ET

The Michigan Wolverines and new head coach Kyle Whittingham have just pulled off a major recruiting win over their biggest rival.

To be clear, the Indiana Hoosiers and Louisville Cardinals were in the running as well, but four-star cornerback Monsanna Tobert Jr. is from Cincinnati, Ohio, and the Ohio State Buckeyes didn't want him to leave the state.

Nonetheless, Torbert committed to Michigan on Wednesday.

He cited Michigan's new defensive staff as the major reason why he went the Wolverines' way.

“The new defensive staff,” Torbert said, via Rivals. “Defensive guru, the DC Coach Jay Hill. Michigan is a powerhouse, they’re always good. The DC/corners coach I have a great relationship with him. Then you have a Cincinnati coach over there in Coach (Kerry) Coombs.

“Michigan it’s a defensive powerhouse. If you want to be a great defensive player on the next level Michigan is a great spot.”

BREAKING: Four-Star CB Monsanna Torbert Jr. has Committed to Michigan, he tells me for @Rivals

The 6’0 175 CB chose the Wolverines over Ohio State and Indiana

“I guess I’m the villain now, GOBLUE”https://t.co/ESqFiFi7Jy pic.twitter.com/xUIrcpxr5W
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) July 1, 2026

Elite athlete Monsanna Torbert Jr. chooses Michigan over Ohio State

Playing for Princeton High School, Torbert notched 20 tackles and three interceptions (including two pick sixes) as a junior. He also played offense and added 2,241 yards and 30 touchdowns as a quarterback.

His football future appears to be in the secondary, though.

"Shows range and instincts in coverage," wrote Rivals Director of Scouting Charles Power. "Jumps passes and has outstanding play speed when taking interceptions the other way. Has fared well as a corner in the camp setting. Shows quick feet and is able to react and flip his hips off the line of scrimmage. Has the long speed to stay in-phase on vertical routes. Does a nice job turning to locate the football. Also an active and willing run defender."

According to 247Sports, Torbert is the No. 12 cornerback in the 2027 class and the No. 6 recruit out of the state of Ohio.

For Michigan to pull him out of Ohio is a big deal, so this is a big win for the Wolverines.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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