Wolverine Digest

Michigan football makes final group for coveted four-star LB; sets commitment date

The 2026 prospect will decide between five schools.
Trent Knoop|
Michael Allio-Imagn Images

In this story:

Michigan Wolverines

Michigan football has had quite the success with linebackers in recent years. The Wolverines usually always have a pair of top-notch linebackers at their disposal. It was Junior Colson and Michael Barrett, and now Michigan has Ernest Hausmann and Jaishawn Barham -- with plenty of options behind them. But for Michigan to continue on that trajectory, the Wolverines will need to land a couple of linebackers in the 2026 class.

One of those linebackers could be four-star Kenneth Goodwin III who put Michigan in his final group. The Torrance (CA) Bishop Montgomery linebacker will decide on July 1 between the Wolverines, SMU, Georgia, Texas A&M, and Oregon.

The 6-foot-1, 205-pound linebacker is the Composite's No. 248 prospect in the 2026 class, and the No. 16 linebacker. Following Goodwin's last trip to Ann Arbor, he declared Michigan as a top-three school in his recruitment.

“Michigan is in my Top 3 right now,” said Goodwin. “I really like how they coach my position and the scheme. Their scheme has been used in the NFL a lot. I know that it would translate to the NFL Draft.”

He is scheduled to take an official visit to Michigan on June 13 before committing to a program on July 1. Per On3's Recruiting Prediction Machine, Georgia appears to be leading with a 34.4% chance of landing Goodwin. But Michigan is right behind the Bulldogs with a 19% chance. The Wolverines' official visit could pave the way for Michigan to land the coveted four-star LB.

- Enjoy more Michigan Wolverines coverage on Michigan Wolverines On SI -

More Michigan News:

Big Ten coaches sound off on Michigan football in 2025; including one head-scratching comment

ESPN predicts QB J.J. McCarthy's production in Year 1 as starter for Minnesota Vikings

Michigan Football: CBS Sports drops Sherrone Moore in head coach rankings for 2025 season

For additional coverage of University of Michigan athletics:

Published
Trent Knoop
TRENT KNOOP

Trent began writing and covering Michigan athletics back in 2020. He became a credentialed member of the media in 2021. Trent began writing with Sports Illustrated in 2023 and became the Managing Editor for Michigan Wolverines On SI during the 2025 football season. Trent also serves as the Publisher of Baylor Bears on SI. His other bylines have appeared on Maryland on SI, Wisconsin on SI, and across the USA TODAY Sports network. Trent’s love of sports and being able to tell stories to fans is what made him get into writing.

Share on XFollow @trentknoop
Home/Recruiting