The latest on a lot of 2026 names:

Michigan is adding an analyst to help with the offensive line.

Been told by multiple folks that former UCLA OL coach Juan Castillo is being hired as an OL analyst.

He was with the program in 2019 as an analyst. Spent 2024 with UCLA and has spent most of his coaching career in the NFL ranks.

M&BR has the latest on what we’re hearing on the OC search.

I am going to separate our live blog and NSD discussion so people can get all their information without having to skim through commentary.

So let's discuss the day here!

Always a fun couple of days. Hope Santa brings you something good.

So quick asking around, sounds like Damon Payne sent in paperwork this morning to sign and that news was leaked out with the staff acknowledging his addition.

His father posted on social media a graphic of his commitment and changed his profile banner to one of him with Jim Harbaugh.

Now, his agency is refuting the signing and the paperwork is nullified.

Trying to find out what’s going on and where things go from here.

We are taking down his commitment story and moving forward as if he is not transferring to Michigan.

Alabama DL Damon Payne has entered the portal and I expect Michigan to be interested here.

The Belleville native makes sense for a ton of reasons and the hometown pull is intriguing.

After talking to some folks, including those in Belleville, U-M is going to go up against some SEC programs who are willing to pony up some good deals for him though multiple people were adamant he wasn’t looking for an easy payday, and I believe it.

I’m willing to “let it play out” but Payne will absolutely have his fair share of suitors.

Tennessee better not bring out any flags, then they’re really gonna hear about it.

Login to view embedded media

Penn State QB Beau Pribula has been reached out to in the portal according to sources familiar with the situation.

I don’t know how serious the discussions are yet, or whether a visit is in the works, but I can confirm they’ve reached out.

Things are moving, intriguing get for Michigan.

Story to come.

Kenneth Grant is the only name from the group of talented juniors (Will Johnson, Mason Graham, Colston Loveland) not to declare publically for the NFL Draft.

Multiple sources have told me that the plan is for him to enter the NFL Draft. He is set to train with a company in Dallas, while the other three will train together with the same company but in Arizona.
That said, sources have told me Michigan has made a big push to get him to return for another season. I do not know the details of the NIL offer or anything like that, but it appears Grant is considering it at least.

I have no information from anyone close to Grant on which way he may or may not be leaning. Still, given the plans in place and the fact he is likely getting draft grades back of first-round possibly top 15, with a strong combine performance, it's hard for me to imagine him coming back. I guess the longer it goes with no announcement, you probably see that has a good sign for Michigan.

If I get anything more, I will update you all, but that was basically the stage heading into the offseason.

...left...here is my wish list for Santa.

RB Justice Haynes
DT Gusta from Wazzou
OT Fa alli from Wazzou
QB Daquan Finn

Im not a fan of Keene's but I'd take h for depth. Still not sure if Finn will get his 7 th year and he had shoulder surgery so I'm not sure where his health stands.

The Uconn WR is probably coming so brace yourselves if he doesnt fit in with your individual plan/ wish list.

Top WRs are VERY expensive. We have Moore...Morgan and Mcculley...plus the 2 Rs Fr ....plus 3 true Fr. The up side is we finally have some big bodied receivers.

Was recently offered by Michigan. Has a handful of visits already set up.

I spoke with Williams today, there is interest in Michigan and he is working around his schedule to see if he can fit a visit in or not. TBD there.

Story to come.