Michigan secures top-tier 2026 specialist Jacob Baggett, bringing a powerful leg and touchback prowess to Ann Arbor.
In the high-stakes world of Big Ten football, where games are often decided by the narrowest of margins, the importance of a reliable leg cannot be overstated. On Thursday afternoon, Michigan Football took a massive step toward securing its future by landing a commitment from Jacob Baggett, one of the premier kicking prospects in the 2026 class.
Baggett, a standout specialist from Charlotte (N.C.) Providence Day, announced his pledge to the Wolverines shortly after an official visit to Ann Arbor. Ranked as the No. 8 kicker in the country, Baggett chose the Maize and Blue over offers from Kentucky and several other FBS programs.
A "Live Leg" Joins the Ranks
Baggett isn't just a kicker; he’s a weapon. Standing 6-foot-0 and 185 pounds, he brings a combination of accuracy and raw power that the Michigan coaching staff prioritized. During his senior high school season, Baggett was nearly automatic, connecting on 6-of-7 field goal attempts with a long of 48 yards. His only miss? A 51-yard attempt that barely missed the mark.
Beyond his field goal prowess, Baggett is a touchback machine. In 2025, he booted 102 kickoffs, 95 of which resulted in touchbacks—setting a North Carolina high school record.
"Jacob is a fantastic prospect with a live leg," noted specialist guru Chris Sailer. "He hits a pure ball, gets great height, and easily has 55+ yard range. His kickoffs are D1 ready right now."
The Kerry Coombs Effect
The primary architect of this recruitment is none other than Special Teams Coordinator Kerry Coombs. Since being retained by new head coach Kyle Whittingham, Coombs has been on a tear, working to overhaul a unit that struggled with consistency in 2025.
Last season, Michigan’s special teams were a far cry from the elite units seen under the Harbaugh era. The Wolverines ranked near the bottom of the FBS in punt and kickoff return yardage, and veteran kicker Dominic Zvada saw his field goal percentage dip. Coombs was brought in to fix that, and his impact on the recruiting trail has been immediate.
Baggett cited his bond with Coombs as a "no-brainer" factor in his decision. Coombs’ energy and decades of experience—spanning Ohio State, the Tennessee Titans, and Cincinnati—have resonated with recruits. By landing Baggett, Coombs has effectively stabilized a position that saw 2026 pledge Micah Drescher decommit earlier this cycle.
What It Means for 2026 and Beyond
The commitment of Baggett, alongside winter transfer portal addition Trey Butkowski (Pittsburgh), signals a complete changing of the guard for Michigan’s special teams.
Metric
Jacob Baggett (HS Stats)
Impact for Michigan
FG Accuracy
85.7% (Senior Year)
Reliable scoring in the red zone
Touchback Rate
93.1%
Eliminating dangerous returners
Max Range
65 Yards (Practice)
Threatening points from midfield
With Baggett in the fold, the Wolverines now have a long-term solution who can compete for the starting job the moment he steps on campus. For a program entering the Whittingham era with aspirations of returning to the College Football Playoff, having a kicker who "thrives under pressure" (as Baggett is often described) is a luxury that becomes a necessity in November.
Kerry Coombs isn't just recruiting players; he's recruiting a standard of excellence. If Baggett's record-breaking high school career is any indication, the "Special" in Michigan’s special teams is about to return in a big way.