Huge Recruiting Blow For Michigan As Darrell Mattison Decommits

(Darrell Mattison via X)

The landscape of college football recruiting is famously fluid, but for Michigan fans, the latest news hits with the sting of a missed tackle in open space. On Tuesday, four-star safety Darrell Mattison officially decommitted from the Wolverines, a move that comes just days after a high-profile visit to Oxford, Mississippi. Mattison, a standout defender from Chicago’s Morgan Park High School, had been a foundational piece of the 2027 class—and the very first commitment of the Kyle Whittingham era.

His departure leaves Michigan’s coaching staff looking for answers and reinforces the growing difficulty of fending off SEC powerhouses on the recruiting trail.

The Oxford Effect

The turning point in Mattison’s recruitment appears to have been his visit to Ole Miss during the "Double Decker" festival weekend. While Mattison had been a "hard commit" to Michigan since March 24, the Rebels, led by defensive coordinator Pete Golding, never stopped their pursuit. The atmosphere in Oxford, combined with the momentum of Lane Kiffin’s program, clearly resonated with the Chicago native.

Reports surfaced late Tuesday that Mattison’s experience at Ole Miss was "mind-blowing." By the time he returned home, the writing was on the wall. Within 48 hours, the 6-foot-2, 160-pound ball hawk announced he would be reopening his recruitment, with industry insiders now heavily favoring a flip to the Rebels.

A Blow to the Whittingham Era Momentum

The timing of this decommitment is particularly tough for Michigan. Mattison wasn't just another recruit; he was a symbol of the "new" Michigan under Head Coach Kyle Whittingham and defensive coordinator Jay Hill. Landing a top-tier safety from the Chicago area—a traditional Big Ten battleground—was seen as a statement that the transition from Jim Harbaugh to the new staff would be seamless.

Mattison’s scouting report highlights exactly why he was a priority:

• Physicality: Despite his lean frame, he is a violent tackler who excels in run support.

• Ball Skills: A "rangy" defender with the ability to track the ball and create turnovers, a hallmark of Jay Hill’s defensive philosophy.

• Versatility: His 6-foot-2 height allows him to compete with larger receivers, making him an ideal fit for the modern Big Ten.

Losing him means Michigan loses the highest-rated defensive commit currently in the 2027 cycle, a class that was just beginning to gain national traction.