How Sherrone Moore's first big coaching staff move at Michigan is already paying dividends as recruiting battles heat up
The impact of making the right hire can be exponential and legacy-defining for any head coach. When Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore brought Chip Lindsey from North Carolina, he hoped the experienced offensive coordinator would freshen up a stale offense. So far, Lindsey's primary responsibilities have been recruiting for the team's future stars and preparing […]
The impact of making the right hire can be exponential and legacy-defining for any head coach. When Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore brought Chip Lindsey from North Carolina, he hoped the experienced offensive coordinator would freshen up a stale offense.
So far, Lindsey's primary responsibilities have been recruiting for the team's future stars and preparing freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood for the bright lights this fall. Michigan is discovering that these two things often go hand in hand.
2026 four-star receiver Travis Johnson confirmed as much recently. The Virginia native stands 6-foot-3 and 180 pounds, and he's become a heavy favorite to land in Ann Arbor. On3 has him as 89% likely to pick Moore's Wolverines.
His takeaways from his fourth visit were as positive as they get.
“The visit was great,” Johnson said. “They always treat me like a priority. This time, I got to spend more time with the guys, especially my Virginia guys. I feel like every visit we’ve been on at Michigan has felt like an official visit. It’s just great getting back every time.”
Direct coaching from wide receivers coach Ron Bellamy and Lindsey has led to more trust, too.
“My meeting with them [Bellamy and Lindsey] was great,” Johnson said. “They said they didn’t have a quarterback to throw the ball last year. This year, they do, so it’s going to be different. Coach Lindsey develops quarterbacks. He had Drake Maye at UNC. He has Bryce (Underwood) now. It’s going to be fun to watch.”
Spending time with Underwood was another big win for Johnson's agenda. Combined with Underwood's immense profile and obvious gifts, Lindsey's history with Maye is a big selling point.
Maye became the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft after his time with Lindsey at North Carolina. If Lindsey can replicate Maye's development with Underwood, there's a good chance he'll eventually be the first pick in the 2028 NFL Draft.
Of course, Johnson would want to be part of that.
“Michigan definitely stands very high for me coming out of this visit,” Johnson said. “They have the culture, the development and they win.”
