Now it’s definitely a delight to watch Sherrone Moore and Michigan Wolverines coming back on track. After all, they had hit the lowest when Jim Harbaugh parted ways. The effect of Harbaugh’s departure was felt mostly in the recruiting race. But gone are those days. Right now it’s time for celebration in Ann Arbor. Moore and Co. had their biggest recruiting win by landing its offensive line pledge of the 2026 class. However, the race to woo this IOL athlete has been a tough one amid Alabama, Florida, and Clemson – all clawing for the same.

It’s B1G time for the three-star Bear McWhorter. The 6-foot-3, 308-pound offensive lineman out of Cass High School, Cartersville (Ga.), announced to be joining Moore’s squad on February 28. Now, did you know around 40 schools were on his list? He had plans to attend the Elite Retreat on March 8. But that’s not going to be happening anymore as he will heading north to Ann Arbor. However, his other suitors must have done some homework. As McWhorter stated, “I have always liked Michigan.” He has been all head-over-heels for Moore’s program.

In an interview with On3, he stated, “My first time visiting was January of my freshman year, and they had just won the Joe Moore Award, so that had my attention.” Later on, the Wolverines made their move when he was there for the Michigan vs. Oregon Ducks face-off. As McWhorter recalled, “The game didn’t go their way, but I talked more with the coaches, I saw more of the culture and things took off from there.” However, the No. 38 interior lineman in the 2026 class did not opt for Wolverines at the beginning. He has been a lifelong fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Now, the love for the Bama squad runs high in the lineman’s family. Well, his name says it all. As per the reports, McWhorter’s parents named him legendary Alabama coach Bear Bryant. Ever since he was a child, McWhorter has been taken to Alabama’s games. As his father Josh McWhorter confessed, Alabama was Bear’s dream school growing up.

The 17-year-old did talk highly of Clemson Tigers too. “It’s a winning program. They’re doing it the right way […] Dabo [Swinney] is very consistent in what he does.” The Cass HS athlete was highly sought after by Billy Napier and the Florida Gators. That’s because the Florida HC and McWhorter’s dad were teammates in college and was kind of his dad’s mentor. Now what made McWhorter choose Moore and the Wolverines?

How did Sherrone Moore and the Michigan Wolverines win over Bear McWhorter? 

First things first, is the vibe in Ann Arbor. It seems to have won Bear McWhorter’s heart. As he said, “The players are a lot like me, the vibe is awesome up there and the guys in the programs are guys I am ready to war with every day. I love the people and it is an environment I feel I can thrive in.” In Michigan, McWhorter joins four-star CB Brody Jennings and three-star WR Jaylen Pile as the third commit as the third commit in the 2026 class.

However, the second reason, and perhaps the more crucial is the combination of Michigan offensive line coach Grant Newsome and HC Moore. Over the past few months, the OC has been in constant contact with him. Plus, Moore’s contribution to developing the O-line and his success in coaching linemen has stood out.

Michigan is a blue blood in college football. And Bear McWhorter can’t wait to be a part of it. “Everyone that reps that block M is very proud of it and it goes a long way,” he stated. Exaggeration? Not at all. As per the 247 Sports reports, Sherrone Moore’s program 2025 class ranks 6th. The HC’s biggest flex? 105 kids in Ann Arbor and two at home.