The 2023 Michigan recruiting cycle has been…something to say the least. Thanks to Harbaugh’s flirtation with the NFL and losing both coordinators to go along with NIL just flipping the recruiting landscape on its head, Michigan will be lucky to sign a top 15 high school recruiting class by the time National Signing Day rolls around in February.

But the key word there is “high school”. Gone are the days of relying on 17 and 18 year olds to build the roster. Now, coaches can dive into the transfer portal and add more proven and developed talent to the program. And Jim Harbaugh has dove in head first.

Michigan has taken full advantage of its success on the field, its relationships with former recruits, as well as its NIL abilities for current athletes to fill in gaps from recruiting misses/transfers and improve overall talent and depth. With the top portal player already on board, there’s a really good chance Michigan signs a top transfer portal class.

Check out my pre-Early Signing Day 2023 Best Guess Michigan recruiting class prediction with both recruiting and transfer portal additions.

1. 3* QB Jack Tuttle, 6’4” 210lbs. San Marcos, CA (Indiana)

Michigan may look to bring in a veteran quarterback to add to the depth chart and fill that Alan Bowman role in the room. Tuttle would be a perfect fit. Former four-star top 200 recruit in the 2018 class (Utah) that ended up at transferring to Indiana and seeing spot duty over his career. He didn’t see much action in 2022 but was a team captain, showing his contribution to the team. Michigan looks to be keeping an eye on him, we’ll see if this takes the next step.

• Eligibility: Immediate; 1 year
• 2022 Stats: 9/12 for 82 yards – 1 TD
• Career Stats: 15 starts – 104/182 for 901 yards – 5 TD & 6 INT – 101.2 rating
• Recruiting Ranking: Four-star, #167 Overall, #8 Pro-QB, #25 in California
• Transfer Ranking: Three-star, #97 Overall, 84.00 rating (via 247Sports)
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good

2. 3* ATH Kendrick Bell, 6’3” 180lbs. Kansas City, MO (Park Hill)

Bell is the younger brother of Ronnie Bell but is bigger and has more positionally versatile while being just as athletic. He plays quarterback at Park Hill but he could end up on either side of the ball during his Michigan career, though I like his playmaking abilities on offense. Got a bit of Colin Kaepernick in his game.

• Commitment Date: 10/17/22
• Rankings: 247Sports (3*, #178 ATH) – On3 (3*, #24 QB) – Rivals (3*, #49 ATH) – ESPN (3*, #19 DT-QB)
• Consensus Ranking: Three-star, #1017 Overall, #53 QB, #22 in Missouri

3. 4* RB Cole Cabana, 6’0′ 180lbs. Dexter, MI (Dexter)

One of the best prospects in this class, Cabana has the juice you want in a running back. He’s got speed and shiftiness, and a nose for the end zone. Give him a year or so to get into Ben Herbert’s program and he should be a big time contributor throughout his career.

• Commitment Date: 2/5/22
• Rankings: 247Sports (4*, #20 RB) – On3 (4*, #154 overall) – Rivals (4*, #224 overall) – ESPN (4*, #116 overall)
• Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #200 Overall, #13 RB, #2 in Michigan

4. 3* RB Ben Hall, 5’10” 225lbs. Kennesaw, GA (North Cobb)

There were some questions about Hall through his senior year after he wasn’t getting a ton of run. However, those questions have been put to rest after a bounce back to finish his year and the staff continuing to show love. He may take a couple years to contribute but adds another nice short yardage option to the running back room.

• Commitment Date: 3/29/22
• Rankings: 247Sports (3*, #70 RB) – On3 (3*, #85 RB) – Rivals (3*, 5.6) – ESPN (3*, #49 RB)
• Consensus Ranking: Three-star, #1016 Overall, #74 RB, #98 in Georgia

5. 3* WR Semaj Morgan, 5’10” 175lbs. West Bloomfield, MI (West Bloomfield)

Morgan isn’t the biggest but he is dynamic. The All-American Bowl player showed his versatility and athleticism in both the national spotlight and throughout his senior season. He should be a dynamic offensive weapon and return man during his time in Ann Arbor.

• Commitment Date: 12/1/21
• Rankings: 247Sports (3*, #52 WR) – On3 (3*, #129 WR) – Rivals (4*, #60 WR) – ESPN (3*, #90 WR)
• Consensus Ranking: Three-star, #503 Overall, #72 WR, #12 in Michigan

6. 3* WR Fredrick Moore, 6’0” 175lbs. Saint Louis, MO (Cardinal Ritter)

Moore is a more complete receiver than Morgan as he offers more size and route tree. Though he’s not the biggest either, he’s a good route runner and has some sticky hands. He should be a productive player in the maize and blue.

• Commitment Date: 7/1/22
• Rankings: 247 (3*, #47 WR) – On3 (3*, #99 WR) – Rivals (4*, #44 WR) – ESPN (3*, #115 WR)
• Consensus Ranking: Three-star, #509 Overall, #74 WR, #12 in Missouri

7. 4* WR Karmello English, 5’11” 180lbs. Phenix City, AL (Central)

English is a stud receiver that Michigan has been on for awhile now and once he decommitted from Auburn in mid September, things got real. The Wolverines have been battling Kentucky for the four-star receiver with nothing concrete coming out about the dynamic receiver heading into the Early Signing Day. This is a tight one that feels like Michigan should win. Won’t be surprised either way but I’ll give Michigan a big signing day win here.

• Official Visit: June 24th
• Rankings: 247Sports (4*, #40 WR) – On3 (4*, #51 WR) – Rivals (4*, #153 overall) – ESPN (
• Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #191 Overall, #25 WR, #15 in Alabama
• 247Sports Crystal Ball: Auburn
• On3 Prediction: Auburn (94.7%)
• Rivals FutureCast: Auburn/Alabama
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent

8. 5* ATH Nyckoles Harbor, 6’5” 225lbs. Washington, DC (Archbishop Carroll)

Harbor remains the top overall player on the staff’s board as the olympic athlete could be a star on either side of the ball. But will that happen in Ann Arbor or elsewhere? I broke down the relationships and connections to Michigan in my first 2023 BGRC, and there are many. However, Maryland and South Carolina are making big pushes here. And before you say, “wait Maryland and South Carolina?!?”, per just about every report, this recruitment seems to be as much about the track & field program as it is the football program.

Even with that, Michigan should still have the edge here. Never know which way these things will go but it helps that NIL isn’t a big factor here. The five-star isn’t expected to make his decision until February so sit tight here. Getting him on campus one more time could be crucial. We’ll see if the staff can pull this one out.

• Official Visit: September 24th
• Rankings: 247Sports (5*, #16 overall) – On3 (5*, #26 overall) – Rivals (5*, #26 overall) – ESPN (4*, #35 overall)
• Consensus Ranking: Five-star, #18 Overall, #1 ATH, #1 in DC
• 247Sports Crystal Ball: South Carolina
• On3 Prediction: Michigan (37%)
• Rivals FutureCast: South Carolina
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
• Other Options: Malachi Coleman

9. 3* TE Zack Marshall, 6’4” 220lbs. Carlsbad, CA (Carlsbad)

Marshall is one of the additions to this class that has been flying under the radar. He’ll need to work on in-line blocking before he’ll be a big contributor but with the depth built at the position, he’ll have the time. And that should allow him to grow into a mismatch nightmare for this Michigan offense in a similar mold of Erick All.

• Commitment Date: 8/12/22
• Rankings: 247Sports (3*, #46 ATH) – On3 (3*, #27 TE) – Rivals (3*, #27 TE) – ESPN (3* #23 TE-H)
• Consensus Ranking: Three-star, #515 Overall, #26 TE, #44 in California

10. 3* TE Deakon Tonielli, 6’6” 215lbs. Oswego, IL (Oswego)

Tonielli was originally targeted back in August of 2021 and it completely paid off for the staff as he’s continued to improve year over year. He’s a talented pass catcher with a long frame and plenty of athleticism, and there’s still room to grow. Ben Herbert has to be thrilled about his potential to build the next Luke Schoonmaker.

• Commitment Date: 6/19/22
• Rankings: 247Sports (4*, #19 TE) – On3 (4*, #17 TE) – Rivals (3*, #46 TE) – ESPN (3*, #13 TE-Y)
• Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #378 Overall, #22 TE, #8 in Illinois

11. 4* TE AJ Barner, 6’6” 250lbs. Aurora, OH (Indiana)

Barner looks very likely to join this stud transfer portal class as he’s visiting Ann Arbor and the staff has cancelled other tight end target’s visits. If/when he joins the Wolverines, he should give the Michigan offense that veteran tight end/redzone target it’ll be losing with Luke Schoonmaker, Erick All and Joel Honigford’s departures.

• Eligibility: Immediately; 2 years
• 2022 Stats: 28 rec, 199 yards, 3 TDs
• Career Stats: 42 rec, 361 yards, 4 TDs
• Recruiting Ranking: Three-star, #1147 Overall, #51 TE, #44 in Ohio
• Transfer Ranking: Four-star, #37 Overall, 91 rating (via 247Sports)
• Michigan’s Chances: Excellent

12. 4* OT Evan Link, 6’6” 290lbs. Washington, DC (Gonzaga)

Link was one of the best surprises of this class when he jumped on board at the beginning of August after looking like a Penn State lean. He’s a big, prototypical lineman that Sherrone Moore has to be ecstatic about. With the depth building at the position, he should have plenty of time to develop at his own pace. Look out for him in 2025 and beyond.

• Commitment Date: 8/1/22
• Rankings: 247Sports (3*, #44 OT) – On3 (4*, #134 overall) – Rivals (4*, #27 OT) – ESPN (4*, #33 OT)
• Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #289 Overall, #22 OT, #3 in DC

13. 4* OT Myles Hinton, 6’7” 320lbs. John’s Creek, GA (Stanford)

Hey, remember him? The younger brother of former DT Chris Hinton, Myles Hinton is a former top 100 recruit and top target for Michigan in the 2020 class. He’s had an up and down start to his career with the Cardinal but now will get a chance to get developed under the best offensive line coach in the country, Sherrone Moore. He’ll have to earn his playing time but he has all the tools to be an absolute stud at right tackle.

• Commitment Date: 12/17/22
• Eligibility: Immediately; 2 years
• 2022 Stats: 7 starts (injury)
• Career Stats: 24 games (19 starts)
• Recruiting Ranking: Four-star, #79 Overall, #6 OT, #9 in Georgia
• Transfer Ranking: Four-star, #41 Overall, 90 rating (via 247Sports)

14. 4* OL LaDarius Jefferson, 6’5” 310lbs. Waxahachie, TX (Arizona State)

Another team captain transfer coming in with multiple years of eligibility remaining. Jefferson is a big, athletic, mean offensive lineman that can play four out of the five positions but is reportedly expected to start out at left tackle though he played left guard every game this past season for the Sun Devils. Just another talented piece to add to a talented offensive line room.

• Commitment Date: 12/6/22
• Eligibility: Immediately; 3 years
• 2022 Stats: 12 starts
• Career Stats: 29 starts
• Recruiting Ranking: Three-star, #741 Overall, #57 OT, #95 in Texas
• Transfer Ranking: Four-star, #12 Overall, 93 rating (via 247Sports)

15. 3* OG Nathan Efobi, 6’4” 285lbs. Cumming, GA (South Forsyth)

Efobi is an uber athletic interior lineman that’ll take some time to tighten up his game but has all the makings of a multiple-year starter. He’s a guy Michigan looks to be very high on as a high ceiling prospect on the interior.

• Commitment Date: 11/18/22
• Rankings: 247Sports (3*, #38 IOL) – On3 (4*, #123 overall) – Rivals (3*, #35 OG) – ESPN (3*, #32 OG)
• Consensus Ranking: Three-star, #612 Overall, #54 IOL, #59 in Georgia

16. 4* G/C Amir Herring, 6’3” 300lbs. West Bloomfield, MI (West Bloomfield)

Herring is not only a local standout but he has positional versatility and that play to the end of the whistle mindset you want out of an offensive lineman. He should fit in the program and O-Line room perfectly.

• Commitment Date: 7/7/22
• Rankings: 247Sports (4*, #13 IOL) – On3 (3*, #55 IOL) – Rivals (4*, #21 OG) – ESPN (4*, #170 overall)
• Composite Ranking: Four-star, #316 Overall, #19 OL, #5 in Michigan

17. 3* OC Drake Nugent, 6’1” 300lbs. Lone Tree, CO (Stanford)

Nugent is a perfect example of what back-to-back Joe Moore Awards and a Rimington Award winning transfer will do for you. Nugent was on the Rimington and Outland Trophy watch lists in 2022 and will come to Ann Arbor with a chance to win the starting center spot after the departure of Olu Oluwatimi.

• Commitment Date: 12/18/22
• Eligibility: Immediate; 1 year
• 2022 Stats: 12 starts
• Career Stats: 27 games (24 starts)
• Recruiting Ranking: Three-star, #1141 Overall, #15 OC, #7 in Colorado
• Transfer Ranking: Three-star, #63 Overall, 89 rating (via 247Sports)

18. 4* NT Jamel Howard, 6’3” 320lbs. Chicago, IL (Marist)

Howard went from Wisconsin commit to decommit to Michigan lean to questionable but now, all signs are pointing back towards the Wolverines to win out here. Per 247Sports’ Steve Wiltfong, his official this past weekend to Ann Arbor was his mom’s first time on campus ($), which is always a good sign. The much needed nose tackle would add some more size to the defensive line and another big man that Mike Elston can plug in the middle of that defensive line. But Michigan will have to recruit him til the final bell, per On3’s EJ Holland ($).

• Official Visit: December 17th
• Rankings: 247Sports (3*, #68 DL) – On3 (3*, #151 DL) – Rivals (3*, 5.6) – ESPN (3*, #72 DT)
• Consensus Ranking: Three-star, #1010 Overall, #109 Overall, #22 in Illinois
• 247Sports Crystal Ball: Michigan
• On3 Prediction: Michigan (98.6%)
• Rivals FutureCast: Michigan
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
• Other Options: Rodney Lora

19. 4* DT Trey Pierce, 6’3” 290lbs. Oak Lawn, IL (Brother Rice)

Pierce is one of the latest additions to the class and a nice win on the recruiting trail for the staff. Formerly committed to Wisconsin as well, Pierce left the class not too long after his offer from Michigan in October. The staff got him on campus in mid-November and landed his commitment a month later, giving the Wolverines a disruptive force on the defensive line.

• Commitment Date: 12/14/22
• Rankings: 247Sports (3*, #53 DL) – On3 (3*, #116 DL) – Rivals (3*, #16 DT) – ESPN (3*, #48 DT)
• Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #313 Overall, #43 DL, #28 in Georgia

20. 3* DL Brooks Bahr, 6’6” 270lbs. Wilmette, IL (Loyola Academy)

Bahr joined the class back in March during the recruiting slow period. He’s a big bodied prospect that should slide into that 5 Tech on the defensive line and be a versatile depth piece for the Michigan defense.

• Commitment Date: 3/15/22
• Rankings: 247Sports (3*, #91 DL) – On3 (3*, #64 DL) – Rivals (3*, #43 SDE) – ESPN (3*, #97 DE)
• Consensus Ranking: Three-star, #625 Overall, #65 DL, #13 in Illinois

21. 4* EDGE Enow Etta, 6’5” 260lbs. Colleyville, TX (CCA)

Etta is the jewel of the recruiting class and one of the most productive high school pass rushers in the country the last two years. This race went from Michigan to Michigan State back to the Wolverines as Mike Elston made his first big impact on the recruiting trail.

• Commitment Date: 7/13/22
• Rankings: 247Sports (4*, #93 overall) – On3 (4*, #118 overall) – Rivals (4*, #241 overall) – ESPN (4*, #119 overall)
• Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #119 Overall, #13 DL, #22 in Texas

22. 3* EDGE Koumba Aymeric, 6’4” 230lbs. Paris, France (Pionniers de Touraine)

Aymeric is the most intriguing prospect in this class. His physical build, including a 7-foot wingspan, and athleticism should have the coaching staff excited. He’s one of those guys that could pop earlier than expected thanks to his physical traits. Just needs to get used to playing against much better competition.

• Commitment Date: 7/15/22
• Rankings: 247Sports (3*, #44 EDGE) – On3 (3*, #67 EDGE) – Rivals (3*, 5.5 Rating) – ESPN (3*, #80 DE)
• Composite Ranking: Three-star, #936 Overall, #77 EDGE, #1 in France

23. 4* EDGE Josaiah Stewart, 6’2” 230lbs. Bronx, NY (Coastal Carolina)

Stewart was a top 25 transfer portal player and has an impressive list of achievements over the last two years, including 2021 true freshmen All-American and 2022 preseason Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year. He’s not the biggest edge rusher but his relentless motor and nose for the ball carrier. I’m interested to see how Jesse Minter utilizes him in this dynamic defense.

• Commitment Date: 12/18/22
• Eligibility: Immediate; 2 years
• 2022 Stats: 36 tackles, 10 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, 1 FR, 1 FF
• Career Stats: 79 tackles, 26 TFLs, 16.5 sacks, 1 FR, 4 FF
• Recruiting Ranking: Three-star, #748 Overall, #43 EDGE, #5 in Massachusetts
• Transfer Ranking: Four-star, #24 Overall, 91 rating (via 247Sports)

24. 3* OLB Breeon Ishmail, 6’4” 220lbs. Cincinnati, OH (Princeton)

Ishmail is another intriguing defensive athlete in this class that could play multiple positions for Michigan. He’s targeted as a linebacker but has the size and athleticism to potentially grow into an edge rusher. A bit slender, he’ll need some time before he’ll really contribute but he has a high ceiling.

• Commitment Date: 7/1/22
• Rankings: 247Sports (3*, #92 LB) – On3 (3*, #112 ATH) – Rivals (3*, 5.6) – ESPN (3*, #71 OLB)
• Consensus Ranking: Three-star, #1164 Overall, #61 ATH, #37 in Ohio

25. 4* LB Semaj Bridgeman, 6’2” 230lbs. Philadelphia, PA (Imhotep Institute)

Bridgeman spent his senior season at one of the best football factories in Philadelphia and fills a big need in this class at inside linebacker. The run stuffing linebacker is another guy that might take a year or two to truly contribute but the depth at the position allows for that.

• Commitment Date: 7/1/22
• Rankings: 247Sports (4*, #34 LB) – On3 (4*, #299 overall) – Rivals (4*, #13 ILB) – ESPN (4*, #246 overall)
• Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #283 Overall, #26 LB, #5 in Pennsylvania

26. 3* LB Hayden Moore, 6’3” 210lbs. Aurora, CO (Regis Jesuit)

Moore is the latest addition to the 2023 class and a really nice addition to the linebacker room. He’s a tackling machine that fits the Harbaugh world of football. Another 1000+ ranked guy but someone to watch out for as an early contributor on special teams. Give him some time to build up his frame and he could be a starter in the middle of the defense.

• Commitment Date: 12/19/22
• Rankings: 247Sports (3*, #103 LB) – On3 (3*, #99 LB) – Rivals (3*, 5.5) – ESPN (3*, #68 OLB)
• Consensus Ranking: Three-star, #1178 Overall, #106 LB, #31 in Tennessee

27. 4* LB Ernest Hausmann, 6’2” 220lbs. Columbus, NE (Nebraska)

Hausmann is the top ranked player in the transfer portal and looks like a perfect fit for this Michigan defense. He’s a sideline to sideline linebacker with long arms and quickness. It’s unknown at this moment what Mike Barrett will do but even if he returns, Hausmann may be that guy alongside Junior Colson. That should be one hell of a linebacking core and just builds up that improving linebacker room even more.

• Eligibility: Immediately; 3 years
• 2022/Career Stats: 54 tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 sack, 1 FR
• Recruiting Ranking: Three-star, #678 Overall, #65 LB, #5 in Nebraska
• Transfer Ranking: Four-star, #2 Overall, 96.00 rating

28. 4* LB/S Jason Hewlett, 6’4” 220lbs. Youngstown, OH (Chaney)

Hewlett is one of the better prospects in this recruiting class and, you guessed it, has position versatility. It should all come down to how he develops in the weight room. He may be more of a hybrid safety/linebacker (totally not VIPER) that Jesse Minter can use to lineup all over the field. Excited to see his career in the maize and blue.

• Commitment Date: 11/28/22
• Rankings: 247Sports (4*, #20 ATH) – On3 (3*, #33 LB) – Rivals (3*, #44 ATH) – ESPN (3*, #33 OLB)
• Consensus Ranking: Three-star, #568 Overall, #58 LB, #16 in Ohio

29. 3* DB D’Juan Waller, 6’3” 195lbs. Youngstown, OH (Chaney)

Waller is another recent addition to the 2023 class and another lower ranked player, but one the staff was clearly very high on. He’s got the long frame and athleticism you want in a defensive back. Bound for corner to start his career, his growth in the weight room could turn him into a safety after a couple of years. Either way, another good prospect for Steve Clinkscale to develop.

• Commitment Date: 12/18/22
• Rankings: 247Sports (3*, #67 CB) – On3 (3*, #95 S) – Rivals (3*, #35 ATH) – ESPN (3*, #72 S)
• Consensus Ranking: Three-star, #688 Overall, #63 S, #23 in Ohio

30. 4* CB Cameron Calhoun, 6’0” 170lbs. Cincinnati, OH (Winton Woods)

Calhoun joined the class in November after he decommitted from Cincinnati. Another nice late add from the staff out of Ohio, which is always a good move. Calhoun is a good prospect too. Physical, confident, and has a nose for the ball. Michigan will have early playing time up for grabs. He may be a guy that makes some noise in camp.

• Commitment Date: 11/26/22
• Rankings: 247Sports (3*, #45 CB) – On3 (3*, #41 CB) – Rivals (4*, #34 CB) – ESPN (3*, #58 CB)
• Consensus Ranking: Three-star, #435 Overall, #46 CB, #14 in Ohio

31. 4* CB Jyaire Hill, 6’1” 170lbs. Kankakee, IL (Kankakee)

Every year there is a recruitment that goes on much longer than originally projected and this cycle, it’s Jyaire Hill. Hill has been a top target for the staff for several months now but Michigan has been in a battle with the in-state, Fighting Illini. But with his main recruiting and Illinois DC Ryan Walters taking the Purdue job, all signs point to Michigan being the choice on December 21st, even after he left Michigan off his commitment announcement top teams edit.

• Official Visit: June 10th
• Rankings: 247Sports (4*, #212 overall) – On3 (4*, #112 overall) – Rivals (4*, #51 CB) – ESPN (4*, #239 overall)
• Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #197 Overall, #25 CB, #3 in Illinois
• Rivals FutureCast: Michigan
• 247Sports Crystal Ball: Michigan
• On3 Prediction: Michigan (95.6%)
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
• Other Options: Jeremiyah Love

32. 3* CB Duce Chestnut, 6’0” 198lbs. Camden, NJ (Syracuse)

Michigan looks to be in on several cornerbacks in the portal and while some noise has been made with others, Chestnut could be a perfect fit. There looks to be a good chance DJ Turner and the Green brothers head to the draft so there will be a starting spot opposite Will Johnson available. Chestnut was a freshmen All-American in 2021 and played well his sophomore season for Syracuse. It’s a bit of a shot in the dark but Michigan will likely add one corner through the portal, it’s the holiday season, so I’ll go with Chestnut.

• Eligibility: Immediately; 2 years
• 2022 Stats: 40 tackles, 1.5 TFLs, 1 INT
• Career Stats: 83 tackles, 3 TFLs, 4 INTs
• Recruiting Ranking: Three-star, #413 Overall, #31 CB, #7 in New Jersey
• Transfer Ranking: Three-star, NR, 88 rating (via 247Sports)
• Michigan’s Chances: Good
• Other Options: Tony Grimes, Storm Duck, Fentrell Cyprus

33. 3* K Adam Samaha, 6’0” 170lbs. Ann Arbor, MI (Huron)

Michigan got lucky to have Jake Moody return for the 2022 season but after that, it may be on Tommy Doman’s shoulders to handle the punting and kicking duties. Landing another in-state stud and All-American Bowler like Samaha is an extremely underrated addition in this class.

• Commitment Date: 11/25/21
• Rankings: 247Sports (2*, #8 K) – On3 (3*) – Rivals (2*, 5.4) – Kornblue (5*, #1 K)
• Consensus Ranking: Three-star, #1999 Overall, #6 K, #32 in Michigan

Recruiting Class Ranking: 250.51

If Michigan were to close with English, Harbor, Howard and Hill, this would be the class score on 247Sports. For as bad as people feel about it, this score would’ve landed the #12 class in 2022, the #15 class in 2021 and #19 in 2020. Top 20 class sounds about right with all the hoopla this cycle.

But that’s not the entire class for Michigan. With the 8 current & projected transfers, it takes them way up the rankings.

Full 2023 Class Ranking: 265.61

If Michigan were to also add Tuttle, Barner and Chestnut, this would be the class score on 247Sports. Pretty damn good to be honest. This score would’ve landed at #9 in 2022 (one spot ahead of Michigan’s class; 262.13), the #12 class in 2021 (two spots ahead of Michigan’s class; 262.15), and #10 in 2020 (one spot ahead of Michigan’s class; 262.70).

So, looks like Jim Harbaugh is set to bring in a very similar class as it has over the last three classes but this time, much more proven talent.

Just Missed

• 2023 NCB Aaron Gates – committed to Florida
  • If there’s going to be a surprise commitment on the 21st, Gates is the best bet. Michigan has been all over him throughout the cycle but haven’t got him to leave the Gators, even with the mess that’s going on in Gainesville. One to watch.
• 2023 DB Tyler Scott
  • Michigan made its run at Scott but there doesn’t seem to be much noise on Michigan’s end here. But getting the Georgian up north was always an uphill battle. Alabama, Texas, and USC are all in this one.
• 2023 OL Taliafi Taala
  • Before Michigan went ahead and added three offensive lineman from the portal, Taala looked like the backup plan after the staff missed on all of its top tackle targets. Now there doesn’t look to be any more room for lineman.
• Transfer CB Tony Grimes (North Carolina)
  • The former five star recruit is in the portal as the 49th ranked player and is looking for a fresh start. Michigan has reportedly been in contact but his list of visits only included Texas A&M, Virginia Tech, and USC.
• Transfer CB Storm Duck (North Carolina)
  • Another Tar Heel cornerback but instead of being a five star recruit, Duck has a five star name. Another name that’s floating around but not much noise.
• Transfer CB Fentrell Cypress (Virginia)
  • When the portal opened after the season, it was quickly reported that Michigan was firmly in the running for Cypress, the #4 player in the portal. However, not much has come from that report as he’s become one of the hottest names out there as everyone is throwing their hat at him. Not looking great but if they can get a visit, look out.
• Transfer Running Back
  • If Blake Corum goes to the NFL as I would expect him to do, Michigan may need another talented tailback to add to the stable. They were in on Braelon Allen but Luke Fickell was able to keep him in Madison. There will likely be another wave of names to go into the portal after bowl season, check back then.

Hanging Around

• CB Jeremiyah Love – committed to ND
• CB Aaron Williams – committed to Louisville
• RB Darius Taylor – committed to Minnesota
• TE Brennan Parachek – committed to MSU
• ATH Malachi Coleman
• DL Rodney Lora

Photo Credit: Patrick Barron/MGoBlog