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The First 2025 Best Guess Recruiting Class

Posted onAuthorGarrett FishawLeave a comment

Michigan recruiting has finally woken up and become exciting once again as Sherrone Moore and his newly formed coaching staff have identified their top targets and started to get them on campus.

Official visit season has pushed the 2025 recruiting class back into the top 20 after sitting around the MSU/CMU/WMU ranked zone nationally for months following the National Championship. Adding seven commitments (and counting) in the month of June alone and plenty of crystal balls and predictions coming in for several other top targets, Michigan is well on its way to a top 10 class in Moore’s first class as the head ball coach.

So, who will fill out the class to move it into the top 10?

Here’s my first 2025 Best Guess Michigan Football Recruiting Class:

1. QB Carter Smith, 6’3” 185lbs. Fort Myers, FL (Bishop Verot)

  • Commitment Date: 11/14/23
  • Rankings: Rivals (4*, #86 overall) – 247Sports (3*, #20 QB) – On3 (4*, #209 overall) – ESPN (4*, #142 overall)
  • Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #211 Overall, #16 QB, #29 in Florida

2. RB Jasper Parker, 6’0” 195lbs. Marrero, LA (Archbishop Shaw)

  • Commitment Date: 6/15/24
  • Rankings: Rivals (4*, #17 RB) – 247Sports (3*, #54 RB) – On3 (3*, #31 RB) – ESPN (3*, #41 RB)
  • Consensus Ranking: Three-star, #462 Overall, #37 RB, #16 in Louisiana

3. RB Donovan Johnson, 6’0” 205lbs. Savannah, GA (IMG Academy)

  • Commitment Date: 6/23/24
  • Rankings: Rivals (4*, #19 RB) – 247Sports (3*, #30 RB) – On3 (4*, #242 overall) – ESPN (4*, #123 overall)
  • Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #239 Overall, #15 RB, #33 in Florida

4. WR Phillip Wright III, 5’11” 175lbs. Destrehan, LA (Destrehan)

Wright is a standout on the track but is still early on into his football career. His ceiling is extremely high if he can develop his route running and continue to add some size. The burner isn’t wrapped up yet though as Georgia Tech continues to push and Georgia continues to hang around.

  • Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
  • Rankings: Rivals (4*, #52 WR) – 247Sports (3*, #30 ATH) – On3 (3*, #46 WR) – ESPN (3*, #84 WR)
  • Consensus Ranking: Three-star, #408 Overall, #65 WR, #11 in Louisiana
  • Rivals FutureCast: Michigan (67%)
  • 247Sports Crystal Ball: Michigan (100%)
  • On3 RPM: Michigan (86.5%)
  • Other Options: Jerome Myles, Derek Meadows, Jayvan Boggs

5. WR Taz Williams, 6’0” 180lbs. Red Oak, TX (Red Oak)

Williams is another Texas receiver that Ron Bellamy has targeted for awhile now and the hard work may just pay off in a big way. He’s visited Ann Arbor three times already including an official visit on June 21st. The connection looks to be there with the staff and the school. In-staters Texas A&M and SMU are threats but if he’s willing to leave home, all signs point to Michigan.

  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
  • Rankings: Rivals (4*, #135 overall) – 247Sports (3*, #51 WR) – On3 (3*, #77 WR)
  • Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #388 Overall, #51 WR, #52 in Texas
  • Rivals FutureCast: Penn State (60%)
  • 247Sports Crystal Ball: None
  • On3 RPM: Michigan (67.5%)
  • Other Options: Jerome Myles, Derek Meadows, Jayvan Boggs

6. WR Andrew Marsh, 6’1” 175lbs. Fulshear, TX (Katy Jordan)

Marsh is a stud of a receiver recruit. He’s a guy that the staff has been in on for so long but just a guy I never thought they’d land because of Michigan’s run-first offense. Oklahoma potentially filling up at the position looks to be helping a bit too. He’s reportedly not expected to make a decision for a bit, all signs are pointing towards the Wolverines for the blue chip talent.

  • Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
  • Rankings: Rivals (4*, #41 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #67 overall) – On3 (4*, #144 overall) – ESPN (4*, #46 overall)
  • Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #61 Overall, #10 WR, #13 in Texas
  • Rivals FutureCast: Michigan/Texas A&M
  • 247Sports Crystal Ball: None
  • On3 RPM: Michigan 84.7%
  • Other Options: Jerome Myles, Derek Meadows, Jayvan Boggs

7. WR Jacob Washington, 6’3” 180lbs. Marrero, LA (Archbishop Shaw)

  • Commitment Date: 6/24/24
  • Rankings: Rivals (4*, #68 WR) – 247Sports (3*, #57 WR) – On3 (3*, #53 WR) – ESPN (4*, #203 overall)
  • Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #329 Overall, #50 WR, #9 in Louisiana

8. TE-Y Andrew Olesh, 6’5” 215lbs. Center Valley, PA (Southern Lehigh)

One of the most wanted recruits in this class for the staff, Olesh went from being a lean to his in-state Nittany Lions to now looking like one of the next additions to this growing class. Alabama is still in the game but the momentum may be too much with Michigan. He’s another top-end tight end prospect that would join a loaded room in Ann Arbor.

  • Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
  • Rankings: Rivals (4*, #11 TE) – 247Sports (4*, #84 overall) – On3 (4*, #78 overall) – ESPN (4*, #151 overall)
  • Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #115 Overall, #5 TE, #3 in Pennsylvania
  • Rivals FutureCast: Michigan (100%)
  • 247Sports Crystal Ball: Michigan (100%)
  • On3 RPM: Michigan (86.1%)
  • Other Options: None

9. TE-H Eli Owens, 6’2” 220lbs. Alcoa, TN (Alcoa)

  • Commitment Date: 1/4/24
  • Rankings: Rivals (4*, #216 overall) – 247Sports (3*, #29 TE) – On3 (3*, #56 TE) – ESPN (3*, #22 TE-H)
  • Consensus Ranking: Three-star, #480 Overall, #27 TE, #15 in Tennessee

10. OT Andrew Babalola, 6’6” 295lbs. Overland Park, KS (Blue Valley Northwest)

Babalola has been a guy that just seemed to fit the Michigan mold from early on in the cycle. He’s a five-star talent, high academic, high character kid who doesn’t look to be worried about NIL in the least. It’s like he was made for today’s Michigan football recruiting. Stanford received some predictions following a visit to Palo Alto but after he visited Ann Arbor, things look to be trending towards the Wolverines ($), per On3’s Steve Wiltfong.

  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
  • Rankings: Rivals (4*, #85 overall) – 247Sports (5*, #14 overall) – On3 (4*, #14 overall) – ESPN (
  • Consensus Ranking: Five-star, #20 Overall, #4 OT, #1 in Kansas
  • Rivals FutureCast: Stanford (100%)
  • 247Sports Crystal Ball: None
  • On3 RPM: Stanford (85.3%)
  • Other Options: Alai Kalaniuvalu, SJ Alofaituli

11. OL Hardy Watts, 6’5” 295lbs. West Roxbury, MA (Dexter School)

Hardy Watts. With that name, he had two options in life: professional wrestler or interior offensive lineman. Just a great name for a big brawler and it fits his playing style. It’s easy to see why Sherrone Moore and Grant Newsome made him a priority. He’ll announce his decision on July 1st and just about all predictions are on Michigan even though TMI’s Sam Webb is reporting that Wisconsin is still fighting ($).

  • Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
  • Rankings: Rivals (4*, #178 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #16 IOL) – On3 (4*, #119 overall) – ESPN (
  • Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #251 Overall, #9 IOL, #1 in Massachusetts
  • Rivals FutureCast: Michigan (100%)
  • 247Sports Crystal Ball: Michigan (66.7%)
  • On3 RPM: Michigan (88.9%)
  • Other Options: Alai Kalaniuvalu, SJ Alofaituli

12. OG Avery Gach, 6’4” 280lbs. Franklin, MI (Groves)

  • Commitment Date: 5/3/24
  • Rankings: Rivals (4*, #153 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #205 overall) – On3 (3*, #32 IOL) – ESPN (4*, #296 overall)
  • Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #257 Overall, #17 IOL, #2 in Michigan

13. C Kaden Strayhorn, 6’3” 295lbs. Novi, MI (IMG Academy)

  • Commitment Date: 6/23/24
  • Rankings: Rivals (4*, #17 IOL) – 247Sports (3*, #33 IOL) – On3 (3*, #70 IOL) – ESPN (4*, #8 OG)
  • Consensus Ranking: Three-star, #468 Overall, #39 IOL, #64 in Florida

14. DL Bobby Kanka, 6’4” 270lbs. Howell, MI (Howell)

  • Commitment Date: 8/1/23
  • Rankings: Rivals (4*, #18 SDE) – 247Sports (3*, #34 DL) – On3 (4*, #27 DL) – ESPN (3*, #55 DT)
  • Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #357 Overall, #30 DL, #4 in Michigan

15. DL Nate Marshall, 6’5” 265lbs. Oak Park, IL (Fenwick)

  • Commitment Date: 4/22/24
  • Rankings: Rivals (4*, #23 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #80 overall) – On3 (4*, #70 overall) – ESPN (4*, #79 overall)
  • Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #47 Overall, #4 DL, #2 in Illinois

16. DL Jaylen Williams, 6’6” 260lbs. Palatine, IL (Palatine)

  • Commitment Date: 6/10/24
  • Rankings: Rivals (4*, #168 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #153 overall) – On3 (3*, #49 DL) – ESPN (3*, #26 DT)
  • Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #279 Overall, #22 DL, #6 in Illinois

17. EDGE Julius Holly, 6’4” 230lbs. Alpharetta, GA (Alpharetta)

Holly holds a really impressive offer sheet and looks to be one of the top edge rusher targets for the staff. He officially visited Michigan in early June and things looked to go extremely well. He’s expected to make a decision on June 29th with the decision expected to come between the in-state Bulldogs, Ole Miss and Michigan. With two edge rushers already in both the Georgia and Ole Miss classes, I like Michigan to win out here.

  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
  • Rankings: Rivals (4*, #22 WDE) – 247Sports (3*, #31 EDGE) – On3 (4*, #236 overall) – ESPN (4*, #34 DE)
  • Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #389 Overall, #35 EDGE, #44 in Georgia
  • Rivals FutureCast: Georgia
  • 247Sports Crystal Ball: None
  • On3 RPM: Georgia (35.2%)
  • Other Options: Marco Jones, Mariyon Dye, Maxwell Roy

18. LB Chase Taylor, 6’3” 210lbs. Stockbridge, GA (Stockbridge)

  • Commitment Date: 6/23/24
  • Rankings: Rivals (3*)- 247Sports (3*, #105 LB) – On3 (3*, #57 LB) – ESPN (3*, #19 ILB)
  • Consensus Ranking: Three-star, #614 Overall, #69 LB, #64 in Georgia

19. LB Kamar Archie, 6’1” 220lbs. Trenton, NJ (The Hun School)

Michigan is looking for a couple of linebackers in this class and Archie has been a guy the new staff targeted immediately. Another high academic, good character prospect that reminds me of Kalel Mullings coming out of high school. He officially visited on June 21st and all reports were extremely positive coming out of it. Clemson and Rutgers (yes, Rutgers) are in good standing as well but the football and academic opportunity in Ann Arbor seems like it could be too good to pass up. He should be making a decision before the season starts.

  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
  • Rankings: Rivals (4*, #12 ILB) – 247Sports (3*, #41 LB) – On3 (4*, #261 overall) – ESPN (4*, #32 OLB)
  • Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #261 Overall, #28 LB, #9 in New Jersey
  • Rivals FutureCast: None
  • 247Sports Crystal Ball: Clemson (100%)
  • On3 RPM: Rutgers (41.2%)
  • Other Options: Nate Owusu-Boateng, Elijah Melendez

20. S Ivan Taylor, 6’1” 180lbs. Winter Garden, FL (Winter Garden)

This may be the biggest reach on the list mainly because it’s so up in the air what Taylor may end up doing. He’s been committed to Notre Dame since early December 2023 but has flirted with others including Florida State in the spring and made visits to both Alabama and Michigan this month. Michigan badly needs safeties in this class and, outside of Kainoa Winston, has missed out on their targets. This recruitment may go until the final whistle. We’ll see if Michigan can steal one from the Fighting Irish.

  • Michigan’s Chances: Good to Very Good (Committed to Notre Dame)
  • Rankings: Rivals (4*, #102 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #41 overall) – On3 (4*, #120 overall) – ESPN (4*, #41 overall)
  • Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #59 Overall, #7 S, #8 in Florida
  • Rivals FutureCast: Notre Dame
  • 247Sports Crystal Ball: Notre Dame
  • On3 RPM: Notre Dame
  • Other Options: JaDon Blair, Jordan Young

21. S Kainoa Winston, 5’11” 185lbs. Montgomery Village, MD (Gonzaga)

  • Commitment Date: 6/14/24
  • Rankings: Rivals (3*, #36 S) – 247Sports (4*, #43 overall) – On3 (4*, #103 overall) – ESPN (4*, #42 overall)
  • Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #97 Overall, #10 S, #1 in DC

22. DB Alex Graham, 6’1” 185lbs. Detroit, MI (IMG Academy)

Graham was a guy I would’ve had on my Best Guess Recruiting Class if I released it back in January if not earlier. However, after battling a hip injury last year, things calmed down a bit on both ends. But a trip out to see Coach Prime and that circus of a football program in Colorado, he jumped at the chance to be coached by one of the best to ever do it. Will it stick though? Michigan got him on campus this month and look to be back in the running here. Whether he signs in the 2025 class or ends up transferring out, I believe he’ll be at Michigan one way or another.

  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good (Committed to Colorado)
  • Rankings: Rivals (4*, #131 overall) – 247Sports (3*, #31 CB) – On3 (3*, #31 CB) – ESPN (4*, #30 CB)
  • Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #277 Overall, #28 CB, #40 in Florida
  • Rivals FutureCast: Michigan (60%)
  • 247Sports Crystal Ball: Colorado
  • On3 RPM: Colorado
  • Other Options: JaDon Blair, Jordan Young

23. CB Shamari Earls, 6’2” 200lbs. Chester, VA (Thomas Dale)

Earls is growing into one of the top overall targets for the staff. The class needs a stud corner and Earls has the size and athleticism to be a true #1 guy in the mold of Will Johnson. Michigan is pitching him to be exactly that but they’re fighting with Georgia and South Carolina here, which is always tough for Michigan when it comes to southern recruits. Michigan needs to get him back on campus for an official this fall if it wants to improve its chances. If they do, I think the Wolverines can win out.

  • Michigan’s Chances: Very Good (Committed to South Carolina)
  • Rankings: Rivals (3*, #21 CB) – 247Sports (4*, #68 overall) – On3 (4*, #69 overall) – ESPN (4*, #75 overall)
  • Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #105 Overall, #12 CB, #4 in Virginia
  • Rivals FutureCast: South Carolina
  • 247Sports Crystal Ball: South Carolina
  • On3 RPM: South Carolina
  • Other Options: Kade Phillips, Jontae Gilbert

24. CB Jayden Sanders, 6’2” 175lbs. Kilgore, TX (Kilgore)

This class is going to need multiple corners and the board is pretty open with not a lot of great bets. Sanders is a riser that the staff seems to be quiet keen on. According to TMI’s Brice Marich, he’s expected to be in town for the BBQ at the Big House this July ($). If Michigan pushes, this a recruitment I could definitely see the Wolverines win.

  • Michigan’s Chances: Good to Very Good
  • Rankings: Rivals (3*, #39 ATH) – 247Sports (3*, #32 CB) – On3 (3*, #43 CB) – ESPN (3*, #71 CB)
  • Consensus Ranking: Three-star, #457 Overall, #41 CB, #68 in Texas
  • Rivals FutureCast: None
  • 247Sports Crystal Ball: None
  • On3 RPM: Baylor (40.7%)
  • Other Options: Kade Phillips, Jontae Gilbert

Projected Class Score (via 247Sports): 282.85

If I can somehow predict the future, this class would be 21 points better than Michigan’s 2024 class (16th overall). This class score would’ve given Michigan the 7th best class in 2024, 8th best in 2023, and 6th best class in 2022. Top 10 class in the first year for Sherrone Moore would be a win in my book.

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Garrett Fishaw
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