Throughout the year, I keep the draft of the Best Guess Recruiting Class going so I can get a good feel for where the class is going based on the numerous reports, news, rumors, and vibe of the recruiting cycle. And boy do I tell ya, this was going to look a lot different at the end of October than it did at the beginning of December.

Michigan now has the scariest and largest known booster in the game in the world’s 3rd richest person, Larry Ellison, thanks to his wife, Jolin, being a Michigan grad and an avid Wolverines football fan. It immediately resulted in Michigan flipping the #1 player in the class and becoming a legit threat for several top level recruits in the 2025 class.

Add in Michigan upsetting Ohio State on the road as a three touchdown underdog and vibes are immaculate in Ann Arbor even after a 7-5 season where the pitchforks were being sharpened in October.

There’s a lot more fun on the way for Michigan fans. Next up is the early signing day on Wednesday (12/4/24) before they dive into the transfer portal to rebuild a championship contender, all while preparing for the (insert name) bowl game.

So, to get you ready for the fun, here’s my final 2025 Best Guess Michigan Football Recruiting Class prediction:

1. QB Bryce Underwood, 6’4” 215lbs. Belleville, MI (Belleville)

Wooo buddy. Underwood is one of the best quarterback prospects in decades and one of the best players to ever come out of the state of Michigan. That is why Sherrone Moore and the Michigan staff stayed recruiting him throughout the cycle. And once the NIL situation was straightened in Ann Arbor, the full push came this fall. As they say, the rest is history and Michigan has its quarterback of the future.

• First BGRC: 12/1/24
• Commitment Date: 11/21/24
• Signing Period: Early
• Rankings: Rivals (5*, #2 overall) – 247Sports (5*, #1 overall) – On3 (5*, #1 overall) – ESPN (5*, #1 overall)
• Consensus Ranking: Five-star, #1 Overall, #1 QB, #1 in Michigan – 99.36 rating

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

Parker has had a fantastic senior season in Louisiana and quickly became one of the commitments in this class that I’m most excited to see in the winged helmet. It may take a little bit of time before he’s a full time contributor but this is a highly underrated pickup for the coaching staff.

• First BGRC: 6/28/24
• Commitment Date: 6/15/24
• Signing Period: Early
• Rankings: Rivals (4*, #205 overall) – 247Sports (3*, #60 RB) – On3 (3*, #163 overall) – ESPN (3*, #41 RB)
• Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #350 Overall, #25 RB, #13 in Louisiana

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

Johnson was a big time recruit after his junior year but a knee injury dropped him off a bit. Michigan still stayed on him, showed him the love and locked him up in this class. From training videos, the knee looks strong and, if he avoids setbacks, he could be a sneaky pickup that ends up out playing his final recruiting ranking in a big way.

• First BGRC: 6/28/24
• Commitment Date: 6/23/24
• Signing Period: Early
• Rankings: Rivals (4*, #19 RB) – 247Sports (3*, #33 RB) – On3 (3*, #55 RB overall) – ESPN (4*, #24 RB)
• Consensus Ranking: Three-star, #480 Overall, #37 RB, #64 in Florida

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

Marsh has been one of the jewels of the class, jumping on board in mid-August. He’s a guy that should come in and compete immediately for a two-deep position as Michigan badly needs more talent in their current wide receiver room.

• First BGRC: 6/28/24
• Commitment Date: 8/20/24
• Signing Period: Early
• Rankings: Rivals (4*, #114 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #73 overall) – On3 (4*, #195 overall) – ESPN (4*, #46 overall)
• Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #90 Overall, #13 WR, #17 in Texas

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

Washington was another very nice win out of Louisiana for Michigan WR coach Ron Bellamy. He’s a much needed bigger bodied receiver and one that continues to climb up the recruiting rankings. Missouri looked to be trying to flip him here but all signs point to him signing with the Wolverines.

• First BGRC: 6/28/24
• Commitment Date: 6/24/24
• Signing Period: Early
• Rankings: Rivals (4*, #54 WR) – 247Sports (3*, #61 WR) – On3 (4*, #83 overall) – ESPN (4*, #230 overall)
• Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #213 Overall, #25 WR, #8 in Louisiana

6. WR Jamar Browder, 6’4” 205lbs. Lake Worth, FL (Santaluces)

• First BGRC: 12/1/24
• Commitment Date: 11/8/24
• Signing Period: Early
• Rankings: Rivals (3*, #82 WR) – 247Sports (3*, #69 WR) – On3 (3*, #210 WR) – ESPN (3*, #179 WR)
• Consensus Ranking: Three-star, #714 Overall, #113 WR, #89 in Florida

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

Olesh has been a wanted man this entire recruiting cycle. Michigan won out on his commitment in early July but plenty of teams have been lurking and Olesh has been listening. Oregon and Penn State are big threats here heading into signing day and there’s no guarantee he signs with the Wolverines. Clearly a top target for the staff to wrap up this week. Keep an eye on this one.

• First BGRC: 6/28/24
• Commitment Date: 7/8/24
• Signing Period: TBD
• Rankings: Rivals (4*, #164 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #47 overall) – On3 (4*, #43 overall) – ESPN (4*, #79 overall)
• Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #55 Overall, #3 TE, #1 in Pennsylvania

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

• First BGRC: 6/28/24
• Commitment Date: 1/4/24
• Signing Period: Early
• Rankings: Rivals (4*, #13 TE) – 247Sports (3*, #34 TE) – On3 (3*, #75 TE) – ESPN (3*, #26 TE)
• Consensus Ranking: Three-star, #587 Overall, #33 TE, #20 in Tennessee

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

Babalola was on my first BGRC in July as the tea leaves always pointed to Michigan. High academics kid from the midwest that mainly focused on Stanford and Michigan. It was too good of a fit and Babalola felt the same way as he joined the class in October. He’s a prototypical tackle prospect that may need a year or two of seasoning but should be a multi-year starter during his career.

• First BGRC: 6/28/24
• Commitment Date: 10/21/24
• Signing Period: Early
• 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

10. OT Ty Haywood, 6’5” 295lbs. Denton, TX (Ryan)

Haywood has been committed to Alabama since mid-July and looked pretty solid with the Crimson Tide up until Michigan’s NIL money cannon went off, echoing across the recruiting world. The five star tackle was one that heard the boom and is now one of the tip top targets for the Michigan staff. Thanks to him holding off on signing until the later signing period, the Wolverines will likely get him on campus for a much needed visit. If they can win over the family and get the right NIL deal set up, Haywood should be a Michigan signee.

• First BGRC: 12/1/24
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good (Committed to Alabama)
• Signing Period: Late
• Rankings: Rivals (3*, #37 overall) – 247Sports (5*, #20 overall) – On3 (4*, #48 overall) – ESPN (
• Consensus Ranking: Five-star, #22 Overall, #5 OT, #7 in Texas
• Rivals FutureCast: Alabama (100%)
• 247Sports Crystal Ball: Alabama (100%)
• On3 RPM: Alabama (95.7%)
• Other Options: Zac Stascausky, Chaston Brown, Transfer Portal

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

Gach is a top player in the state and another high quality addition to this class. As an interior lineman, he has the size, strength and athleticism that has to have Grant Newsome and Sherrone Moore excited. He’s a guy I think could contribute more and earlier than some of his rankings may suggest.

• First BGRC: 6/28/24
• Commitment Date: 5/3/24
• Signing Period: Early
• Rankings: Rivals (4*, #11 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #17 IOL) – On3 (3*, #39 IOL) – ESPN (4*, #37 OT)
• Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #275 Overall, #21 IOL, #3 in Michigan

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

Strayhorn is a Michigan State legacy that chose the rival Wolverines over the chance to follow in his father’s footsteps in East Lansing. Expected to play center during his time in Ann Arbor, Strayhorn is an athletic big man that should be battling for a two-deep spot after a couple of years in the Michigan program.

• First BGRC: 6/28/24
• Commitment Date: 6/23/24
• Signing Period: Early
• 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

13. DT Bobby Kanka, 6’4” 270lbs. Howell, MI (Howell)

Kanka was the first member of the class but one that had questions surrounding whether or not he’d end up with Michigan on signing day once the staff shakeup happened during the spring. But with good growth and a strong senior season, he’s fully locked into the Wolverines. Look for him to continue to add size and strength, and end up as a run-stopping interior force during his career.

• First BGRC: 6/28/24
• Commitment Date: 8/1/23
• Signing Period: Early
• Rankings: Rivals (4*, #13 SDE) – 247Sports (3*, #39 DL) – On3 (3*, #50 DL) – ESPN (3*, #62 DT)
• Consensus Ranking: Three-star, #485 Overall, #48 DL, #9 in Michigan

14. DL Travis Moten, 6’5” 250lbs. Louisville, KY (Fern Creek)

Moten is a lower rated developmental prospect that Michigan and DL coach Lou Desposito have a history of developing into high quality interior defensive lineman. Michigan got him onto campus late in November and all signs point to him committing to and signing with the Wolverines during the early signing period.

• First BGRC: 12/1/24
• Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
• Signing Period: Early
• Rankings: Rivals (2*) – 247Sports (3*, #84 DL) – On3 (3*, #66 EDGE) – ESPN (NR)
• Consensus Ranking: Three-star, #1854 Overall, #174 EDGE, #19 in Kentucky
• Rivals FutureCast: Michigan (100%)
• 247Sports Crystal Ball: Michigan (100%)
• On3 RPM: Michigan (98.1%)
• Other Options: Jahkeem Stewart, Quante Gillians, Christian Ingram, Transfer Portal

15. DE Benny Patterson, 6’3” 245lbs. Newburgh, IN (Castle)

Patterson flipping his commitment from Cincinnati to Michigan this fall kind of flew under the radar a bit. Big, physical, verstatile lineman that should be able to line up all over the defensive front, Patterson might be one of the bigger steals in this class. We’ll see where he grows into but his ability to get after the passer should show throughout his career.

• First BGRC: 12/1/24
• Commitment Date: 11/1/24
• Signing Period: Early
• Rankings: Rivals (3*, #48 DT) – 247Sports (3*, #51 DL) – On3 (4*, #77 overall) – ESPN (3*, #128 DL)
• Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #298 Overall, #25 DL, #7 in Indiana

16. EDGE Zahir Mathis, 6’6′ 230lbs. Philadelphia, PA (Imhotep Institute)

This is the hardest spot to predict in this class. Michigan let it be known they want an elite pass rusher in this class with their recent pursuits of five star prospects Hilson and Georgia commit Isaiah Gibson while four star Tobi Haastrup is also firmly in the mix. But Mathis may be the guy that takes this spot. After decommitting from Ohio State in mid-November, Mathis is looking for a new home and the Wolverines could be a perfect fit. Penn State looks to be the biggest threat but if he holds off on signing early and Michigan can get him on campus, look out.

• First BGRC: 12/1/24
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
• Signing Period: TBD
• Rankings: Rivals (4*, #55 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #156 overall) – On3 (4*, #201 overall) – ESPN (4*, #63 overall)
• Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #120 Overall, #16 EDGE, #3 in Pennsylvania
• Rivals FutureCast: Ohio State (100%)
• 247Sports Crystal Ball: Ohio State (100%)
• On3 RPM: Ohio State (97.7%)
• Other Options: Javion Hilson, Tobi Haastrup, Isaiah Gibson, Transfer Portal

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

Michigan beat out some SEC schools for the Georgia standout in June and continues to hold onto the commitment even with other teams sniffing around. Michigan is in need of pass rushers in this class so holding on here to Holly is huge. All signs still point to the maize and blue.

• First BGRC: 6/28/24
• Commitment Date: 6/23/24
• Signing Period: Early
• Rankings: Rivals (4*, #29 WDE) – 247Sports (3*, #39 EDGE) – On3 (4*, #34 EDGE) – ESPN (4*, #37 DE)
• Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #345 Overall, #35 EDGE, #47 in Georgia

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

Currently, Chase is the lowest rated commitment in the class. If he is the lowest rated, this class is going to be very good. Chase is an athletic linebacker that just needs to fill out his frame. The skills, instincts, and frame are there, just needs some seasoning in Michigan’s strength and conditioning program and he should be a guy who at the very least is a quality special teams contributor.

• First BGRC: 6/28/24
• Commitment Date: 6/23/24
• Signing Period: Early
• 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 Bradley Gompers, 6’4” 215lbs. Pittsburgh, PA (Central Catholic)

Michigan is looking to load up a bit at linebacker in this class and Gompers is a guy who, according to just about every report, looks likely to flip from Duke to Michigan. Out of the Pittsburgh powerhouse, Gompers is a big, physical linebacker that can play sideline to sideline. Not only is he a good fit within the defense and at the University itself, he’s also former teammates with Michigan freshmen LB Cole Sullivan which has reportedly helped the Wolverines out quite a bit. All the smoke is there for this one.

• First BGRC: 12/1/24
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
• Signing Period: TBD
• Rankings: Rivals (4*, #25 OLB) – 247Sports (4*, #104 overall) – On3 (4*, #155 overall) – ESPN (4*, #277 overall)
• Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #129 Overall, #10 LB, #4 in Pennsylvania
• Rivals FutureCast: None
• 247Sports Crystal Ball: Duke (100%)
• On3 RPM: Michigan (82.8%)
• Other Options: Transfer Portal

20. LB Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng, 6’1” 205lbs. Manassas, VA (IMG Academy)

Michigan has been all over Owusu-Boateng for most of this recruiting cycle and the love has been reciprocated by the standout linebacker. He’s visited three times this year and the last one may have been the visit to put the Wolverines over the top. Now, it’s not a slam dunk at all. Lots of teams have been involved in his recruitment with Colorado making a late push here. I still like Michigan to win out but you never know with recruiting.

• First BGRC: 12/1/24
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
• Signing Period: Early
• Rankings: Rivals (5*, #28 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #158 overall) – On3 (3*, #39 LB) – ESPN (4*, #81 overall)
• Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #133 Overall, #13 LB, #18 in Florida
• Rivals FutureCast: Michigan (67%)
• 247Sports Crystal Ball: Michigan (100%)
• On3 RPM: Notre Dame (29.9%) – Florida (18.4%) – Michigan (13.5%)
• Other Options: Transfer Portal

21. S Elijah Dotson, 6’1” 170lbs. Belleville, MI (Belleville)

Dotson jumped on board in November after a big push from the coaching staff to flip the in-state standout from Pittsburgh. While being teammates with Bryce Underwood helps, he is a stud athlete and prospect. Dotson could play either side of the ball in college but he looks destined for the defensive back room as a hybrid safety/nickel.

• First BGRC: 12/1/24
• Commitment Date: 11/20/24
• Signing Period: Early
• Rankings: Rivals (4*, #125 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #118 overall) – On3 (4*, #31 CB) – ESPN (4*, #21 ATH)
• Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #158 Overall, #20 CB, #2 in Michigan

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

Winston is a bit of a forgotten gem of this recruiting class. The stout safety is a standout at one of the best programs in the DMV and has been solid to Michigan since his commitment in June. The secondary needs an influx of talent and Winston is a guy I see contributing early and often for the Wolverines.

• First BGRC: 6/28/24
• Commitment Date: 6/14/24
• Signing Period: Early
• Rankings: Rivals (4*, #33 S) – 247Sports (4*, #121 overall) – On3 (4*, #67 overall) – ESPN (4*, #51 overall)
• Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #100 Overall, #10 S, #1 in DC

23. DB Jordan Young, 6’0” 180lbs. Monroe, NC (Monroe)

Young made the rare quick commitment flip, as he committed to Clemson over Michigan on November 2nd and then flipped from Clemson to Michigan on December 1st. It’s a big win for the Wolverines who reportedly like Young as a hybrid defensive back that can play in that Rod Moore/Mikey Sainristil nickel role.

• First BGRC: 12/1/24
• Commitment Date: 12/1/24
• Signing Period: Early
• Rankings: Rivals (4*, #225 overall) – 247Sports (4*, #13 ATH) – On3 (4*, #99 overall) – ESPN (4*, #107 overall)
• Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #172 Overall, #13 S, #6 in North Carolina

24. DB Alex Graham, 6’1” 185lbs. Detroit, MI (Cass Tech)

Graham is a stud defensive back prospect that had an injury derail his recruitment a bit. But that’s all cleared up as he put together a really impressive senior season at Cass Tech. Throughout the season, Michigan stayed on him and has ramped up the pressure on the Colorado commitment. Several industry predictions have come in for the flip to happen on or right before signing day. But like with some other predictions on this list, anything can happen in recruiting.

• First BGRC: 6/28/24
• Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent (Committed to Colorado)
• Signing Period: TBD
• Rankings: Rivals (3*, #54 S) – 247Sports (3*, #36 CB) – On3 (3*, #65 CB) – ESPN (4*, #42 CB)
• Consensus Ranking: Three-star, #489 Overall, #48 CB, #10 in Michigan
• Rivals FutureCast: Michigan (60%)
• 247Sports Crystal Ball: Michigan (100%)
• On3 RPM: Colorado (58.9%) – Michigan (35.5%)
• Other Options: DJ Pickett, Brandon Finney

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

Earls was a top overall target early on and, even after he committed to Georgia in July, Michigan stayed on him. That pursuit and new NIL approach paid off this fall as the staff was able to flip him from the Bulldogs to kick off November. Earls is a guy I expect to compete for playing time immediately. He has the size, length and athleticism to not only hold up as a freshmen but to become a real contributor.

• First BGRC: 6/28/24
• Commitment Date: 11/1/24
• Signing Period: Early
• Rankings: Rivals (4*, #24 CB) – 247Sports (4*, #67 overall) – On3 (4*, #32 overall) – ESPN (4*, #71 overall)
• Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #62 Overall, #8 CB, #1 in Virginia

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

Sanders joined the class in August and has continued to rise up the recruiting rankings. Playing against top Texas talent, he’s a cornerback that will come in and compete right away. Don’t forget about Sanders. He has the skillset to be a dude.

• First BGRC: 6/28/24
• Commitment Date: 8/10/24
• Signing Period: Early
• Rankings: Rivals (3*, #12 ATH) – 247Sports (4*, #116 overall) – On3 (4*, #199 overall) – ESPN (4*, #235 overall)
• Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #170 Overall, #22 CB, #26 in Texas

Projected Class Score (via 247Sports): 296.51

If my predications are correct, this class would be 36 points better than Michigan’s 2024 class (16th overall) and would firmly put it in the mix for a top 5 class in 2025. This class score would’ve given Michigan the 3rd best class in 2024, 4th best in 2023, and 5th best class in 2022. Add a couple of surprise gets and this class could fight for a top 3 finish.

Just Missed

• 4* WR Derek Meadows – Very Good
• 5* EDGE Javion Hilson – Good
• 4* DE Tobi Haastrup – Good
• 3* DL Quante Gillians – Good (Committed to Syracuse)
• 4* CB Brandon Finney – Fair (Committed to Oregon)

Don’t Forget About Us

• 5* CB DJ Pickett – Fair (Committed to LSU)
• 4* WR Jerome Myles – Poor
• 5* DL Jahkeem Stewart – Poor
• 5* EDGE Isaiah Gibson – Poor (Committed to Georgia)
• 4* CB Graceson Littleton – Poor (Committed to Texas)
• 5* WR Quincy Porter – Poor (Committed to Ohio State)
• 4* DT Christian Ingram – Poor

Off the Last List

• 4* FS Ivan Taylor – Flipped to Alabama
• 4* DE Jaylen Williams – Flipped to Wisconsin
• 4* QB Carter Smith – Committed to Wisconsin
• 3* WR Phillip Wright – Flipped to LSU
• 3* WR Taz Williams – Committed to Baylor
• 4* OL Hardy Watts – Committed to Wisconsin
• 3* LB Kamar Archie – Committed to Rutgers

Photo Credit: Patrick Barron/MGoBlog