Didn’t get to get a chance to do this for the 2023 class thanks to the departures and near departures on the coaching staff which resulted in the recruiting board completely shifting last January. This year, there was plenty of rumors, interviews, buzz, and even some movement within the staff but in more positive ways than in years past.
And it’s already paying off. Michigan is sitting in a very good spot heading into the spring of this cycle. No, they don’t have Jadyn Davis just yet but they are sitting in excellent shape with so many wanted prospects that the staff will have to make some tough decisions over the next 8+ months. Exactly where a program should be coming off of back to back B1G Championships and Playoff trips.
So, don’t mind the optimism on the list. There’s a lot of options to end up in this class and the water is still a little murky. As always, there’s a 0% chance I’ll get all of these predictions right since the recruiting board changes throughout the year and craziness is bound to happen as the 2024 season plays out. This is more of a prospect overview with a touch of cautious optimism to see where Michigan sits with top targets and who could eventually end up signing with the Wolverines.
Check out my first 2024 Michigan Football Best Guess Recruiting Class:
Key:
- Excellent – Top Team
- Very Good – Within Striking Distance
- Good – Realistic Chance
- Fair – Hanging Around
- Poor – Not Likely
1. QB Jadyn Davis, 6’1” 190lbs. Charlotte, NC (Providence Day School)
Any day now. That’s been the outlook on Davis for going on like 6 months now. The Harbaugh rumors looked to hold up a rumored late 2022 decision but all things continue to look on track for him to eventually commit to Michigan, especially following his latest trip to Ann Arbor in March. Getting him on board should create a bit of a snowball effect and immediately improve the Wolverines chances with some of the top receiver targets (not just his teammates) and plenty of other top offensive targets.
- Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
- Rankings: 247Sports (5*, #28 overall) – On3 (4*, #105 overall) – Rivals (5*, #10 overall) – ESPN (4*, #35 overall)
- Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #26 Overall, #4 QB, #1 in North Carolina
- Rivals FutureCast: Michigan (100%)
- 247Sports Crystal Ball: Michigan (100%)
- On3 RPM: Michigan (90.3%)
- Other Options: Michael Van Buren
2. RB Jordan Marshall, 5’11’ 195lbs. Cincinnati, OH (Archbishop Moeller)
Marshall is one of the most wanted players in this class for both the Michigan and Ohio State coaching staffs. Though Michigan put in a ton of early effort and put themselves into great position, most were still skeptical about the Wolverines chances to pull the top target out of the Buckeye State. Well, that was the old Ohio State-Michigan rivalry. After back-to-back wins over Ohio State, Michigan pulled off one of its biggest upsets yet and landed the commitment of Marshall following his mid-March visit. What an unreal recruiting job by Mike Hart and the Michigan staff.
- Commitment Date: 3/21/23
- Rankings: 247Sports (4*, #176 overall) – On3 (4*, #79 overall) – Rivals (4*, #55 overall) – ESPN (4*, #189 overall)
- Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #90 Overall, #6 RB, #3 in Ohio
3. RB Taylor Tatum, 5’11” 205lbs. Longview, TX (Longview)
Tatum is a football/baseball recruit that also stars in track & field in the Lone Star State and just made his first visit to Michigan at the end of January. And per basically every report, things went great but Michigan looked to still be fighting an uphill battle. Well, maybe not so much. Horns247’s Mike Roach Crystal Balled Tatum to Michigan in mid-March following a 7v7 camp ($) where he said the Wolverines “will be tough to beat” and it looks like a similar source got to Maize&Blue Review’s Josh Henschke, as he also put in a FutureCast prediction for Tatum to Michigan after hearing that it’s the “worst kept secret in Texas” ($). This is still a top 50 target out of Texas though so I’m staying cautiously optimistic with so much time remaining in this cycle. But, could you imagine if Michigan can add Tatum alongside Marshall… **insert eyes emoji**.
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
- Rankings: 247Sports (4*, #49 overall) – On3 (4*, #43 overall) – Rivals (4*, #62 overall) – ESPN (4*, #91 overall)
- Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #42 overall, #3 RB, #9 in Texas
- Rivals FutureCast: Michigan/Texas A&M
- 247Sports Crystal Ball: Michigan (100%)
- On3 RPM: Baylor (20.4%)
- Other Options: Harry Stewart, Darion Dupree
4. WR I’Marion Stewart, 6’0” 180lbs. Bolingbrook, IL (Bolingbrook)
Stewart is one of the top names on the wide receiver board and has been for awhile. He’s been a wanted recruit for the staff and all signs are pointing towards them getting their wish. Multiple Crystal Balls and On3 Predictions already in for Michigan. Though it’s actually taken a little longer than I’ve expected, he’s still one of the better uncommitted bets to be in this class.
- Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
- Rankings: 247Sports (3*, #38 ATH) – On3 (3*, #65 WR) – Rivals (4*, #151 overall) – ESPN (3*)
- Consensus Ranking: Three-star, #452 Overall, #71 WR, #9 in Illinois
- Rivals FutureCast: Michigan (100%)
- 247Sports Crystal Ball: Michigan (2/2)
- On3 RPM: Michigan (94.2%)
- Other Options: Mylan Graham, Ryan Pellum, Nitro Tuggle
5. WR Channing Goodwin, 6’1” 165lbs. Charlotte, NC (Providence Day School)
The son of former Michigan and NFL offensive line standout, Jonathan Goodwin, Channing is a stud receiver target that the staff has been all over for multiple reasons. His talent for one, being a legacy recruit obviously helps, and oh yeah, he’s also on the same high school team as the staff’s top overall target, QB Jadyn Davis. Michigan has had the momentum here and continues to look good but it’s not over until it’s over with the in-state Tar Heels and Wolfpack making him a priority as well.
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
- Rankings: 247Sports (4*, #98 overall) – On3 (3*, #105 WR) – Rivals (3*, #94 WR) – ESPN (NR)
- Consensus Ranking: Three-star, #404 Overall, #62 WR, #11 in North Carolina
- Rivals FutureCast: Michigan (100%)
- 247Sports Crystal Ball: Michigan (100%)
- On3 RPM: Michigan (96.2%)
- Other Options: Mylan Graham, Ryan Pellum, Nitro Tuggle
6. WR Mekhai White, 6’3” 185lbs. King George, VA (King George)
This spot is tough to call at this point. Michigan is in good shape with several taller receivers so it may come down to when decisions are made. And I’m not sure any receiver is expecting to decide sooner than White. The three-star receiver recently visited Ann Arbor for the first time, left with an offer, and a new leader in his recruitment ($). With a decision expected on May 12th, things look great for the Wolverines. Only question is, where does he sit on the staff’s board? Could be the only hangup.
- Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
- Rankings: 247Sports (3*, #33 ATH) – On3 (3*, #80 WR) – Rivals (3*, #78 WR) – ESPN (NR)
- Consensus Ranking: Three-star, #438 Overall, #69 WR, #7 in Virginia
- Rivals FutureCast: Michigan (100%)
- 247Sports Crystal Ball: Michigan (100%)
- On3 RPM: Michigan (73.1%)
- Other Options: Jordan Shipp, Elijah Moore, Terrell Anderson, Micah Gilbert, Joshua Jackson
7*. WR Gatlin Bair, 6’2” 190lbs. Burley, ID (Burley)
Bair has been a wanted recruit for the Michigan staff for awhile now even though he reportedly won’t be enrolling at his school of choice until he finishes his mission trip in 2026. With Andrew Gentry already on the roster after following the same path, Michigan relate with Bair even more. And it’s more than just that connection that has the Wolverines sitting pretty. As the top player in Idaho, Michigan is utilizing Colston Loveland’s breakout freshmen season to show how an Idahoan fits in Ann Arbor. This is a recruitment that will come down to comfortability. Michigan is up against the likes of BYU, Utah and Nebraska. If/when they get him on campus, the Wolverines should be able to really make a move in this recruitment.
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
- Rankings: 247Sports (4*, #40 overall) – On3 (4*, #109 overall) – Rivals (4*, #61 WR) – ESPN (4*, #253 overall)
- Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #89 Overall, #15 WR, #1 in Idaho
- Rivals FutureCast: None
- 247Sports Crystal Ball: None
- On3 RPM: Utah (20.9%)
- Other Options: Jordan Shipp, Elijah Moore, Terrell Anderson, Micah Gilbert, Joshua Jackson
8. TE Brady Prieskorn, 6’6” 225lbs. Rochester, MI (Adams)
Prieskorn is one of the top tight ends in this class and oh, whataya know, he’s from Michigan. And to be honest, he was another guy on this list that seemed like they’d have been committed by now. However, like I said, he’s one of the best tight ends in the class so this is far from a layup. Alabama, Ohio State and Penn State are both involved here but Michigan has been in on Prieskorn longer than just about anyone and those relationships mixed with the success on the field and the in-state ties, and all signs continue to point to Michigan.
- Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
- Rankings: 247Sports (4*, #95 overall) – On3 (4*, #78 overall) – Rivals (4*, #67 overall) – ESPN (4*, #85 overall)
- Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #64 Overall, #5 TE, #2 in Michigan
- Rivals FutureCast: Michigan (100%)
- 247Sports Crystal Ball: Michigan (100%)
- On3 RPM: Michigan (92.1%)
- Other Options: Walter Matthews, Damarion Witten, Carter Nelson, Decker DeGraaf
9. TE Hogan Hansen, 6’6” 220lbs. Bellevue, WA (Bellevue)
Hansen was immediate top tight end target for the staff and a name to keep an eye on. The four-star had a deep list of offers early on but it was Michigan that stood out the most following two early visits to Ann Arbor. He kept the good times rolling in early December by joining the 2023 class and adding another high end tight end prospect to the position room.
- Commitment Date: 12/8/22
- Rankings: 247Sports (4*, #117 overall) – On3 (4*, #176 overall) – Rivals (4*, #18 TE) – ESPN (4*, #252 overall)
- Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #154 Overall, #11 TE, #3 in Washington
10. OT Andrew Sprague, 6’6” 290lbs. Kansas City, MO (Rockhurst)
One of the top overall targets in this class, Sprague has star potential at offensive tackle. Michigan is battling the blue bloods in this one with Notre Dame, USC and Nebraska in the thick of things. However, Sherrone Moore has the juice right now on the recruiting trail following back-to-back Joe Moore Award wins. Though I never count out Notre Dame from Midwest prospects, Michigan has had him on campus three times. One more visit to town and I think the staff can close.
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- Rankings: 247Sports (4*, #133 overall) – On3 (4*, #142 overall) – Rivals (4*, #225 overall) – ESPN (4*, #220 overall)
- Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #135 Overall, #9 OT, #4 in Missouri
- Rivals FutureCast: None
- 247Sports Crystal Ball: None
- On3 RPM: Nebraska (23.6%)
- Other Options: Deontae Armstrong, Michael Uini, Guerby Lambert, Marques Easley
11. OT Ben Roebuck, 6’7” 310lbs. Lakewood, OH (St. Edward)
Had to go back and delete my section on Roebuck potentially committing to Michigan as he in fact jumped on board while I was finishing up the first BGRC. Michigan is getting a monster lineman that could help anchor the right side of the line for multiple years. He is one the coaches should love to develop as he plays with that classic B1G offensive line style to his game.
- Commitment Date: 3/22/23
- Rankings: 247Sports (3*, #24 OT) – On3 (3*, #67 OT) – Rivals (4*, #31 OT) – ESPN (3*)
- Consensus Ranking: Three-star, #594 Overall, #40 OT, #20 in Ohio
12. OL Blake Frazier, 6’5” 260lbs. Austin, TX (Vandegrift)
Frazier is the son of former Michigan offensive lineman, Steve Frazier (95-99), and looks destined to follow in his father’s footsteps. The four-star Texan is taking his time and enjoying his recruitment but all signs point heavily to the Wolverines. Following his latest visit to Ann Arbor in mid-March, predictions from recruiting insiders came flowing in while Frazier didn’t hide his excitement on social media. Michigan should get some more good news sooner or later.
- Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
- Rankings: 247Sports (3*, #37 OT) – On3 (4*, #275 overall) – Rivals (4*, #52 overall) – ESPN (3*)
- Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #349 Overall, #25 OT, #56 in Texas
- Rivals FutureCast: Michigan (100%)
- 247Sports Crystal Ball: Michigan (100%)
- On3 RPM: Michigan (95.8%)
- Other Options: Deontae Armstrong, Devontae Armstrong, Michael Uini, Kevin Heywood
13. OL Max Anderson, 6’5” 300lbs. Frisco, TX (Reedy)
Anderson rose up the staff’s board over the winter and following his first visit to Ann Arbor, it looks like Michigan jumped to the top of his board as well. Though his brother plays at Oklahoma, the Wolverines are in great shape. TMI’s Steve Lorenz is “confident” that Michigan leads for the four-star ($), so much so that he put in a Crystal Ball prediction. The Wolverine’s EJ Holland is feeling good too as Anderson is set to officially visit Michigan in mid-June ($). Could the staff wrap things up before/during that trip? It looks good at this point.
- Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
- Rankings: 247Sports (4*, #213 overall) – On3 (4*, #209 overall) – Rivals (4*, #181 overall) – ESPN (
- Consensus Ranking: Four-star,
- Rivals FutureCast: Michigan (100%)
- 247Sports Crystal Ball: Michigan (100%)
- On3 RPM: Michigan (89.8%)
- Other Options: Devontae Armstrong, DeAndre Carter, Kevin Heywood, William Shatterwhite
14. OG Luke Hamilton, 6’5” 290lbs. Avon, OH (Avon)
Hamilton’s commitment was the cherry on top of the Ohio State win in late November and it was a big one as he has become a true leader early on. He has built up great relationships with several of the staff’s top offensive line targets and basically anyone from Ohio holding a Michigan offer or interest. Michigan has to be really happy with his addition to the class.
- Commitment Date: 11/27/22
- Rankings: 247Sports (4*, #238 overall) – On3 (3*, #37 IOL) – Rivals (4*, #25 OT) – ESPN (4*, #240 overall)
- Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #317 Overall, #23 IOL, #11 in Ohio
15. C Kyle Altuner, 6’3” 290lbs. Olney, MD (Good Counsel)
Altuner is another high ceiling offensive line target in this class and one that Sherrone Moore seems to be high on. Per multiple reports, Michigan likes him at center which is a need in this class. The rising three-star was on campus in mid-March with just about everyone else on this list and told The Wolverine’s EJ Holland that Michigan is “definitely at the top of my board” ($). Summer visits are expected and Penn State is pushing but I still like Michigan more. This is another position with multiple options out there but I like where things are with Altuner more than Flynn or Brewer.
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good to Excellent
- Rankings: 247Sports (3*, #39 IOL) – On3 (3*, #71 IOL) – Rivals (3*) – ESPN (3*)
- Consensus Ranking: Three-star, #855 Overall, #58 IOL, #25 in Maryland
- Rivals FutureCast: None
- 247Sports Crystal Ball: None
- On3 Prediction: Penn State (59%)
- Other Options: Waltclaire Flynn, Jake Guarnera, Caleb Brewer
16. DT Manuel Beigel, 6’5” 285lbs. Hesse, Germany (Choate Rosemary/CT)
Beigel joined the class back in the summer of 2022 and looks to be firm in that commitment. He is the biggest project in this class but the athleticism and frame is there. It may take a couple of years of development but he’s well worth taking the chance as he could end up playing on either side of the line, though his ceiling looks highest on defense.
- Commitment Date: 7/16/22
- Rankings: 247Sports (3*, #42 DL) – On3 (3*, #59 IOL) – Rivals (NR) – ESPN (3*)
- Consensus Ranking: Three-star, #731 Overall, #50 IOL, #7 in Connecticut
17. DL Ted Hammond, 6’5” 260lbs. Cincinnati, OH (St. Xavier)
Hammond’s commitment kinda flew under the radar in late January but he’s a guy that Michigan fans should get to know. Another big lineman that has a very high ceiling and a high basement. He’s a guy that could develop into a stud but could fit as a role guy too. Reminds me a bit of Chris Wormley.
- Commitment Date: 1/25/22
- Rankings: 247Sports (3*, #29 DL) – On3 (3*, #32 DL) – Rivals (4*, #29 SDE) – ESPN (3*)
- Consensus Ranking: Three-star, #490 Overall, #45 DL, #15 in Ohio
18. DE Brian Robinson, 6’5” 255lbs. Youngstown, OH (Fitch)
Hey look, another Ohio prospect! Michigan’s push across the southern boarder is paying off in a big way and one of the next guys who could join this class is Robinson. The four-star defensive end has several suitors but Michigan looks to be battling Kentucky and Penn State the most. He’s another guy enjoying the process and making the rounds to ensure he makes the right decision. Michigan continues to look great here though he may have some competition for this spot in the class with Davis-Swain ($).
- Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
- Rankings: 247Sports (4*, #168 overall) – On3 (4*, #175 overall) – Rivals (4*, #211 overall) – ESPN (
- Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #146 Overall, #11 EDGE, #4 in Ohio
- Rivals FutureCast: Michigan (100%)
- 247Sports Crystal Ball: Michigan (100%)
- On3 Prediction: Michigan (89.5%)
- Other Options: Brandon Davis-Swain, Kellen Lindstrom, DD Holmes
19. EDGE Marquise Lightfoot, 6’5” 220lbs. Chicago, IL (Kenwood)
Lightfoot has quickly rose up the EDGE board and Michigan looks to be in good shape here. The four-star pass rusher has visited twice including an impactful trip in January ($). However, he’s a national recruit that is wanted by just about everyone. Notre Dame has had him on campus four times already and he holds offers from Georgia, Alabama and Ohio State. This is not going to be an easy recruitment to win but the early relationship building mixed with the developmental opportunity in Ann Arbor, I like Michigan here.
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- Rankings: 247Sports (3*, #29 EDGE) – On3 (4*, #52 overall) – Rivals (4*, #83 overall) – ESPN (NR)
- Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #130 Overall, #10 EDGE, #4 in Illinois
- Rivals FutureCast: None
- 247Sports Crystal Ball: None
- On3 RPM: Notre Dame (30.2%)
- Other Options: Dylan Stewart, Elijah Rudolph, Danny Okoye, LJ McCray
20. EDGE Darien Mayo, 6’6” 245lbs. Olney, MD (Good Counsel)
Mayo may have one of the highest ceilings out of anyone on this list. With his frame and athleticism, coaching staffs all over the country have to be salivating to work with and develop him as a pass rusher. And Michigan is in good shape to be that school following his first visit to Ann Arbor this past week. Per TMI’s Steve Lorenz, Michigan just may be leading this recruitment now ($). There’s a lot of suitors out there and Michigan will have to fight to stay at/near the top of his board, but if the staff can get him up to campus 1-2 more times, the Wolverines should be sitting pretty here.
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- Rankings: 247Sports (3*, #37 EDGE) – On3 (4*, #92 overall) – Rivals (4*, #91 overall) – ESPN (NR)
- Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #164 Overall, #13 EDGE, #4 in Maryland
- Rivals FutureCast: None
- 247Sports Crystal Ball: None
- On3 RPM: Maryland (22.9%)
- Other Options: Dylan Stewart, Elijah Rudolph, Danny Okoye, LJ McCray
21. OLB Mason Curtis, 6’4” 200lbs. Nashville, TN (Ensworth)
Curtis was the first commit of this class and continues to look like a better and better get. He has the size to play multiple positions, sticking at linebacker or growing into an EDGE rusher. Another prospect the staff has to be excited to get on campus.
- Commitment Date: 6/27/22
- Rankings: 247Sports (4*, #25 LB) – On3 (4*, #128 overall) – Rivals (4*, #16 OLB) – ESPN (4*, #199 overall)
- Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #200 Overall, #20 LB, #2 in Tennessee
22. LB Zach Ludwig, 6’2” 205lbs. South Park, PA (South Park)
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t super confused about this recruitment. Nearly left him off the list because it is one of the more confusing stories I’ve heard and feels like he may end up as a PWO. But I’ve been wrong (many times) before and Jim Harbaugh has brought on several recruits I have questioned, so here he is. Not getting too much into how his commitment went down but The Wolverine’s Zach Libby had a great breakdown of his recruitment ($), I suggest checking it out.
- Commitment Date: 11/29/22
- Rankings: 247Sports (3*, #107 LB) – On3 (3*, #95 LB) –
- Consensus Ranking: Three-star, #909 Overall, #96 LB, #26 in Pennsylvania
23. ILB Aaron Chiles, 6’3” 220lbs. Olney, MD (OLGC)
Chiles is one of the top overall targets in this class and from all reports and predictions, it looks like just a matter of time before he makes it official. Michigan has done a phenomenal job in this recruitment, getting him on campus twice this year already. Those visits mixed with the opportunities on and off the field at UofM has the Wolverines sitting pretty for the four-star linebacker.
- Michigan’s Chances: Excellent
- Rankings: 247Sports (4*, #120 overall) – On3 (4*, #233 overall) – Rivals (4*, #57 overall) – ESPN (4*, #57 overall)
- Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #103 Overall, #7 LB, #2 in Maryland
- Rivals FutureCast: Michigan (100%)
- 247Sports Crystal Ball: Michigan (100%)
- On3 RPM: Michigan (93.6%)
- Other Options: Kris Jones, Jordan Lockhart, Brayden Platt, Kamar Mothudi
24. ILB Jeremiah Beasley, 6’1” 210lbs. Belleville, MI (Belleville)
For awhile, it didn’t seem like Beasley and Michigan were a match. But things have changed drastically in this recruitment as the four-star linebacker has become a top target for Chris Partridge and the staff($), per TMI’s Steve Lorenz. There’s a new head coach at Belleville, which has the relationship between the programs clearly in a much better place than it was. TMI’s Sam Webb broke down how Michigan overtook Tennessee’s momentum in this race ($) thanks to a full staff effort. Things are looking better and better for Beasley to choose Michigan.
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- Rankings: 247Sports (4*, #154 overall) – On3 (4*, #272 overall) – Rivals (4*, #23 OLB) – ESPN (NR)
- Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #298 Overall, #33 LB, #6 in Michigan
- Rivals FutureCast: None
- 247Sports Crystal Ball: Michigan (100%)
- On3 RPM: Michigan State (38.8%)
- Other Options: Kris Jones, Jordan Lockhart, Brayden Platt, Kamar Mothudi
25. LB/S Michael Boganowski, 6’2” 195lbs. Junction City, KS (Junction City)
Boganowski is a new name that has burst on the radar and has already moved to a top target. The staff offered him the 16th and got him on campus that weekend. The M&B Review’s Josh Henschke caught up with the rising recruit, who came away extremely impressed with the Michigan program and is already planning his official visit ($). Jumping in on him before he really blows up is big here for Michigan.
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- Rankings: 247Sports (3*, #44 LB) – On3 (3*, #48 LB) – Rivals (3*, #49 ATH) – ESPN (N/A)
- Consensus Ranking: Three-star, #448 Overall, #48 LB, #1 in Kansas
- Rivals FutureCast: None
- 247Sports Crystal Ball: None
- On3 RPM: Michigan (89.5%)
- Other Options: Kris Jones, Jordan Lockhart, Brayden Platt, Kamar Mothudi
26. S Ricardo Jones, 6’3” 190lbs. Warner Robins, GA (Northside)
This spot is a bit of a toss up as Jay Harbaugh is targeting some of the top safeties in this class and has Michigan in the thick of things for a couple of them. One that’s stood out amongst the others has been Jones. The four-star has been on the radar for a minute now, visiting twice last year. If the staff can get him on campus this spring or summer, they could make a big move here. A recruitment to watch closely.
- Michigan’s Chances: Good
- Rankings: 247Sports (4*, #137 overall) – On3 (4*, #172 overall) – Rivals (4*, #137 overall) – ESPN (4*, #114 overall)
- Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #113 Overall, #9 S, #21 in Georgia
- Rivals FutureCast: None
- 247Sports Crystal Ball: None
- On3 RPM: Auburn (30.9%)
- Other Options: Jordan Johnson-Rubbell, Zaquan Patterson, Kyan McDonald, Reggie Powers
27. S Jacob Oden, 6’1” 185lbs. Harper Woods, MI (Harper Woods)
Thanks to Steve Clinkscale and a focused effort from the staff, Michigan was able to completely change the momentum in this recruitment. Early on it looked like he’d be playing his ball in East Lansing, not Ann Arbor. Fast forward a couple of months and Oden jumped on board at the start of February, giving Michigan a top five in-state talent at a position of need in this class.
- Commitment Date: 2/2/23
- Rankings: 247Sports (4*, #188 overall) – On3 (4*, #198 overall) – Rivals (4*, #160 overall) – ESPN (4*, #153 overall)
- Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #176 Overall, #16 S, #4 in Michigan
28. CB Austin Alexander, 6’1” 165lbs. Hazel Crest, IL (Marian Catholic)
Alexander decommitted from Wisconsin in January and was quickly offered by half of the Big Ten, including Michigan in mid-February. The staff got him on campus last weekend for the first time. Michigan was looking like a real threat to land him heading into the trip and has been stellar with on-campus visits with this class. However, this other corner spot is up for grabs with several prospects. It’ll be interesting to see who signs with the Wolverines at the end of the day.
- Michigan’s Chances: Good to Very Good
- Rankings: 247Sports (3*, #29 CB) – On3 (4*, #283 overall) – Rivals (3*) – ESPN (NR)
- Consensus Ranking: Three-star, #434 Overall, #40 CB, #8 in Illinois
- Rivals FutureCast: None
- 247Sports Crystal Ball: None
- On3 RPM: Wisconsin (41.4%)
- Other Options: Bryce West, Boo Carter, Terhyon Nichols, Ify Obidegwu, Nigel Maynard
29. CB Aaron Scott, 6’0” 170lbs. Springfield, OH (Springfield)
Let’s get crazy. Scott is the top ranked player in the Buckeye State and a player that might break the OSU fanbase if he were to end up committing to the Wolverines. He was on campus last weekend after visiting for Junior Day earlier this year. The latest visited might’ve moved the needle even more as Michigan is reportedly making moves for Scott and fellow Ohio standout CB Bryce West, per 247Sports’ Allen Trieu ($). Imagine if Michigan landed both of them? Clinkscale and crew are trying to pull it off. At this point, I think they get at least one and I like their chances with Scott just a little bit more.
- Michigan’s Chances: Very Good
- Rankings: 247Sports (4*, #36 overall) – On3 (4*, #11 overall) – Rivals (4*, #31 CB) – ESPN (4*, #106 overall)
- Consensus Ranking: Four-star, #43 Overall, #4 CB, #1 in Ohio
- Rivals FutureCast: Ohio State (100%)
- 247Sports Crystal Ball: Ohio State (100%)
- On3 RPM: Ohio State (92.8%)
- Other Options: Bryce West, Boo Carter, Terhyon Nichols, Ify Obidegwu, Nigel Maynard
30. P Drew Miller, 6’2” 195lbs. Mediapolis, IA (Mediapolis)
Michigan doesn’t seem like it’s in the business of offering too many specialists without feeling like they’re going to eventually get a commitment. And from reading his post visit/offer interviews, Michigan is clearly in good shape. If Jay Harbaugh pushes, I think he’ll be in this class.
- Michigan’s Chances: Good to Very Good
- Rankings: 247Sports (N/A) – Kohl’s (5*, #1 P) – Sailer (5*, #2 P) – Kornblue (5*, #1 P)
- Rivals FutureCast: None
- 247Sports Crystal Ball: None
- On3 RPM: Iowa State (100%)
Projected Class Score (via 247Sports): 294.76
If I can tell the future and the rankings don’t change (neither are true), this class score would’ve finished 4th overall in 2023, 5th in 2022 and 5th in 2021. This score would also give Michigan it’s highest class score since the 5th ranked 2017 class (296.04). So, if momentum keeps chugging along, I’ll go ahead and guess Michigan will have a top five class in 2024.
Just Missed
- WR Jordan Shipp
- Last name off the list. Feel like he’s the least likely of the three Providence Day School targets.
- CB Bryce West
- Another highly ranked corner out of Ohio that Michigan is moving on. But think OSU still wins out…for now.
- DB Boo Carter
- 7on7 teammates with Jeremiah Beasley. A name to watch if they get him on campus and land Beasley.
- RB Dorrian Dupree
- Might be next up if Tatum starts trending elsewhere.
- RB Harry Stewart
- See above.
- DL Kellen Lindstrom
- A name to keep an eye on.
- TE Walter Matthews
- Feel like he’s a dark horse to be in this class. Not enough yet to get him out of the south.
- LB Kris Jones
- Things changed here a bit once Partridge came on. Interested to see how much they push here.
- OC Waltclaire Flynn
- Already visited and looks to be a top center target. Felt better about Altuner though.
- CB Terhyon Nichols
- Keep a close eye on Nichols. Another Ohio corner the staff looks high on.
- WR Mylan Graham
- Highly ranked receiver out of the Midwest. Need a little more before he joins the list.
- OL Jake Guarnera
- Friends with the offensive line commits, will he join his buddies? Where does he sit on the board?
- DL Brandon Davis-Swain
- Another one of those weird recruitments. Recently visited but feel like others are higher on the DL wishlist.
Keep an Eye On
- WR Joshua Jackson
- S Jordan Johnson-Rubbell
- LB Jordan Lockhart
- EDGE Dylan Stewart
- ATH Quinton Martin
- S Zaquan Patterson
- OT Eagan Boyer
- LB Brayden Platt
- RB Harry Stewart
- OL Caleb Brewer
- TE Damarion Witten
- OT Deontae Armstrong
- OL Devontae Armstrong
- WR Elijah Moore
- RB DeJuan Williams
- DT Devon Baxter
- S Reggie Powers
- LB Kamar Mothudi
- OT Marques Easley
- WR Micah Gilbert
- DL Xadavien Sims
- OG Kevin Heywood
- NT Jericho Johnson
- TE Carter Nelson
- OL William Satterwhite
- WR Nitro Tuggle
- DB Kyan McDonald
- DL DD Holmes
- ATH Josiah Brown
- CB Nigel Maynard
- DT Jayden Jackson
- EDGE Elias Rudolph
- WR Terrell Anderson
- CB Ify Obidegwu
- EDGE LJ McCray
- WR Ryan Pellum
Longshots
- OT Guerby Lambert
- DT Justin Scott
- OT Michael Uini
- EDGE Elijah Rushing
- LB Myles Graham – Committed to Florida
- WR Mike Matthews
- DT Aydin Breland
- NT Hevin Brown-Shuler
- EDGE Danny Okoye
- OT Brandon Baker
- EDGE Dylan Stephenson
- S Jaylen McClain
- LB Sammy Brown
- DL TJ Lindsey
- WR Cam Williams – Committed to Notre Dame
- EDGE/TE KingJoseph Edwards
- WR Ryan Wingo
- S KJ Bolden
- OG DeAndre Carter
- EDGE Ernest Willor Jr
Don’t Forget About Us
- QB Michael Van Buren
- WR Nick Marsh
- CB Isaiah Rubin
- DL Eddie Tuerk
- WR Brauntae Johnson
- TE Decker DeGraaf
- S Edrees Farooq
- LB Dylan Williams
- EDGE Jerod Smith
- WR Jeremiah McLellan
- EDGE Loghan Thomas
- LB Cayden Jones
- OL Jordan Seaton
- WR Jeremiah Watkins
- DB Landyn Cleveland
- CB Omillio Agard
- TE Jaden Reddell
- DT Dillan Johnson
- RB J’Marion Burnette
- LB Payton Pierce
- CB Jeremiah Lowe
- RB Jaden Hart
- CB Jalen Todd
- WR David Washington
- OT Malachi Toliver
- CB Treyvon Tolmaire
- DT Jordan Thomas
- RB Dillin Jones
- WR Aeryn Hampton
- EDGE Jacob Smith
- WR Parker Livingstone
- OT Bennett Warren
- RB D’Shawntae Jones
- WR Jay’Quan Bostic
- TE Max LeBlanc
Photo Credit: Bryan Fuller/MGoBlog
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