The paradigm is shifting. Though Bryce Underwood was an in-state prospect from nearby Belleville (Mich.), the Wolverines flipping the five-star and No. 1 recruit in the 2025 class is going to have some positive repercussions for Michigan football.
Making sure that everyone in the college football world knows that the maize and blue mean business, the defending national champions took time in the afterglow of Underwood’s flip from LSU to take another shot at Brian Kelly and the Tigers. One of the top prospects from the state, 2025 New Orleans (La.) Edna Kerr five-star defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart appears to be trending to LSU, Ohio State, USC, and Oregon, but Michigan threw its hat back into the ring with a redeclaration of its previously issued offer.
Here is how Stewart ranks according to the recruiting services:
| * | Ovr | Pos | St | |
| 247Sports Composite | 5 | 16 | 3 | 2 |
| On3 Industry Ranking | 5 | 16 | 3 | 1 |
| 247Sports | 4 | 54 | 9 | 2 |
| On3 | 5 | 25 | 3 | 2 |
| ESPN | 5 | 11 | 1 | 1 |
| Rivals | 5 | 8 | 1 | 1 |
The scouting profile from 247Sports:
Enormous-framed front-line defender with impressive linear athleticism and immense growth potential. Assembled strong combine testing and measured well on the offseason camp circuit in Spring 2024. Periodic segmentation in movement patterns reflects the growth still ongoing into the frame, but flashes serious straight-line juice for such a big body at this stage. Capable pass rusher from the interior and the edge, thanks in part to hand violence and point-of-attack power. Often physically overwhelms overmatched opponents, but does flash some rip and swim nuance at times. Reportedly highly productive sophomore campaign with 85 tackles, 33 TFL, 20 sacks. Still developing pass-rush repertoire but has shown encouraging technical awareness. Elite young defensive line prospect given outstanding physical tools and promising movement ability who could become a serious NFL Draft candidate down the road.
With both Nate Marshall and Jaylen Williams flipping from Michigan to Auburn and Wisconsin, respectively, getting the currently uncommitted Stewart in the fold would be a massive sea change. Of course, the Wolverines have a lot of ground to make up in a short period of time and there’s no indication that they will. But even the fact that Michigan is making this move right now shows you how serious it is to attract truly elite talent to Ann Arbor — beyond even the aforementioned Underwood.