Tag: Michigan Football

Early Signing Day: Wisconsin officially signs two former top Michigan commits

Early Signing Day: Wisconsin officially signs two former top Michigan commits

Wisconsin’s busy few weeks in the class of 2025 culminated on Wednesday, when college football’s early signing period began.

Among Wisconsin’s many signings are two of the program’s most recent additions. Those players are four-star DL Jaylen Williams and four-star QB Carter Smith, each who were formerly among Michigan‘s top commits in the class.

Related: Early Signing Day Tracker: Updates on Wisconsin football’s full activity in class of 2025

Williams flipped to the Badgers from the Wolverines on Nov. 20, while Smith de-committed from Michigan and eventually committed to Wisconsin on Nov. 24.

Smith is Wisconsin’s highest-rated commit in the cycle, ranked as 247Sports’ No. 164 player in the class of 2025, No. 15 quarterback and No. 26 recruit from Florida.

Williams, meanwhile, is among the most important members of the class. Wisconsin’s defensive line group looks incredibly thin moving forward. His status as a four-star recruit and 247Sports’ No. 230-ranked player in the class should begin to address that issue.

Each players’ respective path to Wisconsin was different. Wisconsin beat Florida State more than anybody else for Smith after he left Michigan’s class — a move that coincided with the program’s pursuit of top quarterback Bryce Underwood. Both, however, were previously two of the Wolverines’ top commits in the cycle.

Wisconsin has not won much on the field since Luke Fickell arrived before the 2023 season. These two signings represent important recruiting wins as he works to chart the program’s path forward.

For more updates on Wisconsin’s early signing period, bookmark our signing day tracker.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes, and opinion.

Signed: Andrew Marsh signs with Michigan football

He’s gonna be a star for #GoBlue!

Ratings

* Ovr Pos St
247Sports Composite 4 70 10 15
On3 Industry Ranking 4 90 13 17
247Sports 4 73 13 17
On3 4 195 29 29
ESPN 4 67 10 13
Rivals 4 114 18 16

Vitals

Hometown Fulshear (Tx.) Katy Jordan
Projected Position Wide Receiver
Height 6-foot-1
Weight 175-pounds

Recruiting Story

As if from seemingly out of nowhere in the early summer, Michigan started to connect with the four-star receiver. In a big win for Ron Bellamy, Marsh ended up choosing the Wolverines on his departed father’s birthday, and then became a vocal recruiter for the maize and blue.

INTERVIEW: Elite 2025 WR Andrew Marsh breaks down Michigan football official visit

Marsh is the highest-rated wide receiver to sign with Michigan since Donovan Peoples-Jones in 2017.

Readiness Level

Though freshman receivers tend to take a year before they become factors, with Michigan’s need along with Marsh’s talent, he could be a starter or a high-impact reserve in his first year.

Notes

  • Committed Aug. 20, 2024
  • Also runs track with a 50.50 400-meter dash time.

Scouting report

The scouting report according to On3:

Strong-handed receiver with high-end ball skills. Measured in at 6-foot-0.5, 175 pounds prior to his senior season. Lines up all over the formation for his high school, working both outside and in the slot. A natural plucker, consistently catching the ball away from his frame. Has very large hands and plays with strength at the catch point. Makes one-handed snags with ease. Shows the ability to time his jumps and come down with high-point grabs in traffic. Registers as a good athlete, particularly in the jumps. Posted a 6-2 foot high jump as a sophomore. Will need to continue improving his burst, top end speed and route-running.

Film

Original commitment story

Elite wide receiver commits to Michigan football

Photos

Signed: Jasper Parker signs with Michigan football

He’s had an incredible senior year. #GoBlue

Ratings

* Ovr Pos St
247Sports Composite 4 299 21 11
On3 Industry Ranking 4 356 26 13
247Sports 3 – 35 18
On3 4 163 8 5
ESPN 3 – 42 23
Rivals 4 203 11 7

Vitals

Hometown Marrero (La.) Archbishop Shaw
Projected Position Running Back
Height 6-foot-0
Weight 189-pounds

Recruiting Story

The first running back to commit to the class, Parker was a three-star to all services but has steadily risen up the rankings. He’s had a particularly impressive senior season and has an impressive offer list.

Readiness Level

Likely a year-two or three contributor due to the depth ahead of him.

Notes

  • Committed June 15, 2024
  • Plays at the same high school as WR Jacob Washington and Michigan coach Ron Bellamy

Scouting report

Via The Wolverine’s EJ Holland: (subscription required)

Parker has been a steady riser in the recruiting rankings this fall as he’s posted some monster numbers as a senior. Parker is an every down back who runs tough between the tackles and also excels as a pass catcher. He’s a taller back with an athletic frame but runs with plenty of power. The biggest question mark with Parker is his speed and explosiveness. Parker didn’t necessarily have a second gear on Friday night, and I can’t seem to find any verified times for him. Parker is ranked as a Top 200 back by two services and a three-star by two others. As I usually say, the answer is somewhere in the middle when rankings are all over the place. I have Parker graded as a Top 275-325 prospect, which is a notch ahead of his Industry ranking.

Film

Original commitment story

Michigan football gets commitment from rising 2025 running back

Photos

Signed: Nate Marshall signs with Michigan football

The flip back is officially complete! #GoBlue

Ratings

* Ovr Pos St
247Sports Composite 4 55 8 3
On3 Industry Ranking 4 59 7 3
247Sports 4 109 15 3
On3 4 94 9 4
ESPN 4 83 5 3
Rivals 5 26 2 1

Vitals

Hometown Oak Park (Ill.) Fenwick
Projected Position Defensive Line
Height 6-foot-4
Weight 265-pounds

Recruiting Story

Marshall was originally Sherrone Moore’s first commit after he became head coach when he pledged in April 2024. However, Auburn started to get involved via NIL and though Marshall eschewed the efforts of the Tigers originally, he ultimately ended up flipping in August. But the Wolverines apparently, behind the scenes, continued working on Marshall, as he flipped back to Michigan football the day before early signing day.

Readiness Level

Could contribute in year one in the EDGE rotation or could bulk up and potentially become a factor on the interior in year two.

Notes

  • Committed Dec. 3, 2024
  • Originally committed to Michigan football in April 2024 before flipping to Auburn in August.
  • Also plays basketball and has had plays as a wildcat quarterback

Scouting report

The scouting report from 247Sports’ Allen Trieu:

Has a background that includes basketball and offense, where he sometimes splits way out wide and can be effective playing from that spot. Carries that athleticism over to defense where he is comfortable in space and pursuit. Can change directions and chase down plays. Shows motor and does not give up on plays. Shifts from outside to inside and has played up and down the line. Carries his weight very well so could continue to pack on pounds and be a combo guy in college. Does not currently have bad weight. Long-term projection is likely most likely as a five-tech but that depends on physical development. Combo of athleticism and versatility make him a high-end prospect. Has to continue developing from a technical standpoint with his hands and get stronger, but he looks like he will be a starter for high-major program and has the baseline tools to play beyond college.

Film

Original commitment story

Michigan football flips a big-time defensive lineman back into the fold

Photos

(none available)

Signed: Jacob Washington signs with Michigan football

Big-time receiver from SEC country! #GoBlue

Ratings

* Ovr Pos St
247Sports Composite 4 207 25 7
On3 Industry Ranking 4 213 25 8
247Sports 3 – 62 16
On3 4 83 15 3
ESPN 4 230 28 5
Rivals 4 – 54 16

Vitals

Hometown Marrero (La.) Archbishop Shaw
Projected Position Wide Receiver
Height 6-foot-3
Weight 180-pounds

Recruiting Story

This wasn’t a high-profile recruitment, but it was one of two commits from Ron Bellamy’s high school, Marrero (La.) Archbishop Shaw. Washington was a consensus three-star at the time of his commitment but moved up the rankings during his senior season. He took some late visits, prominently Mizzou, but stuck with his Michigan commitment.

Readiness Level

Could be an impact player in year one but more likely to be so in year two.

Notes

  • Committed June 24, 2024
  • Also plays basketball and runs track

Scouting report

None available.

Film

Original commitment story

Michigan football gets commitment from big 2025 WR

Photos

Signed: Shamari Earls signs with Michigan football

Always good to steal away a prized SEC commit! #GoBlue

Ratings

* Ovr Pos St
247Sports Composite 4 86 12 2
On3 Industry Ranking 4 62 8 1
247Sports 4 69 9 1
On3 4 32 5 1
ESPN 4 71 9 2
Rivals 4 – 24 3

Vitals

Hometown Chester (Va.) Thomas Dale
Projected Position Cornerback
Height 6-foot-2
Weight 180-pounds

Recruiting Story

Before he became a full-blown household name in the recruiting sphere, Earls was committed to South Carolina. However, it appeared as if he was looking at other options and Michigan appeared to have strong standing for him. However, Georgia pushed hard and he ended up committing to the Bulldogs. Michigan didn’t stop going after him and got him back on campus for the Michigan State game. Earls committed shortly after and became one of the Wolverines’ most avid recruiters in the aftermath.

Readiness Level

With Will Johnson gone, Michigan pitched Earls on being a potential first-year starter. Of course, others will vie for the job and there’s no telling what will transpire via the transfer portal, but he does have a path to seeing the field in year one.

Notes

  • Committed Nov. 1, 2024
  • Also runs track
  • Originally committed to South Carolina before flipping to Georgia and then Michigan.

Scouting report

The scouting report from 247Sports’ Andrew Ivins:

Imposing perimeter corner with the ideal blend of size and speed. Has made an impact in all three phases of the game since he was a sophomore in Virginia’s highest classification and has experience working in a variety of different coverages. Creates release disruption from press and does his best to mirror opponents as their routes progress. Alert when forward-facing, and will play through hands to break up passes, but needs to improve overall awareness when his back is turned to the football. Can get across the field with his top gear and prevent touchdowns while in pursuit. Low-tackling style gets the job done, but will only add more value in run support if he can shed with more authority. Should be viewed as a potential multi-year starter at the Power Four level with legitimate NFL upside. Frame hasn’t been third-party verified, but appears to be over 6-foot. More notably, owns elite markers in both the 55-meter dash and the long jump. Likely will need a developmental year or two to adjust to the collegiate game and refine technique, but could be well worth the wait.

Film

Original commitment story

Michigan football flips elite 2025 prospect from elite SEC school

Photos

Signed: Benny Patterson signs with Michigan football

A late-riser who had some impressive offers! #GoBlue

Ratings

* Ovr. Pos. St.
247Sports Composite 4 342 36 6
On3 Industry Ranking 4 298 25 7
247Sports 3 – 54 10
On3 4 77 7 2
ESPN 3 – 92 22
Rivals 3 – 48 1

Vitals

Hometown Newburgh (Ind.)
Projected Position Defensive line
Height 6-foot-3
Weight 230-pounds

Recruiting Story

A late riser who was previously committed to Cincinnati, some top schools started coming after Patterson late in the game. But Patterson flipped to Michigan football after visiting for the MSU game in late October.

Readiness Level

Likely to be a year two or three contributor.

Notes

  • Committed Nov. 1, 2024

Scouting report

None available.

Film

Original commitment story

Michigan football gets a flip commitment from Cincinnati

Photos

Signed: Eli Owens signs with Michigan football

One of #Michigan’s longest-tenured commits is in! #GoBlue

Ratings

* Ovr Pos St
247Sports Composite 3 541 27 20
On3 Industry Ranking 3 600 33 21
247Sports 3 – 35 18
On3 3 – 75 29
ESPN 3 – 26 21
Rivals 4 – 13 9

Vitals

Hometown Alcoa (Tenn.)
Projected Position Tight End
Height 6-foot-2
Weight 243-pounds

Recruiting Story

Owens made a surprise commitment to the Wolverines between the Rose Bowl and the national championship game. He’s since been an avid recruiter for the 2025 class.

Readiness Level

Likely a year-two or three contributor due to the depth ahead of him.

Notes

  • Committed Jan. 4, 2024

Scouting report

None available.

Film

Original commitment story

Michigan lands commitment from 2025 tight end

Photos

Signed: Chase Taylor signs with Michigan football

#Michigan really loves this guy! #GoBlue

Ratings

Stars Ovr Pos State
247Sports Composite 3 549 58 70
On3 Industry Ranking 3 681 73 82
247Sports 3 – 63 61
On3 3 – 77 89
ESPN 3 – 21 74
Rivals 3 – 59 89

Vitals

Hometown Stockbridge (Ga.)
Projected Position Linebacker
Height 6-foot-3
Weight 201-pounds

Recruiting Story

Though not a big name in the recruiting world, Michigan football prioritized Taylor throughout the process and ended up landing him during the summer.

Readiness Level

Likely to be a year two or three contributor.

Notes

  • Committed June 24, 2024
  • Also plays basketball

Scouting report

None available.

Film

Original commitment story

Michigan football secures commitment from LB in SEC country

Photos

Signed: Avery Gach signs with Michigan football

An in-state beast ready to put on the maize and blue! #GoBlue

Ratings

* Ovr Pos St
247Sports Composite 4 274 15 3
On3 Industry Ranking 4 277 21 3
247Sports 4 – 17 4
On3 3 – 39 7
ESPN 4 – 37 3
Rivals 4 130 4 3

Vitals

Hometown Birmingham (Mich.) Groves
Projected Position Interior Offensive Line
Height 6-foot-4
Weight 270-pounds

Recruiting Story

An in-state win for Michigan, Gach was a mainstay at nearly every game in Ann Arbor for the past year-plus. After putting on some good weight, he really dominated in high school as well as at the Rivals camp where he earned MVP for his position.

Readiness Level

As with most offensive linemen, not expected to be a factor in his first year but should compete for a starting job in year two or three.

Notes

  • Committed May 3, 2024
  • Also plays baseball

Scouting report

The scouting report from 247Sports’ Allen Trieu:

High school offensive tackle who can be a swing guy at the next level. Tenacious, physical player who goes to the whistle and finishes plays. Shows functional strength and pad level in addition to the pure willingness to want to move defenders off the ball, all making for a dominant run blocker. Still technically coming along in pass set and pass pro. Physicality shows up in his punch there also. Left tackle in high school who may be more suited as a right side option or interior player at the high-major level. Has added good weight and strength and will continue to do so. Is a solid base-level athlete, but can also continue to improve on pure explosiveness and lateral agility. High-floor type prospect who will give a high-major school depth at several positions and should be a dependable multi-year starter at the Power Five level.

Film

Original commitment story

Michigan football lands a key commitment from in-state target

Photos