Tag: Michigan Football

Five-star Georgia commit posts cryptic message ahead of signing

Five-star edge rusher Isaiah Gibson, a Georgia commit, shared a cryptic message via social media right before early signing day

Five-star edge rusher Isaiah Gibson, who is a Georgia Bulldogs commitment, posted a picture of the Detroit, Michigan, skyline ahead of early signing day. Gibson, who plans to sign at 2:15 p.m. ET on Dec. 4, has been committed to Georgia since June.

Update: Gibson has signed with the Georgia Bulldogs.

However, the Michigan Wolverines have recently built up some buzz in his recruitment. Michigan offered Gibson a scholarship a few weeks ago and are trying to land the elite pass rusher.

Gibson plays football for Warner Robins High School in Warner Robins, Georgia. The 6-foot-4, 245-pound defender is the best edge rusher in the class of 2025. Gibson is ranked as the No. 9 recruit in the nation and the No. 2 prospect in Georgia.

The Warner Robins standout is one of five five-star recruits committed to Georgia football. Michigan has commitments from a pair of five-star recruits, but landing Gibson would be a massive win for the Wolverines.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DDKf-2SPQsy/?hl=en

 

Signed: Kaden Strayhorn signs with Michigan football

An MSU legacy who made the right choice! #GoBlue

Ratings

* Ovr Pos St
247Sports Composite 3 491 33 65
On3 Industry Ranking 3 552 48 70
247Sports 3 – 38 75
On3 3 – 84 128
ESPN 4 – 10 46
Rivals 4 – 16 51

Vitals

Hometown Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy
Projected Position Center
Height 6-foot-3
Weight 285-pounds

Recruiting Story

This is an interesting one. A Michigan State legacy and son of MSU radio color commentator Jason Strayhorn, it appeared that the progeny would end up in East Lansing when Mel Tucker was the coach. However, when Jonathan Smith took over, the Spartans didn’t recruit Strayhorn, opening up the door for the Wolverines. Ohio State and some other big schools were involved but ultimately, Strayhorn ended up at his father’s biggest rival.

Readiness Level

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

Notes

  • Committed June 23, 2024
  • Got his start at Novi (Mich.) Catholic Central

Scouting report

The scouting report from 247Sports’ Andrew Ivins:

Technically advanced interior offensive line prospect that could very well find himself snapping the football on Saturdays. Under 6-foot-3, but believed to tipping the scales at just over 285 pounds and should only continue to add some good mass in the coming years. Plays with a favorable pad level for his age and will win more times than not by simply gaining leverage on opponents as his upper and lower halves frequently sing to the same tune. Deployed primarily at right tackle as a senior for an IMG Academy program that is known for its o-line development. Had his moments protecting the corner, but should find more success in pass sets when he’s not asked to cover a ton of turf. Projects as a potential multi-year starter at the Power Four level based on what he has put on tape over the years. Ceiling might be highest as a center with his instincts and aggression.

Film

Original commitment story

Michigan football steals away MSU legacy with latest commit

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Signed: Julius Holly signs with Michigan football

An edge rusher from Georgia that Georgia wanted! #GoBlue

Ratings

* Ovr. Pos. St.
247Sports Composite 4 371 30 51
On3 Industry Ranking 4 350 35 47
247Sports 3 – 42 58
On3 4 – 34 39
ESPN 4 – 37 38
Rivals 4 – 29 54

Vitals

Hometown Alpharetta (Ga.)
Projected Position Edge Rusher
Height 6-foot-3
Weight 230-pounds

Recruiting Story

This wasn’t a high-profile recruitment, but Holly also visited and was considering Georgia, Stanford, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M, but ultimately chose Michigan football as his college destination.

Readiness Level

Likely to be a year two or three contributor.

Notes

  • Committed June 29, 2024
  • Also plays basketball

Scouting report

None available.

Film

Original commitment story

Michigan football beats out SEC teams for 4-star EDGE

Photos

Signed: Jordan Young signs with Michigan football

Another elite defensive back! #GoBlue

Ratings

* Ovr Pos St
247Sports Composite 4 150 5 6
On3 Industry Ranking 4 172 13 6
247Sports 4 – 15 8
On3 4 99 8 5
ESPN 4 107 10 4
Rivals 4 223 18 6

Vitals

Hometown Monroe (N.C.)
Projected Position Safety
Height 6-foot-0
Weight 180-pounds

Recruiting Story

Michigan prioritized Young throughout the process but when former commit Ivan Taylor (who ended up flipping to Alabama) ended up choosing the Wolverines, it appeared that Young would head elsewhere. Still, he kept Michigan in his top group before committing to Clemson on Nov. 2. But when the Wolverines got Elijah Dotson to flip from Pitt, the Belleville (Mich.) star appealed to his 7-on-7 teammate, and Young made the surprising flip to the maize and blue on Dec. 1.

Readiness Level

Could challenge to see the field in year one but is most likely a year two candidate.

Notes

  • Committed Dec. 1, 2024
  • Also plays basketball and runs track

Scouting report

The scouting report from 247Sports:

A twitched-up, three-phase playmaker that has done plenty of damage on the offensive side over the years, but projects best as a safety at the next level with his awareness, range and ball skills. Limited third-party verified information available exiting his junior season, but owns some of the top triple jump markers in the 2025 cycle. Comfortable working in an off-man alignment with the break anticipation to create takeaways. Fires into the alley taking good contain angles and has the foot speed to close gaps in pursuit. On the leaner side at this stage, but has displayed the strength and lateral spring to be an effective short-area tackler. As a wide receiver, has proven to be a tough cover on vertical routes with the juice to create after the catch. Should be viewed as a potential impact player at the Power Four level with multi-year starter upside. Could be deployed in a variety of different alignments, but skill set suggests he might find most success as a split safety.

Film

Original commitment story

Michigan football flips an elite defensive back from Clemson

Photos

(none available)

Signed: Andrew Babalola signs with Michigan football

High-potential five-star is in! #GoBlue

Ratings

* Ovr Pos St
247Sports Composite 5 14 3 1
On3 Industry Ranking 5 15 3 1
247Sports 5 11 2 1
On3 5 14 3 1
ESPN 4 27 8 1
Rivals 4 44 6 1

Vitals

Hometown Overland Park (Kan.) Blue Valley Northwest
Projected Position Offensive Tackle
Height 6-foot-6
Weight 280-pounds

Recruiting Story

Hailing from Sherrone Moore’s home state of Kansas, Babalola appeared to be Stanford-bound for quite some time. However, Moore stayed persistent in pursuing the five-star, and though Michigan started getting some buzz, so did Auburn — which was making something of an NIL play. However, the Wolverines were quietly at the top, and Babalola finally pulled the trigger just before coming to Ann Arbor for his official visit.

Readiness Level

Often, five-stars are seen as plug-and-play recruits who can come in and make an immediate impact. But offensive linemen tend to need a few years before they reach that level. Expect some buzz around Babalola coming out of fall camp but don’t expect to see him until his sophomore year, outside of garbage time.

Notes

  • Committed Oct. 21, 2024
  • Also plays basketball

Scouting report

The scouting report from 247Sports’ Gabe Brooks:

Immensely gifted offensive tackle prospect who’s relatively newer to football and possesses virtually limitless long-term potential. Showing noticeably more block-finishing conviction as a senior. Outstanding physical measurables with a frame approaching 6-6 and 34+ arms with huge paws. Lean with ample frame space, though perhaps a tad more narrow than originally perceived upon live evaluation. Natural bender who plays with a wide base in pass protection, where he’s capable of consistently and effectively anchoring vs. strength. Originally a basketball player whose functional athleticism in pads reflects that background. Logged valuable two-way snaps previously in high school. Still developing hand placement technique and can more consistently exploit length to his advantage. May need a bit more time to develop at the P4 level than more ready-made tackle prospects, but owns a case for the highest-ceiling OT prospect in the 2025 recruiting cycle.

Film

Original commitment story

Michigan football gets a commitment from highly-coveted 5-star

Photos

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