The Michigan Wolverines are all but done with the 2024 class at this point. If they want to try and flip unsigned prospects, there is always the customary signing day in February, but as of right now, it is expected that everything is practically set in stone.
The staff can now concentrate mostly on the 2025 class. With three talents already committed—four-star quarterback Carter Smith, four-star cornerback Chris Ewald, and four-star defensive lineman Bobby Kanka—the Wolverines have already started to build some foundation. Although there is still much to be done, it’s a good start.
These are a some of Michigan’s early top priorities for the cycle 2025.
Bryce Underwood – Five-star QB, Belleville (MI)
Not starting this list with one of Michigan’s most eagerly anticipated prospects of this century would be a disservice. Despite having a committed quarterback, Underwood is the top-ranked player in the nation and a top target for the Wolverines. LSU and Michigan are engaged in a fierce recruiting competition for Underwood’s services. We will know exactly where he plays in college very soon—on January 6.
Kaliq Lockett – Four-star WR, Sachse (TX)
Lockett, a fantastic wide receiver, had an incredible junior season in which he caught 59 passes for 1,299 yards and 13 touchdowns. He is now just outside the top-100 on the composite and was recently rated as a five-star on 247Sports’ personal rankings. Before Lockett’s recruiting got off, in May, Ron Bellamy made him an offer. Since then, he has received offers from Texas, LSU, Penn State, Ohio State, USC, and other prestigious universities. He went to Michigan for the Big House BBQ back in July, and quarterback Alex Orji was formerly his teammate at Ann Arbor. I would advise tempering expectations here, as this will undoubtedly be the hardest recruitment of all the prospects listed.
Eli Owens – Four-star TE, Alcoa (TN)
Owens has seen that Michigan uses tight ends more than any other blue blood state in the country. When he arrived for the victory over Ohio State, he almost immediately received three Crystal Ball predictions that went Michigan’s way. Owens, who stands 6-foot-1.5 and weighs 243 pounds, appears to be an ideal fit for the FB/TE position that Max Bredeson has made famous over the past few years.
Carter Lowe – Four-star OL, Toledo (OH)
For Lowe, the 119th-ranked player in the nation, there is a fierce recruiting competition between Michigan and Ohio State. At the next level, Lowe, who is 6-foot-5 and weighs 290 pounds, can play guard or tackle. The Ohio native is Sherrone Moore’s top priority, and the Wolverines have already welcomed him on many trips. The Buckeyes have received two Crystal Balls, but the recruiting process is far from finished.
Avery Gach – Four-star OL, Franklin (MI)
Gach, another elite prospect in the state of Michigan this cycle, is a priority target for the Wolverines on the offensive line. Ranked among the top 200 players overall, he is expected to play interior ball at the next level. The six universities he is “kind of” concentrating on are Michigan, Ohio State, Wisconsin, Penn State, Georgia, and USC, he just revealed to Allen Trieu($) of 247Sports. Although he had one Crystal Ball prediction for the Wolverines, he says he plans to take official visits and commit this summer and isn’t in a rush to decide.
Andrew Babalola – Four-star OL, Overland Park (KS)
Babalola is another enormous offensive tackle who weights 275 pounds and is 6-foot-6 in height. Although he only earned his offer in September, he hasn’t visited Ann Arbor yet. However, he did tell 247Sports($) that he plans to visit Michigan at some point after the season. Babalola is a top-100 player who is ranked No. 80 overall. In addition to Oklahoma, Washington, Wisconsin, Ole Miss, Miami, Tennessee, Florida, and more, he has received additional outstanding offers.
Jaylen Williams – Four-star DL, Palatine (IL)
Williams, who is ranked No. 227 overall and No. 26 among defensive linemen in his class, is one of the top defensive linemen in the Midwest. during receiving great reviews during his visit for the victory over Ohio State, three Crystal Ball predictions were made for the Wolverines. He is listed as 6 feet 6 inches and 265 pounds. Florida State, Ohio State, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Auburn, USC, Missouri, and other schools have extended offers to him.
Nathaniel Marshall – Four-star DL, Oak Park (IL)
Marshall is ranked No. 4 along the defensive line and No. 38 overall, making him one of the best defensive lineman in the nation in 2025. His most recent visit to Michigan was for the team’s victory over Ohio State; he told Brice Marich($) of The Michigan Insider that it was a “crazy experience and glad to be in the building for it.” Other schools have extended offers to him, including Ohio State, Alabama, Oregon, Penn State, Texas, Wisconsin, and Notre Dame.
Ethan Utley – Four-star DL, Nashville (TN)
Utley, a defensive line prospect with great potential, is ranked No. 107 overall, barely outside the top 100. Utley, who is 6-foot-4 and weighs 270 pounds, is flexible enough to play both inside and outside the court. He most recently attended Michigan’s victory over Ohio State, when he was accompanied by Mason Curtis, a 2024 four-star recruit and future Wolverine, who was his high school teammate. Texas, Tennessee, Georgia, Penn State, Miami, Oklahoma, Florida, and more states have extended offers to him.
Xavier Newsome – Four-star edge, Detroit (MI)
As of right now, the Wolverines don’t have many obvious top target edges, but Newsome is one of the best. Newsome plays at Detroit’s Martin Luther King High School. He is 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighs 220 pounds. The last time he was in Ann Arbor, Michigan was in his top three after the team defeated Ohio State. Penn State, Kansas, Louisville, Pitt, Minnesota, Purdue, Rutgers, Tennessee, and other schools have extended offers to him.
DJ Pickett – Five-star S, Zephyrhills (FL)
Picket has been elevated to the top of the defensive priority list for the 2025 class by Steve Clinkscale, Jay Harbaugh, and company. Pickett, a talent ranked in the top ten overall, has visited Ann Arbor on a few occasions, most notably for Michigan’s victory over Ohio State. He still has family in the area, and his mother is a U-M alumna. Oregon, Florida State, Miami, Florida, and a few other schools are vying for his pledge.
Marcus Wimberly – Three-star S, Bauxite (AR)
Wimberly, a top target at safety, recently chose to leave his native Arkansas Razorbacks and was awarded a Crystal Ball for Michigan. Wimberly is ranked No. 508 overall in the class, but don’t be alarmed; Jay Harbaugh loves the speed and physicality he brings to the position. His rating will undoubtedly change in the future.
Alex Graham – Four-star DB, Detroit (MI)
Graham, a defensive back who is also highly regarded, is ranked near the top of Michigan’s board at No. 99 overall and No. 13 at cornerback. Graham, who is originally from Detroit, participated in this past season’s IMG Academy in Florida. Graham, a 6-foot-1 defensive back with Swiss Army Knife-like skills, can play safety or corner. The lone Crystal Ball prediction belongs to Michigan.
Mark Zackery IV – Four-star CB, Indianapolis (IN)
As you can see, Zackery IV might be the best target at the corner position among the several excellent targets in the secondary. At 5-foot-10.5 and 164 pounds, he isn’t particularly large, but he would be a great fit for the slot position. His last visit to Ann Arbor was during a midweek stay in the fall. Ohio State, Georgia, Tennessee Dame, Texas A&M, USC, Penn State, and other schools have extended offers to him.
Elijah Dotson – Three-star ATH, Detroit (MI)
Dotson, who stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 175 pounds, is a versatile athlete who can play wide receiver or defensive back at the collegiate level. In 2023, he recorded 43 receptions while playing wide receiver. On defense, he recorded 66 tackles, 11 pass breakups, and three interceptions. Right now, Michigan has three Crystal Ball predictions. He visited for the victory over Ohio State, just like many of the recruits discussed in this article. Other offers that he has received include from Tennessee, Tennessee State, Pitt, Louisville, Michigan State, and Wisconsin.
