The Michigan Wolverines are gearing up for their second major recruiting weekend of the season. Multiple top-100 prospects, a four-star recruit committed elsewhere, and a large contingent of Michigan commits will all be on campus. The Wolverines are kicking off their Big Ten schedule with a top-25 matchup against USC on Saturday, and Sherrone Moore and his coaching staff have dialed up a recruiting weekend fit for the occasion. More than 10 Michigan commits are expected in town, as are multiple top-100 playmakers and linemen, and a potential flip candidate. The game being a 3:30 p.m. ET kick on CBS is allowing for a wider range of recruits geographically to make it to Ann Arbor. This will be the Wolverines’ second home game against a marquee opponent but the first, against Texas, was a noon start, making it difficult for out of state recruits to attend.
Key Recruits Visiting Michigan
One of the biggest names on the list of expected visitors is five-star linebacker Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng. The IMG Academy (FL) standout included both the Wolverines and Trojans in his top six schools list. Owusu-Boateng is rated the No. 18 overall prospect and No. 1 linebacker in the country by Rivals. He took an official visit to Ann Arbor over the summer and seems to hold Michigan in high regard. The Wolverines will also host Braeden Jones, Zaden Krempin and Malakai Lee, a group 4-star prospects in the 2026 recruiting class who all hold offers from USC.
Malakai Lee's Family Legacy
Lee, a coveted offensive tackle from Kamehameha (HI), is listed at 6-7, 310 pounds as a junior in high school. The massive o-lineman is rated the No. 145 overall prospect and No. 11 offensive tackle in the nation, according to 247Sports. Lee isn't the first member of his family to develop into an elite football player. The standout offensive lineman is related to former NFL fullback Chris Fuamatu-Ma’afala. Lee's recruitment is of particular interest to USC, as the Trojans are closer in proximity to his hometown than Michigan.
Zaden Krempin's Positional Versatility
Krempin, an elite offensive lineman from Prosper (TX) who is listed at 6-5, 275 pounds, is rated the No. 155 overall prospect and No. 11 interior o-lineman in the country, according to 247Sports. Krempin plays tackle in high school, but I could see him sliding to guard as well at the next level. Michigan will be battling the in-region schools like SMU, Oklahoma, Baylor, Texas and Texas A&M for the top-200 lineman.
Braeden Jones' Rise in the Rankings
Jones hails from Mount Carmel (IL), and is rated the No. 148 overall prospect and No. 16 defensive lineman in the nation, per 247Sports.
Michigan's Recruiting Class
Michigan has 16 commits in its 2025 recruiting class, including Top 100 Katy (Texas) Jordan wide receiver Andrew Marsh, Top 100 Center Valley (Pa.) Southern Lehigh tight end Andrew Olesh, Top 100 Winter Garden (Fla.) West Orange safety Ivan Taylor, Top 100 Washington (D.C.) Gonzaga defensive back Kainoa Winston, Top 100 Oak Park (Ill.) Fenwick defensive lineman Nate Marshall, On300 Fort Myers (Fla.) Bishop Verot quarterback Carter Smith, On300 Alpharetta (Ga.) High EDGE Julius Holly, On300 Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy running back Donovan Johnson, On300 Kilgore (Texas) High cornerback Jayden Sanders, four-star New Orleans (La.) Archbishop Shaw wide receiver Jacob Washington, four-star Palatine (Ill.) High EDGE Jaylen Williams, four-star Birmingham (Mich.) Groves offensive lineman Avery Gach, four-star Howell (Mich.) High defensive lineman Bobby Kanka, three-star New Orleans (La.) Archbishop Shaw running back Jasper Parker, three-star Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy offensive lineman Kaden Strayhorn, three-star Stockbridge (Ga.) High linebacker Chase Taylor and three-star Alcoa (Tenn.) High tight end Eli Owens.
The class entered the day ranked No. 14 nationally and No. 3 in the Big Ten, per the On3 Industry national team recruiting rankings. The Wolverines currently sit behind Ohio State and Oregon.
A Historic Showdown
On Saturday, Sept. 21, the No. 11 USC Trojans football program will enter a new era when Southern Cal plays its first-ever Big Ten contest against the No. 18 Michigan Wolverines. USC has not played at Michigan since 1958. USC has been off to an impressive start to the 2024 campaign, taking down No. 16 LSU in Las Vegas before blanking Utah State. A win over the Wolverines would push USC coach Lincoln Riley and his team to 3-0, putting the Trojans a step closer in their hunt for a conference title and the school's first berth in the College Football Playoff. A win for the Trojans would be helpful in attempting to win a number of recruiting battles against Michigan coach Sherrone Moore, while a win for the Wolverines could be the final step in landing a few of the prospects who are slated to be on campus. This matchup will be one to watch, both on the field and on the recruiting trail.
The Battle for Recruits
The Wolverines have a chance to make a big impression on these top recruits, especially with a primetime game against a high-profile opponent. A strong performance against USC could be the final push they need to secure commitments from some of these talented players. However, with USC also in the mix for many of these recruits, this game could be a pivotal recruiting battle. It's not just about the game on the field, but also about the connections that are made during the weekend.
The Future of Michigan Football
This recruiting weekend is just one piece of the puzzle for Michigan football. The Wolverines are building a program that can compete for championships, and recruiting is a key part of that equation. If they can continue to land top-tier talent, they will be in a great position to compete for championships for years to come.
The Wolverines Have a Bright Future
The Wolverines have been building a strong foundation under coach Sherrone Moore. They are on the right track, and this weekend will be a big test of their recruiting prowess. This game is a big opportunity for Michigan to showcase their program and land some key recruits. The Wolverines are hoping to make a statement and cement their place among the nation's elite.
