Recruiting Roundup: Michigan turning up the heat on five-star QB
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Welcome to the Recruiting Roundup, our three-times-per-week series breaking down the latest developments on the recruiting trail for the Michigan Wolverines. We’ll keep you up to date on the top targets, the visits they take, the predictions that analysts make, and everything in between. Here’s what you need to know today…
Michigan pushing to flip elite QB
Michigan is taking its shot with one of the biggest names in the 2028 class. Five-star quarterback Jayden Wade, the No. 1 quarterback and No. 2 overall prospect in the nation, remains committed to Georgia. However, he did recently say that Michigan is one of the three schools still recruiting him the hardest.
“They’ve been calling me and Michigan actually went up to California when I was at LacedFacts,” Wade told 247Sports’ Zach Blostein. “I used to go to school there. Michigan came down there to talk to me and just showing they’re going to come out here and talk to me. That’s showing effort.”
Wade also said Auburn and Ohio State continue to recruit him, but Michigan has stood out.
“They’re doing the same thing, contacting me, calling me… but Michigan is just pushing a little harder,” Wade said.
One thing he’ll be watching closely this fall is Michigan’s development of sophomore quarterback Bryce Underwood.
“I think they’re a pretty good staff,” Wade said. “I’m really looking to see what they do with Bryce Underwood. He’s the same type (of quarterback) as me. We’ve got the same skills.”
Georgia remains the heavy favorite, but Michigan has at least forced its way into the conversation with the nation’s top signal-caller.
No. 1 ATH says Michigan has his attention
Michigan entered Grant Bowen‘s recruitment later than many of the country’s top programs, but the Wolverines have quickly made an impression. The Elmhurst (Ill.) Immaculate Conception standout is the No. 22 overall prospect and No. 1 athlete in the 2028 class on the Rivals Industry Rankings. While schools are split on whether he’ll play linebacker or tight end, Michigan sees him on defense.
“I definitely do have a lot of interest in their program,” Bowen told The Wolverine.
Michigan linebacker coach Alex Whittingham has led the Wolverines’ pursuit, and Bowen likes what he’s seen so far.
“I think he’s a great guy with a lot of experience,” Bowen said. “I haven’t seen how he’s been in action because I wasn’t really following Michigan football this past year, but I definitely will this year to see how the linebacker room does.”
Bowen was a star on both sides of the ball last season, catching 34 passes for 731 yards and 11 touchdowns while adding 55 tackles and two interceptions on defense. Even though Michigan offered later than many national powers, the Wolverines have given him plenty to think about.
“I would have to say yes because they are a powerhouse program that have been proven to send guys to the NFL at a fluent rate,” Bowen said.
A visit to Ann Arbor remains a possibility this fall.
No. 1 OT sets return trip to Ann Arbor
Michigan will get the first official stop on one of the nation’s biggest recruitments this fall. Detroit Cass Tech standout Antijuan “Shaq” Wilkes Jr., the No. 1 offensive tackle and No. 5 overall prospect in the 2028 class on the Rivals Industry Rankings, has scheduled a visit to Michigan’s Sept. 12 showdown with Oklahoma.
The Wolverines have made Wilkes a clear priority, and after four visits to campus already this year, he says the message from the coaching staff hasn’t changed.
“They said I was the priority,” Wilkes told The Wolverine. “I’m No. 1 on their board. So of course, they want me. They were showing it too.”
Offensive line coach Jim Harding has been instrumental in building that relationship.
“He produces great talent,” Wilkes said. “He’s just great at what he do, a great o-line coach. That’s what I like. I like a great line coach that’ll push me every day.”
Michigan will have stiff competition from Alabama, Ohio State, Georgia, Miami and several other national powers. But getting the first visit of the fall is another encouraging sign for the Wolverines as they pursue one of the state’s top prospects.
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