In-State Phenom Camden Noe Emerges as a Priority Linebacker Target for Michigan Recruiting

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The pursuit of elite in-state talent remains a cornerstone of the Michigan Wolverines’ recruiting strategy, and in the 2028 cycle, few prospects carry as much upside or defensive versatility as Portage Central rising junior Camden Noe. Standing at 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, Noe has rapidly ascended board rankings to establish himself as one of the premier two-way playmakers in the Midwest and one of the finest pure athletes in the country.

While listed across recruiting services as a versatile athlete and high-impact running back, Noe’s rare combination of size, sideline-to-sideline speed, and physical downhill tackling makes him a dream prospect at linebacker for college defensive coordinators. Michigan has made Noe a clear priority, deploying assistant coach Freddie Whittingham to lead the Wolverines’ recruitment efforts for the local standout.

A Blueprint Profile: Size, Speed, and Versatility

High school prospects with a legit 6-foot-4 frame at 215 pounds rarely possess the fluidity and acceleration that Noe demonstrates on Friday nights. Playing for the Portage Central Mustangs, Noe put together a breathtaking sophomore campaign that showcased his total dominance on the field.

Offensively, he served as the engine of Portage Central’s attack, racking up 1,803 rushing yards and 21 rushing touchdowns on 211 carries, while adding 24 receptions for 253 yards and four touchdowns. In total, Noe logged over 2,056 scrimmage yards and 25 touchdowns across 13 games, leading his squad to an MHSAA Division II playoff semifinal appearance.

Yet, it is his defensive projection that has high-major programs hyper-focused on his long-term potential. Despite playing limited defensive snaps to preserve his durability as a two-way star, Noe made an immediate impact in just three games on defense, tallying 34 tackles and six tackles for loss. His ability to track down ball-carriers in space, shoot gaps, and deliver punishing hits translates cleanly to modern college linebacker play, where defenses demand linebackers capable of erasing mismatches against pass-catching tight ends and elusive tailbacks.

Where the Recruiting Landscape Stands

Noe’s impressive output and rare physical traits have earned him glowing consensus evaluations across all major recruiting platforms:

  • 247Sports Rating: 90 (4-Star) | National Rank: No. 156 | Positional Rank: No. 8 ATH | State Rank: No. 6 in Michigan
  • 247Sports Composite: 0.9510 Grade (4-Star) | National Rank: No. 119 | Positional Rank: No. 6 ATH | State Rank: No. 5 in Michigan

As expected for a top-five player in the state of Michigan, Noe's offer list is expanding rapidly. Beyond the Wolverines, programs such as Notre Dame, Michigan State, Iowa, Louisville, Boston College, Kansas, and Minnesota have all extended offers and continue to push hard for his commitment.

For Michigan, securing local blue-chip talent like Noe is crucial for maintaining regional dominance. Under Freddie Whittingham's guidance, the Wolverines have built an early relationship, aiming to leverage their proximity, defensive legacy, and player-development pipeline. However, regional rivals like Michigan State and Notre Dame remain firmly in the mix, ensuring that the battle for Portage Central's star athlete will be one of the marquee recruiting sagas in the state over the next two years.

The Projection

As Noe enters his junior year at Portage Central, his recruitment is poised to take another national jump. College programs looking for a dynamic, high-IQ defender who plays with violent physicality will continue to view Noe as a cornerstone target. For Michigan, keeping Noe in-state and cementing his future in Ann Arbor would give the Wolverines one of the nation's most athletic linebacker prospects to anchor their future defense.

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