Recruiting Roundup: 5-star DL feeling the love from Wolverines

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Welcome to the Recruiting Roundup, our two-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…

Five-star DL remains a priority for Michigan

Michigan is swinging big along the defensive line in the 2028 class. Five-star Kellan Hall, the No. 2 overall prospect and No. 1 defensive lineman in the Rivals Industry Rankings, said the Wolverines are among the programs recruiting him the hardest right now.

The 6-foot-4, 265-pound standout from Louisville (Ky.) Christian Academy was offered by Michigan as a freshman, and the coaching change hasn’t slowed the Wolverines’ pursuit.

“Michigan is such a historic program,” Hall told Rivals. “The fanbase, the Heisman Trophy winners and the number of defensive linemen that they have put in the league.”

Hall had built a strong relationship with former defensive line coach Lou Esposito, but Michigan’s new staff has quickly made sure he knows his place on the board hasn’t changed.

“They were one of the first big programs to offer me my freshman year,” Hall said. “I had a great relationship with coach (Lou) Esposito and now the new staff is making sure that I know that I’m still a priority. I talk to coach (Larry) Black weekly and he has been consistent in trying to build a relationship … I’m familiar with coach Whittingham and his style of play defensively, so we will see where things go from here.”

Michigan will have plenty of competition, with Oklahoma, Kentucky, Ohio State, Tennessee and Texas A&M among the other programs involved. But keeping Hall’s recruitment rolling through a coaching transition is an encouraging start for the Wolverines with one of the best players in the entire class.

Top-100 CB has Charles Woodson-sized aspirations at Michigan

It’s probably difficult to come up with a bigger goal for a Michigan cornerback than being remembered alongside Charles Woodson, but that is exactly what Langston Pridgeon has in mind.

The DeMatha Catholic standout is the No. 94 overall prospect and No. 8 cornerback in the Rivals Industry Rankings, and Michigan is among the programs standing out early in his recruitment.

“What excites me about Michigan is the potential opportunity to play in front of the biggest crowd in all of America in the Big House and making plays all over the field that would be remembered just like Charles Woodson,” Pridgeon told Rivals.

It’s not just football that has Pridgeon’s attention. He also pointed toward Michigan’s academics and a family connection to the Midwest.

“Michigan has a great tradition for being a top football program,” he said. “Next it would have to be the degree you earn from Michigan which is considered one of the top in the country. Lastly my mom being from the Midwest a lot of my family could come see me play.”

Michigan is battling Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State and Virginia Tech for the four-star cornerback heading into his junior season.

Michigan battling Texas A&M for No. 1 OT Antijuan Wilkes Jr.

One of Michigan’s biggest in-state priorities has another major program giving him plenty to think about.

Detroit Cass Tech standout Antijuan Wilkes Jr. is the No. 11 overall prospect in the 2028 class and the nation’s No. 1 offensive tackle, according to the Rivals Industry Rankings. Texas A&M’s pursuit became even more interesting after his high school quarterback, fellow 2028 class member Donald Tabron II, committed to the Aggies.

Wilkes had plenty of praise for Texas A&M, but Michigan continues to have his attention as well. When asked what stands out about the Wolverines, he didn’t need a long answer.

“Everything,” Wilkes told Rivals. “It’s my hometown and the guys treat me right. Just everything stands out for Michigan.”

Michigan’s new staff has made the 6-foot-7, 280-pound lineman a major priority, but this won’t be an easy recruitment. Along with Texas A&M, schools like Ohio State, Miami, Alabama, Missouri, Georgia and Florida are battling for Wilkes.

For Michigan, keeping one of the nation’s best offensive tackles home would be massive for its 2028 class.

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