Michigan to host 5-star OL for 2nd time this fall
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Welcome to the Recruiting Roundup, our twice-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 surging for elite in-state OT
One of Michigan’s biggest targets in the 2028 class is heading back to Ann Arbor, as five-star Cass Tech offensive lineman Antijuan Wilkes Jr. is expected to visit for Saturday’s game against Iowa, according to On3’s Ethan McDowell ($). It will be his second Michigan visit in three weekends after the 6-foot-5, 265-pounder watched the Wolverines beat Oklahoma earlier this month.
Michigan has gained significant ground in a recruitment that also includes Ohio State, Texas A&M — a place he visited last weekend — Alabama, Miami, Georgia and Oregon.
“Honestly everything was great, environment to the coaching, everything was just the best,” Wilkes told Rivals’ Steve Wiltfong ($) following his last Michigan visit for the Oklahoma game two weeks ago. “… It’s my hometown and the guys treat me right. Just everything stands out for Michigan.”
Wilkes was originally planning on visiting Georgia this weekend, so this is a major development in this recruitment. It appears the Wolverines are pushing all the right buttons and doing everything they can to make sure the is the No. 11 overall prospect and No. 1 player in Michigan stays home for college.
More blue-chip targets could join Wilkes
Wilkes is the headliner, but Michigan is putting together a strong visitor list of 2028 class recruits for Iowa.
Rivals’ Wiltfong reported that Michigan is working to get high school teammates Major Stokes and Mataio Fano to Ann Arbor. Stokes is the No. 63 overall prospect and No. 10 edge in the Rivals Industry Rankings, while Fano is No. 146 overall and No. 18 among offensive tackles.
Another name to watch is Aedyn Havili, the No. 54 overall prospect and No. 7 defensive lineman in the nation. Havili previously told Rivals he planned to attend the Iowa game after missing the Oklahoma weekend, although Wiltfong reported the visit was not completely locked in.
In-state 2028 prospects, four-star defensive back LaMarcus Army and three-star wide receiver Tyler Trusel are also expected back.
Michigan should have several of its 2027 commits on campus as well, including quarterback Kamden Lopati, running back Lundon Hampton, safety Tavares Harrington, offensive tackle Jakari Lipsey, linebacker Fredderick Ford, and offensive linemen Lincoln Mageo and Louis Esposito.
Four-star RB planning first trip to Michigan
Michigan will host another top 2028 target next month when four-star running back Xander Edwards makes his first trip to Ann Arbor.
Edwards, a 6-foot-1, 205-pounder from The Bolles School in Jacksonville, is the No. 116 overall player and No. 7 running back in the Rivals Industry Ranking. He is scheduled to visit Oct. 24 for Michigan’s game against Indiana.
Running backs coach Tony Alford has been leading the charge, and the two of them have stayed in frequent contact.
“He’s been texting me nonstop,” Edwards told On3’s McDowell ($). “He’s been sending me good luck before the game just to keep building that relationship, and he’s an awesome guy. I really, really respect him. He’s showing me good love, so I’m going to show love back to him.”
Michigan has also made its standing with Edwards clear.
“They’ve been telling me I’m their top guy, that they want me to become a Wolverine,” Edwards told McDowell. “That just means a lot to me, that they believe in me.”
Edwards has rushed for 552 yards through four games this season and told McDowell his recruitment remains “really open,” with a decision not expected until next August.
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