Any Intel on whether Michigan has a chance here to land the 5* linebacker?

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Okay, let's get a few things out of the way...

1. Yes, I am aware we haven't even played the 2025 season. Thanks for the reminder.
2. Yes, I know there is a 0.00% chance this will be accurate. That isn't the point of the exercise. However, I apologize if there are any mistakes on eligibility (FYI - don't say Caleb Anderson, he could get a medical 6th year).
3. So why did I take the time to put it together? Well...because I like to look ahead to see what holes we need to fill in recruiting and through the transfer portal.
4. Speaking of the transfer portal (and the NFL Draft), I'm well aware that we're going to lose guys...but this will help you see where we need to push to keep guys. For example, if Hill and/or Berry are looking like Day 2 draft picks after this season, throw the bag at one or both and try to keep them like Derrick Moore and Jaishawn Barham this season.
5. 2025 will be a interesting year because it's a year that several guys will break out, there are more opportunities to step into a big time role this year compared to any other season since 2021. 2026 could be full of guys with experience.

Don't worry about where guys are listed, focus on position groups (sorry, I love Prieskorn too...but I really don't care if he's the #3 or #5 listed TE for a fake depth chart 2 years in advance).

Now looking ahead, just at a high-level...if you account for natural player progression, based on expected playing time in 2025, Michigan could be LOADED in 2026!


QB: Bryce Underwood
2. Jadyn Davis
3. Brady Smigiel
4. Chase Herbstreit

RB: Jordan Marshall
2. Micah Kaapana
3. CJ Hester
4. Bryson Kuzdzal
5. Donovan Johnson / Jasper Parker

WR: Fredrick Moore
2. Jamar Browder
3. Kendrick Bell

WR: Channing Goodwin
2. Andrew Marsh
3. Jacob Washington

SLOT: Semaj Morgan
2. I'Marion Stewart
3. Jaylen Pile

H-BACK: Jalen Hoffman
2. Eli Owens

TE: Marlin Klein
2. Hogan Hansen
3. Zach Marshall
4. Deakon Tonielli / Brady Prieskorn

LT: Andrew Babalola
2. Blake Frazier

LG: Evan Link
2. Lawrence Hatter / Luke Hamilton
4. Bear McWhorter

C: Brady Norton
2. Jake Guarnera
3. Kaden Strayhorn

RG: Nathan Efobi
2. Ben Roebuck / Avery Gach
4. Brooks Bahr

RT: Andrew Sprague
2. Ty Haywood
3. Connor Jones

6OL: Blake Frazier

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

DT: Trey Pierce
2. Manuel Beigal
3. Travis Moten
4. Ted Hammond
5. Bobby Kanka

DT: Deyvid Palepale
2. Manuel Beigal
3. Travis Moten
4. Ted Hammond
5. Bobby Kanka

DE/DT: Enow Etta
2. Chibi Anwunah
3. Benny Patterson

EDGE: Cameron Brandt
2. Devon Baxter
3. Nate Marshall

ILB: Jimmy Rolder
2. Troy Bowles
3. Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng
4. Chase Taylor
5. Zach Ludwig

ILB: Cole Sullivan
2. Troy Bowles
3. Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng
4. Chase Taylor
5. Zach Ludwig

EDGE/OLB: Dominic Nichols
2. Julius Holly
3. Lugard Edokpayi
4. Tariq Boney

CB: Jyaire Hill
2. Shamari Earls
3. Jo'Ziah Edmond
4. Caleb Anderson
5. Jeremiah Lowe
6. Jayden Sanders / Tevis Metcalf
8. Brody Jennings

CB: Zeke Berry
2. Shamari Earls
3. Jo'Ziah Edmond
4. Caleb Anderson
5. Jeremiah Lowe
6. Jayden Sanders / Tevis Metcalf
8. Brody Jennings

NB: TJ Metcalf
2. Mason Curtis
3. Jordan Young
4. Kainoa Winston

S: Jaden Mangham / Mason Curtis
3. Jacob Oden
4. Elijah Dotson

S: Brandyn Hillman
2. Jaden Mangham / Mason Curtis
3. Jacob Oden
4. Elijah Dotson

K: Beckham Sunderland

P: Hudson Hollenbeck / Luke Bauer

---------------------------------------------
Key Takeaways

• Let's go to fantasy world for 2 seconds...imagine no one leaves (again, impossible) ‐ there are only a few glaring holes or question marks.
• RB2 - I think we would be fine if we just returned everyone, but in a perfect world, we'd bring in a bruising power back to add to the room. Hiter slots into this spot nicely. Alford has to close the deal.
• C - I put Brady Norton there because he literally said he'd do it in his last presser. Ultimately, this is probably PRIORITY ONE in the portal. @Aidan Sen - do we have any targets at C? It won't help us for next year, but we should consider adding someone.
• DT - We have Etta, so I'd put DT as priority #3. Pierce, Palepale, Etta should make a fine combo in two years. One clear NT, one clear traditional DT, one clear penetrate/disrupter. It would be nice to have a grad transfer with experience. We definitely need recruits as well.
• K - this is PRIORITY ONE if Norton can really play C (I don't see Guarnera being ready until 2027).

That would be it. That's not a lot when it comes to roster holes. Maybe add a veteran WR.

A lot has to go our way, but Michigan could...maybe even should, legitimately be in the national championship conversation once again in 2026/27.

Recruiting Needs (not counting commits*)

• An Alex Orji type QB would be nice.
• Hiter is a must
• Sadler is a must
• A big bodied WR
• A tall lanky deep threat WR (Cornelius Johnson type)
• H-Back
• TE
• LT
• C
• RT
• (2) EDGEs
• (2) LBs
• CB* (going to assume we lose Jennings)
• (2) Ss
• K
• P

NOW...Back to reality!!!

.....recruits taking OVs should not shock anyone!

Regardless of the RUMORS that Michigan is not talking specific numbers it will not have any affect on Michigan recruiting long term.

We flipped 9 players last year. We have a very strong NIL and revenue sharing plans. Both of which will change a lot of players minds again this year.

Keep in.mind you don't get players like Brady Smigel without a plan. Regardless of his star ranking he is a highly coveted QB and ain't comin without gettin paid.

regarding the judge in this NCAA settlement battle. He stated the judge stated the "NCAA is an illegitimate agency and doesn't have any power. Greg continued saying the judge said "it is the conferences who has the power to make the rulings."

the link below begins at the 55:42 mark where Greg addresses this subject. Therefore, Michigan has the right to tell the NCAA to drop dead, simply saying, "we'll see you in federal court if you wish to pursue this BS any further.

GO TO THE 55:42 MARK IN THE VIDEO

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The latest from Aidan

I've spent the night (your morning) speaking with recruits and believe every priority recruit has either been visited or is scheduled to be visited by a staff member this week. Interestingly, I'd say that less than half of these recruits are posting about their visits. I'm currently compiling all the dates and will share them here soon.

The staff has also been exceptionally effective at securing official visits during these interactions.

Surprisingly, Brian Jean-Mary, often criticized by fans for his recruiting efforts, appears to have visited the most recruits and made the strongest impression. The addition of Avery Bean to the staff seems to have significantly contributed to his success.

This is arguably Michigan's most impressive recruiting surge since the two weeks surrounding Bryce Underwood's commitment late last year.

My good news is that recruiting seems to be trending in the right direction for both football and basketball.

The family and I spent last week in Yosemite National Park. If you haven't been, go! The views were beautiful beyond description. The waterfalls were full and flowing, and the Sequoias were as huge as advertised. It was a great trip, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. I had no service and no TV for a week, and I loved it.

My Mom turns 90 on Sunday, so a big weekend is planned. She's in pretty good shape and ready to party.

Tomorrow, my granddaughter graduates from preschool. I'm pretty old school and think it's kind of silly to make a huge deal out of preschool graduation, but in a world of participation trophies, it is what it is. Anyway, I'll be there with encouragement and lots of hugs.

What's your good news?

Go Blue!

https://www.mlive.com/wolverines/20...ichigan-assistants-promotes-one-to-co-oc.html

Appears that Sherrone has given Steve Casula a new title. He has former play calling experience and called plays in the ReliaQuest Bowl I believe. Perhaps a little bump to keep him from considering other opportunities? Or maybe Sherrone is signifying that if Chip were to leave Casula is next in line? Either way good for him.

Colts owner passed away today. He was 65.

Login to view embedded media "It was a really great visit... they make me feel like I'm a priority."

Grant Newsome made the 10-hour trek down to Hawaii on Monday to visit 4-star 2026 OT Malakai Lee; can Michigan secure his commitment?

Read: https://michigan.rivals.com/news/michigan-making-waves-for-malakai-lee?guccounter=1…

Ok, I get probably everyone's biggest concern position group wise is the WR room (for good reason). But I have been a bit higher on them then just about anyone up till this point and I think the latest interview by Hole of Semaj (link below to full podcast episode) just took my confidence to an offseason HIGH!

First, I truly believe that McCulley has all-big ten level ability, not 1st team over guys like Smith and Tate from OSU but still top 5-8 WR in the big10 this year. His size and athletic ability is something we have not seen in a while and I dont think we even got to see it with Collins even though we all knew it was there.

Second, I think the combo of Moore and Goodwin can be pretty good at the Z or WR2 spot. I liked what Moore flashed VS Bama, I get the drop in the spring game doesnt look good but for me that is a friendly competition with split teams and focus might not be as sharp every given snap. Goodwin flashed good routes and timing with Bryce and that is huge when you need a guy to be a solid possession WR on 3rd and medium to get to the sticks turn and secure the ball while perfectly timing it so the D can not responded to a late throw or lazy route etc.

At slot, I think Semaj keeps the starting role with Simpson rotating. This is were my increased confidence in the room begins. In the mention interview Semaj basically puts Campbell on blast by saying he is not just a bubble or end around type WR that his best ability is his route running but he wasn't running a lot of routes last year. But that is completely the opposite this year with Chip that Semaj is expanding his tree working in more routes and actually being used in the pass game not just an extension of the run game. Go back and watch the 2023 highlights and remember why so many of us expected bigger things last year from Semaj hoping for that Sophomore year jump. Yes about 50% of his highlights are end arounds or screens of some sort but the others he is making plays down field finding holes in zones in the intermediate, securing shorter throws and turning upfield, making back shoulder catches down the seam for a TD against Rutgers.

I also expect both Marsh and Browder to make some form of an impact this year if not all 3 freshman WRs. I think Marsh sticks more to the outside positions vs the slot as some have thought but would also love to see sets with McCulley, Browder, Klien and Hansen all on the field in the redzone or Goal to Go situations thats so much height to worry about for a defense it would be insane to try and cover with most secondary's.

This all has little to do with the fact that QB play should be so much far and away better then it was last year. So many times were guys open and the ball either didnt go their way or just failed to make it to the WR or TE in a catchable capacity.

But if Lindsey truly is expanding what we ask the WRs to do then that is what so many fans have been asking for for so long is an actual college level route tree and system in the pass game something we only saw at times with JJ and the rest of the crew in 2023.

While a "Big Name" guy in the portal would have always been an ideal or great thing to have. I still do not think that it was as necessary as many fans or even some media think it was. But hey I have been wrong before and that's why I'm not a professional scout or even a guy that talks about football for any sort of $ lol

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About 19 minutes long. Took a trip to Cedar Point.

One of our subscribers asked some great questions about the Michigan Football offense in 2025.
I gave some in-depth answers.
📲https://michigan.rivals.com/news/from-the-den-insider-q-a-on-michigan-football-offense

A look at how Michigan is doing in recruiting with the addition of Matt Ludwig. Also, what are some of the good things that happened last year to the UM football team that can carryover into this year? What I'm thinking about with Yaxel and the price of cherries in Ann Arbor.
Breakdown
Open 00:00-2:04
Matt Ludwig 2:05-6:30
'24 to '25 carryover 6:31-17:58
Casula new title 17:59-24:32
Feedback 24:33-37:00
Yaxel 37:01-42:09
Prince & cherry prices 42:10-52:19
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Ohio State just did what at halftime?!?!?

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I'm not sure of the correct word used to describe the back and forth "comeuppance" between fan bases. The game away from the field. Always a part of "rivalry" and can add a lot of fun. Was an entertaining element during the "Ten Year War". What is the word I am looking for? "Sportsmanship" vs "Gamesmanship" are elements.
Buckeyes and their fans continue to not get how this game is played; and continue to take it too far. More crude than clever.

Remember when the Hotel the Wolverines were staying in the eve before The Game had the water cut off in the middle of the night? No toilets or showers! Two visits in a row.

M beat the Bucks in 2003 in the 100th The Game. For many years a group of us held down a great tailgate spot on the corner of Kipke Dr and "Tunnel Dr" and the grass island that separates the parking lot from Kipke. That day we had one of our best tailgates. Featuring incredible spare ribs. We had a lot. Sam Webb knew we threw a great tailgate and brought Marcus Ray and Charles Woodson and entourage over pregame. A large part of our group was made up of the parents of the players. The party continued throughout the game for those who didn't go in. This was the after game meet up place for players and their family. We built a great rep for food but more so the vibes. It had become a great destination.
Enough back story
During the game the word got out to the police working the surrounding area. They are not very busy during the game and they congregated in groups of ten enjoying all the "too many" ribs we had. M won the 100th The Game 35-21. Back at the Victory Celebration we still had groups of police officers popping in and out. Good compadre ness.

The buckeyes had four busses waiting for them outside the tunnel. Waiting for them to leave the locker room mingle with family and friends and face the bus ride back to C Bus (Columbus). The busses full they started out on their way out to Kipke Dr. Right past out tailgate and a right onto Kipke Dr.. We yelled out "here they come; lets serenade them with "The Victors". We lined both sides of the drive and were loud and proud. The lead bus took the corner too short and clipped the rear of a pick up truck parked in the last row.
The truck owner was in our group. We started taunting, and chasing down the bus and several of the officers leapt to be our heroes. Chasing the bus down and stopping it and getting an accident statement
and info from the bus driver. This is all taking 15 mins or so. The other three busses are all waiting lined up. In a sea of M fans. We had a captive audience of defeated buckeyes who
had to sit and endure.

This all happened right in front of us. I stood in the front of the crowd. The officers had the driver off the bus. The door to the bus open. Their sat Jim Tressell in the front seat.
Face red with anger and humiliation. Impulse over took me. Three big steps and I was on the bus right next to the empty drivers seat; looking down the aisle at the buckeyes first team units. Their "stars". And Tressel two feet away. I loudly yelled out; "One two, you know what to do"; and thrusting my arm and fist started singing the greatest fight song ever written; "Hail to The Victors Valiant". Knowing I was pushing it I quickly exited back out of the bus and disappeared into the crowd w/o further involvement.

The next year in C Bus Tressell had a plan to get back at us. "Comeuppance". A fake report of a "bomb threat" from the dangerous M team required a Bomb Squad to stop and search each member of M Team and coaches and entourage and their baggage as they waited to enter the locking room. Sitting ducks for the buckeye fans to jeer at.
Fortunate that our M Team of outstanding citizens all survived the search and didn't have to worry about illegal substances they might have brought along to celebrate their end of the season victory.

This was Tress's version of "comeuppance" from the bus incident the year before. I'd say they don't know how to play the game.
Storing up urine for their squirt guns to drench M fans on their way into "The Hole" is going way too far. Butt you can see where their version of "comeuppance" comes from when their band displays this type of "sportsmanship/gamemanship"

Also thought the "poop flag" they used on the M flag; looked a lot like the Cleveland Browns logo. "Brownie, The Elf" or "Dancing Turd" as I call it. I mean; the turd had eyeballs. Cute.

Looking for help with that word that escapes me to describe the clever back n forth between fan bases. Anyone have other stories , examples of this?

Norm is one of the best television characters of all-time.

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🐐 Charles Woodson is headed to the Browns’ ownership group.


The Michigan legend returns to his Ohio roots in his next chapter — joining fellow Wolverine Tom Brady as a former star turned NFL owner.


🔗 https://michigan.rivals.com/news/woodson-s-next-chapter-browns-ownership-adds-michigan-icon

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