According to ESPN, Michigan is one of the best teams in the country when it comes to newcomer classes. Here’s why they’re excited about the Wolverines’ roster heading into the fall:
ESPN released its top 2025 newcomer classes earlier this week, and the Michigan Wolverines made the list. The list is comprised of a team’s combination of players from the 2025 high school recruiting class and guys from the transfer portal.
This shouldn’t be a big surprise given Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 recruit in the country, is now in Ann Arbor. Or that Michigan added some key players via the portal. For others, maybe you’re hesitant to get too excited given head coach Sherrone Moore’s Year 1 results, even though Michigan had three first-round draft picks on the roster.
Here’s a look at ESPN’s top-10:
- Oregon Ducks
- LSU Tigers
- Auburn Tigers
- Texas Longhorns
- Texas Tech Red Raiders
- Ole Miss Rebels
- Ohio State Buckeyes
- Miami Hurricanes
- Michigan Wolverines
- Missouri Tigers
ESPN believes Michigan flipping Underwood was “the biggest recruiting win of the cycle.” Is that something we all agree on?
Underwood will be throwing the ball to a fellow freshman, wide receiver Andrew Marsh. He was a highly regarded four-star player, and with some issues at that position last season, ESPN expects he’ll get good playing time right away.
ESPN also recognized some huge recruiting wins on the offensive line. Five-star Andrew Babalola and four-star Ty Haywood both have an opportunity to play early on in their careers. For a coach who wants his team to embody “Smash,” it’s good that Moore was able to get these guys in Ann Arbor.
When it comes to the defensive recruits, cornerback Shamari Earls is getting a lot of recognition for his ability to make an impact early. While he isn’t expected to be an immediate starter, he will probably make an impact in some capacity. ESPN believes he has a “supreme blend of height, length and speed to contribute in sub packages.”
When it comes to the transfer list, ESPN highlighted running back Justice Haynes and wide receiver Donaven McCulley on offense, and defensive back TJ Metcalf and defensive tackles Damon Payne Jr. and Tre Williams on defense. They believe Haynes and Jordan Marshall will be “one of the best 1-2 punches in college football,” at running back, while Metcalf has, “good coverage skills, size and physicality. He’s a ballhawk.”
The Wolverines definitely made some moves this offseason to improve and try and get back to legitimate contender status. Putting together a solid incoming freshman class, as well as a solid mix of immediate contributors and developmental guys in the portal, Michigan didn’t mess around.
What do you think about ESPN’s ranking of the Wolverines? Too high? Too low? Let us know in the comments below!