Michigan are in the mix for a few top running backs in the 2026 class, including this guy that recently included the Wolverines on his top list and has been compared to Detroit Lions superstar Jahmyr Gibbs:
The Michigan Wolverines are swinging for the fences in the 2026 class at multiple positions, but no position may fit that description better than running back. From five-star Savion Hiter — who they may lead for at the moment — and top-100 four-star Javion Osborne — another player Michigan could be at the top for, especially with Texas’ running backs coach being poached by the Detroit Lions — Tony Alford has the Wolverines in the mix for some of the best running backs in the country.
But one player that we haven’t discussed as an option at all released his top-six list this week, and surprisingly, Michigan was among the finalists. That player is four-star Deshonne Redeaux , who is the No. 105 overall player in the country, the No. 9 running back and No. 12 player from California, per 247Sports’ composite.
NEWS: Four-Star RB Deshonne Redeaux is down to 6️⃣ Schools, he tells me for @on3recruits
The 5’11 195 RB from Carson, CA is ranked as a a Top 100 Recruit in the ‘26 Class (per On3)
Where Should He Go? https://t.co/LmyLB2DYaz pic.twitter.com/l2B7XdUfBZ
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) February 20, 2025
Redeaux plays high school football at Oaks Christian, the same school that produced former Michigan and current Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet. He was offered by Michigan last April and made his top-12 list last July.
But since then, nothing has been written about his recruitment as it pertains to Michigan, so it’s a surprise to see the Wolverines make the cut. And while it’s a surprise, it’s a good one at that, as 247Sports’ Greg Biggins scouted Redeaux last April and compared him to one of the NFL’s best young running backs — Detroit Lions superstar Jahmyr Gibbs:
One of the nation’s top two-sport athletes. Not just a dominant running back but a top sprinter as well. Personal best 10.42-100m/21.32-100m as a freshman but had to sit out sophomore track season due to an injury. Speed jumps out on the football field as well. A true home run threat from anywhere on the field. Has some wiggle to him, can make a defender miss in the open field and runs hard. Has a solid frame, strong upper body and carries 195 pounds really well. Has a physical edge to him, played corner as a freshman and would lay guys out although he focused on running back as a sophomore. Decisive runner, doesn’t dance around or try to be too cute, hits the hole and isn’t afraid to initiate contact. Catches the ball well out of the backfield, not just screens but wheel routes and deep balls down the slot. Junior season will be big for him to show he can be a durable, every down back but the ceiling is high and Redeaux projects as an easy high major Power 4 prospect.
By the sounds of it, the Gibbs comparison may be spot on. Redeaux appears to be a versatile playmaker that can line up all over the place and make defenders look silly. He has the gamebreaking speed to go along with the between-the-tackles toughness — you can see that early and often in his junior year highlights.
The Wolverines will have to get Redeaux on campus to have a legitimate chance with — he has not reportedly visited Ann Arbor yet — but Michigan can’t be counted out just yet.
“I do know that my relationship with the coaches and how I fit in the program are going to be big when I go and make my decision,” Redeaux told 247Sports in October regarding what he is looking for in his future school. “I want to play for a winner, but I also want to be developed and make sure that I am ready for the next level and for life after football is over.”
If those words still ring true, Michigan is among the top options for what Redeaux is looking for. Alford is an incredibly good relationship-builder, Michigan is a top contending program year in and year out and has sent multiple running backs to the NFL recently, which will happen once again this April when Donovan Edwards and Kalel Mullings get drafted.
All in all, while not much has been said regarding Michigan’s chance with Redeaux, and while he has yet to visit Ann Arbor, you can never count out Alford and the Wolverines with a top running back.