Recruiting Roundup: Father of ex-commit Chris Ewald talks Michigan still being a contender

Plus, a three-star DL commit talks Harbaugh speculation, and Michigan makes the top-10 for a four-star cornerback.

There’s plenty of recruiting news abound, about a month removed from December’s Early National Signing Day and a few weeks away from February’s signing day.

In today’s roundup, we have the father of a player who recently decommitted saying Michigan is still being considered, a defensive line commit talking about speculation surrounding Jim Harbaugh, and a four-star cornerback including Michigan in his top-10.

Father of Chris Ewald says Michigan is still being considered

Four-star Chris Ewald, who was the lone cornerback in Michigan’s 2025 class, decommitted earlier this week , but he still could end up at Michigan after all.

In an interview with The Wolverine’s EJ Holland ($) , Ewald’s father, Chris Sr., said Michigan is still at the top of his son’s list. Holland reported NIL and the unknown surrounding Harbaugh played into the decision for Ewald to decommit, saying the Ewald family was surprised with Harbaugh took the interview with the Los Angeles Chargers , and that was the final thing that lead to Ewald decommitting.

It’s not impossible for Ewald to still end up with the Wolverines, as Holland reported the young corner still has a “strong” relationship with co-defensive coordinator Steve Clinkscale. It is a longshot, but they aren’t totally dead just yet. We’ll keep you updated as his recruitment is re-opened.

Three-star DL signee talks Michigan winning natty, Harbaugh speculation

2024 three-star defensive lineman Deyvin Palepale, who flipped his committed from USC to Michigan last month, will be one of many high schoolers competing in the Polynesian Bowl in Hawaii later this month.

In a recent interview with The Michigan Insider’s Brice Marich ($ ), Palepale talked about how nice it was to see Michigan win the National Championship, saying he thinks he could contribute as a young player like Mason Graham has.

“I do feel like I could produce like (Graham) did,” Palepale said. “I don’t feel like we are the same player, but I do think I could contribute in ways like he did.”

Palepale also mentioned he’s monitoring the Harbaugh situation, but still seems firm in his commitment by praising offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore, who would most definitely be considered to be the next head coach if Harbaugh left.

“I always keep an open mind to everything, but like Michigan was offering him a contract midseason and I don’t think a program like that would do that if they didn’t trust or believe those things weren’t true,” Palepale said. “I was definitely surrounded by that (speculation). I see myself staying no matter what. A lot of people commit to schools for the coaches and that’s something, for example right now where Harbaugh is going to be coaching, is kind of messy. But I have trust in coach Sherrone Moore — he’s a fabulous coach. He could be a head coach pretty much anywhere in the country. I’m not really worried about it. I love coach Harbaugh to death, but if he’s gone, then I (have) full belief in them.”

Four-star CB includes Michigan in top-10

Mark Zackery, a 2025 four-star cornerback, included Michigan in his top-10 earlier this week, along with Ohio State , Notre Dame , Georgia, Cincinnati, Oregon, Purdue, Penn State, USC and Tennessee.

On the 247Sports composite , Zackery is rated as the 168th-best player in his class, the 23rd-best cornerback and the second-best player from Indiana. He made a mid-week visit in November, telling The Wolverine at the time ($) Michigan was toward the top of his list.

One Crystal Ball prediction has been filed for Zackery, with 247’s Steve Wiltfong predicting the Indiana native will commit to Notre Dame. We’ll continue to keep you updated on Zackery’s recruitment, as you can never have too many talented cornerbacks.