Recruiting Roundup: Michigan’s BBQ at the Big House was a MAJOR success

Michigan’s end of summer recruiting bash was action packed and well received by recruits in attendance

Michigan’s annual BBQ at the Big House was this past weekend and the Wolverines put together a loaded slate of activities. Recruits participated in position drills, competed in a modified Olympic games, went head to head in EASports’ College Football 25 video game, and of course feasted on a catered spread of BBQ foods.

Early reports out of the weekend indicate Michigan put itself firmly in contention for a number of prospects, and one 2026 prospect even dropped a surprise commitment while on campus.

Local recruits flock to the Big House

Michigan hosted more than 50 recruits at this year’s BBQ, and a handful of those guests were in-state prospects. Portage Northern’s Gregory Patrick , a 6-foot-5 275-pound four-star offensive lineman in 2026, was there with his father Jack , a former lineman at Michigan State .

On Sunday, Patrick released a list of his top-nine programs and the Wolverines made the cut.

Lincoln Keyes , a 2026 three-star tight end from Saline High School, also returned to campus. Keyes has added impressive offers this summer from big time programs like Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio State . After working out with tight ends coach Steve Casula, Michigan also extended an offer to the 6-foot-6 prospect.

Keyes told 247’s Allen Trieu ($) he grew up a Michigan fan and, “that’s definitely a big factor because I’ve grown up watching them and being in the stands, and it’s huge that I now have a chance to play there.”

Donald Tabron II , an incoming freshman quarterback at Cass Tech, projects to be the next big time signal caller in the state. He worked out while on campus and was complimentary of 2026 quarterback commit Brady Hart’s ability after throwing alongside him.

Other prospects in Michigan that were expected to be on campus including CJ Sadler , Dakota Guerrant , and Deandre Bidden . The Wolverine staff will continue to recruit the state and look to continue the adage — the best players in Michigan go to Michigan.

2026 prospects earn offers while on campus

In addition to the aforementioned Keyes, two other 2026 prospects received scholarship offers from the Wolverines while on campus.

2026 four-star offensive lineman Felix Ojo from Mansfield, Texas reported an offer after talking to head coach Sherrone Moore on Saturday. Ojo, who stands 6-foot-6 and weighs 285 pounds, holds more than 30 scholarship offers, but noted he holds the offer from Michigan in high regard. Brice Marich of 247’s The Michigan Insider ($) reported Ojo’s visit went great and he really enjoyed connecting with offensive line coach Grant Newsome.

“I think he’s a great coach and I feel like he could develop me really well if I went there and his main message to me is that I was a priority,” Ojo said.

Sherrone Moore also extended a scholarship offer to 2026 three-star offensive lineman Bear McWhorter out of White, Georgia. McWhorter — who has also taken visits to Alabama, Texas A&M , and NC State this year — decommitted from Arkansas in June after being committed for nearly a year.

Four-star edge recaps multi-day visit

Shaun Scott made his first trip to Michigan for the BBQ and spent the full weekend getting acquainted with the program. The 2026 four-star out of Mater Dei in California arrived to Ann Arbor on Friday and did not depart until Sunday afternoon, per TMI’s Marich ($).

Scott was effusive in his praise for the program and said, “From the moment I walked in here on Friday, the coaching staff welcomed me with open arms. Great environment and it’s a winning culture for sure. All the players are in tune and the coaching staff loves the players, so it was great to be around. I really enjoyed my whole time here.”

Defensive line coach Lou Esposito spent time with Scott and pitched him on his fit in the Wolverine’s defense, citing Scott’s ability to both rush the passer and drop into coverage on passing downs. Scott was encouraged by the similarities he saw in Michigan’s scheme and what Mater Dei runs.

So where does Michigan stand in Scott’s recruitment coming out of the visit?

“Michigan is definitely a top school and they definitely will be one of my officials,” Scott said. “When the time comes, they will definitely be on my official visit list. I definitely say they will be one of my top schools and I will be back for a game most likely Texas.”

Quick Hitters

• Michigan’s performance dietician Abigail O’Connor posted a photo of the spread from the BBQ at the Big House, and nobody is complaining this year. The food also received high praise from 2025 Michigan commit Kainoa Winston .
• 2025 four-star cornerback Jayden Sanders will announce his college decision on Aug. 10. Michigan hosted Sanders over the weekend and currently has two predictions to land the four-star cornerback from On3’s EJ Holland and Justin Wells. Sanders will decide from Michigan, Oklahoma State and Baylor.
• 2026 four-star running back Deshonne Redeaux announced a top-12 list on Monday. Michigan made the cut but will need to get him to visit campus before being considered a serious contender.
• Linebacker coach Brian Jean-Mary had a busy Monday after the festive weekend. He extended offers to three linebackers in the 2026 class — Tank King , Izayia Williams (Syracuse commit), and Hudson Dunn .