Emerging 2026 DL JJ Finch talks recent Michigan offer, Lou Esposito, more
Indianapolis (Ind.) Warren Central arguably features the top defensive line unit in the Midwest, including two starters with Michigan offers. The newest recruit to notch an offer from the College Football Playoff winners is 2026 pass rusher JJ Finch.
“It felt good,” Finch told The Wolverine.
This offseason, targets who’ve debuted on Michigan’s recruiting board have shown exorbitant enthusiasm with the fact that the reigning national champions are entering the mix. It’s no different for Indiana-based prospects like Finch as U-M is dipping its foot more in the state under the new coaching staff.
Finch was a close follower of Michigan’s run last season and was impressed with how the program overcame adversity to win 15 straight games.
“The defense and the structure,” Finch said. “Just magical, really, with what happened with (Jim) Harbaugh off the field, and you’re still able to win it. That just showed me that they were really committed.”
Of course, the overall production on its defensive line, led by projected 2025 first-round NFL Draft picks Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant, piques the interest of Finch, the son of Jerimy Finch, the No. 1 overall prospect in Indiana in the 2007 recruiting class.
“Up there with their best in the country, really,” Finch said.
Finch notched the Michigan offer when new defensive line coach Lou Esposito dropped by Warren Central for in-person greetings. The two built a solid foundation before a possible first visit to Ann Arbor later in the offseason.
“Just really chill,” Finch said. “Just really getting to know me. (He said he liked) my get off and my speed off the ball. That was really the main thing. He’s a real stand-up guy,” Finch said. “He doesn’t got nothing to hide. A real man.”
Finch said he’s eyeing a trip to campus in late July for the annual BBQ at The Big House. The sophomore will not have a checklist with him on the visit; instead, he wants to soak in the culture.
“Just a team atmosphere, really,” Finch said. “How do (the) guys mesh with each other?”
Along with Michigan, Finch currently holds notable offers from Notre Dame, Indiana, Louisville, Jackson State, Marshall, Tennessee, Illinois, Vanderbilt, Toledo, and others.
At 6-foot-3, 220 pounds, Finch is listed as the No. 403 overall prospect in the country, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four primary recruiting media services. On3 ranks Finch as the No. 24 defensive lineman nationally and the No. 1 recruit in Indiana.
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