Five things we learned about Michigan recruiting in June: Plenty of commits, NIL plan, more
June was a busy month for Michigan on the recruiting trail. Here are five things we learned…
1. Victors Weekend was a success
Michigan held its annual Victors Weekend on June 21 and came away with three commitments from the event — four-star wide receiver Jacob Washington, three-star offensive lineman Kaden Strayhorn and three-star linebacker Chase Taylor. Michigan also put itself in the pole position for Top 100 tight end Andrew Olesh and Top 100 wide receiver Andrew Marsh. Olesh is expected to make a decision soon, while Marsh is now leaning towards making his announcement in August. Overall, it was a successful first Victors Weekend for new Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore.
2. Small progress with NIL
Michigan landed nine commits in the month of June. However, none of those wins were really NIL based. Michigan still needs to adapt its plan to land the elites. It’s certainly not where it needs to be, but the Wolverines did show a willingness to change its philosophy this summer. New Michigan General Manager Sean Magee was more involved as official visit season wore on and will have major role in U-M’s approach to NIL on the recruiting trail moving forward. From what I have been able to gather, Michigan is willing to put together packages for the right recruits. But we need to see real results before getting too excited.
3. Brady Hart is the man in 2026
Michigan found its quarterback in the 2026 recruiting class in Top 100 Cocoa (Fla.) High signal-caller Brady Hart. Clemson picked up some steam after extending an offer. However, Michigan hit a home run on his unofficial visit and was able to close with a commitment soon after. Michigan quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell did a fantastic job of winning over Hart and now has his future leader at the position. Hart had a tremendous showing at Under Armour’s Future 50 event and proved he’s one of next cycle’s elite passers. Hart gives Michigan early momentum in 2026, and there is no doubt that he’ll be very active in recruiting others to Ann Arbor.
4. Alford finds his RBs
The month of June saw new Michigan running backs coach Tony Alford close with two prospects at the position in three-star recruit Jasper Parker and On300 recruit Donovan Johnson. With Marquise Davis spurning U-M for Kentucky earlier this cycle, it was imperative for Alford to find his two backs last month. Michigan made a run for Top 100 prospect Jordon Davison, but at the end of the day, Parker and Johnson are both great program fits and could surprise many. Parker isn’t highly rated, but he is an athletic back with an intriguing skillset. On the flip side of the coin, Johnson is coming off a torn ACL, but if he returns to full health, he could easily reestablish himself as one of the top ball carriers in the country.
5. Keeping Kanka and (maybe) Marshall
It seemed unclear whether or not Michigan would keep four-star defensive lineman Bobby Kanka in the class. Remember, Michigan took Kanka before the arrival of the new defensive staff. While Kanka did make an official visit to Michigan State, U-M hosted him for Victors Weekend and made it clear that they wanted to keep him in the fold. Kanka is now fully locked in with the Wolverines. Top 100 defensive lineman Nate Marshall did end up making an official visit to Auburn. However, Michigan got him back on campus for Victors Weekend and did a nice job of preventing a flip. Auburn is still pushing for a July visit, but it seems like Michigan has done enough to fend off the Tigers — for now.
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