Bryce Underwood, Alex Graham among in-state Michigan targets to make 2025 On300 debut

No. 1 ranked quarterback Bryce Underwood, out of Belleville, Michigan, was also named the top prospect in the 2025 class on Monday when the initial release of the 2025 On300 went public. The first update of what will be several more leading up to the traditional signing period in a little less than two years featured five sophomores who are native to the state of Michigan.

Underwood, residing less than 30 minutes away from Michigan’s campus, made two returns in the month of March as his relationship with quarterbacks coach Kirk Campbell continues to grow exponentially through in person and virtual contact. The 6-foot-3 and 210-pounder also plans to be at The Big House this Saturday for the spring game.

“Coach Campbell is a great person because he’s a family guy,” Underwood said. “That’s a good thing to have and a good tradition to have (in a coach). He wants me to be a quarterback at Michigan. So did Coach (Jim) Harbaugh. Relationships are everything to me so that’s what it comes down to.”

Along with Underwood, The Wolverine takes a look at the four other in-state 2025 recruits who were included in the first 2025 On300 rankings and five more who could find their name added to the list down the road. Six of the ten currently possess offers from Michigan.

In-State Prospects in the On300 Debut

ATH Alex Graham, Detroit Cass Tech – Graham checks in at No. 69 overall in the country, No. 4 athlete nationally and No. 2 in Michigan. The Wolverines were the first to offer Graham in the winter of 2022 as he’s since visited campus three times, including two games this past season. Graham’s relationship with defensive backs coach Steve Clinkscale is close with the 6-foot-0 and 170-pounder taking a deep liking to what he saw out of Michigan’s secondary in the fall. Tennessee, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Missouri, Kentucky, Michigan State, Pitt and several more programs have followed Michigan by offering Graham.

IOL Avery Gach, Birmingham Groves – Gach is rated as the No. 197 sophomore in the country, No. 12 interior offensive lineman and No. 3 in Michigan. Offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Sherrone Moore was able to connect with Gach more personally as the latter returned to Schembechler Hall earlier this month to watch spring practice. Area recruiter Ron Bellamy recently visited Gach at this school during the January contact period as the 6-foot-5 and 290-pounder is being reminded often of his services being a heavy priority for the Wolverines.

DB Desmond Straughton, Roseville High – Straughton is considered to be the No. 237 player in the country, No. 15 safety nationally and No. 4 in Michigan. A violent tackler in the secondary and a superb return specialist, Straughton’s exposure while starring for the Metro Detroit juggernaut has allowed him to gain Kentucky, Michigan State, Minnesota, West Virginia and Indiana offers.

IOL Antonio Johnson, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Prep – Johnson debuts on the 2025 On300 at No. 297 overall in the country, No. 21 interior offensive lineman and No. 5 in Michigan. A recent transfer from nearby Detroit King, Johnson, who’s 6-foot-7 and 297 pounds, holds two Big Ten offers from Maryland and Penn State. Akron, Toledo and Bowling Green are among the Division I schools who’ve also offered the road grater.

Potential Additions in Future Updates

DL Bobby Kanka, Howell High – Not having Kanka be one of the members on the On300 was a little surprising, considering his offer sheet features not just Michigan, but also Tennessee, Syracuse, Penn State and Michigan State. A frequent flyer to Ann Arbor, having visited twice this month and is coming back for the spring game, Kanka’s versatility on the defensive line has made him a key target for Mike Elston in the 2025 cycle. Michigan was one of the early offers for Kanka, at 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds, nearly 12 months ago.

TE Xavier Newsom, Detroit King – Newsom entered the national radar two months ago during the January contact period when Michigan issued an offer to the 6-foot-5 and 220-pounder. He also took his first-ever unofficial visit to Ann Arbor a couple of weeks after he reported the offer. A member of SoundMind SoundBody, Newsom has also collected offers from Eastern Michigan and Marshall. A bigger body with good length in the upper half, Newsom will continue to rise on rankings boards through more experience on the 7v7 circuit.

EDGE Willie Fletcher, Detroit King – Right before the February dead period, Fletcher toured Michigan’s football facilities, watched film with the coaching staff and learned about the program’s strength and conditioning program. His primary recruiter has been co-defensive coordinator Steve Clinkscale, who’s honesty is being greatly appreciated by the 6-foot-3 and 255-pounder. Missouri and Oregon round out the three Power 5 programs to offer Fletcher.

WR DeShaun Lanier, Chippewa Valley – Lanier has picked up three Power 5 offers so far in Louisville, Pitt and Ole Miss. He’s proved to be a shifty route runner in various showcases hosted by Rising Stars Academy in the offseason and is still filling out his 5-foot-11 and 165-pound frame. Central Michigan, Western Michigan, UMass, Marshall and Eastern Kentucky have also jumped in the mix for Lanier.

WR Antwon Thomas, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Prep – Look for Thomas to blow up fast on the recruiting trail as he just received an offer from Penn State a little more than a week ago. The 5-foot-11 and 170-pounder is being monitored by Notre Dame as well following his unofficial visit to South Bend lastr weekend. Western Michigan, Bowling Green and Akron are the three MAC schools to offer Thomas with plenty more from the conference bringing him in for visits like Toledo.

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