What’s next for Michigan in-state recruiting? A look at five key 2025 targets
Michigan is coming off its third win on the recruiting trail in the 2025 class.
On Tuesday, the Wolverines landed rising Howell (Mich.) High defensive lineman Bobby Kanka, who was coming off a return visit last weekend for the annual BBQ at The Big House. Kanka picked U-M over Penn State, Michigan State, Tennessee, Syracuse, Kansas, Minnesota, Northwestern and others.
Kanka is also the third defensive pledge commit in Michigan’s 2025 recruiting class, joining Top 100 Miami (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna defensive back Chris Ewald and rising Buford (Ga.) High linebacker Mantrez Walker. The group ranks No. 8 on the 2025 On3 Industry National Team Recruiting Rankings.
Who else in-state could come onboard in the class for Michigan next cycle? The Wolverine examines the five key local 2025 prospects with an offer.
Five-Star QB Bryce Underwood, Belleville High
Bryce Underwood was at Michigan earlier this week on Sunday and Monday immediately following his multi-day visit to LSU. The nation’s No. 1 overall player in the 2025 class by On3 flew back from Baton Rouge and went straight to Ann Arbor for the BBQ at The Big House. Going back to March, Underwood has been on campus six times. As the top option at quarterback for the Wolverines next cycle, Underwood’s communication with quarterbacks coach Kirk Campbell remains consistent as talks transpire at least once a week. That’ll bolster because college personnel can now correspond with 2025 recruits without restrictions. The effort put on by Campbell extends to Underwood’s entire family, who have just as close of a relationship with the former Old Dominion offensive coordinator as the 6-foot-3, 210-pounder. Underwood’s commitment date is expected to fall on January 6.
On300 IOL Avery Gach, Birmingham Groves
Avery Gach is a must-land for the Michigan coaching staff next cycle as the 6-foot-5, 265-pounder is coming off his attendance for the barbecue last weekend. Gach and his family were on campus both Saturday and Sunday as they got more individual time with offensive line coach Sherrone Moore, who also did a private workout for the four-star and the 2024 commits who showed up. Gach’s association with Moore is growing exponentially and the family likes what Michigan can provide on and off the field, including but not limited to the Ross School of Business. Ohio State and Michigan State are equally prioritizing Gach, who picked up some intriguing SEC offers earlier in the offseason. Expect Gach, the No. 2 overall player in Michigan, to return to The Big House for at least the OSU game this upcoming season.
Three-Star DB Elijah Dotson, University of Detroit Jesuit
Elijah Dotson is heavily trending towards Michigan in the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM) with two predictions published last week in favor of the Wolverines. Over the weekend, Dotson visited Ann Arbor for the barbecue, where he worked out with Clinkscale and On300 defensive back commit Jacob Oden. On3 has Dotson, the No. 4 ranked player in the state of Michigan, listed as a wide receiver but Michigan wants him on the other side of the ball. He’s been developing a ton at cornerback and safety this offseason on the 7v7 circuit. He also looks the part at 6-foot-2, 175 pounds, with exceptional length. Clinkscale offered Dotson back in May after the latter visited for the first time the previous month and their bond heading into fall camp is unprecedented.
Four-Star EDGE Xavier Newsom, Detroit King
Like with Graham, Michigan was the first Power 5 school to offer Xavier Newsom in January. Since then, the No. 3 overall prospect in the state of Michigan and No. 14 tight end nationally by the On3 Industry Ranking has visited Ann Arbor three times. He took in the weekend barbecue festivities and recently camped in front of the coaching staff in June. The Wolverines view his imposing 6-foot-5, 220-pound frame fitting on defense, specifically as an EDGE. Newsom, who starts on both sides of the ball for Detroit King, doesn’t have a position preference because of his comfort at each spot. Clinkscale is leading the way in this recruitment. Michigan currently has a commanding lead on the RPM to land Newsom.
Rising EDGE Willie Fletcher, Detroit King
Clinkscale is establishing a relationship with fellow Detroit King pass rusher Willie Fletcher, who also visited Michigan for the barbecue. Fletcher sees Clinkscale, who leads the recruiting in the Detroit area for U-M, as a mentor type of coach. Staffer Dylan Roney is also assisting with in-person communication with Fletcher. The Wolverines have hosted Fletcher on three unofficial visits this offseason as the 6-foot-3, 225-pounder likes the idea of staying close to home at the next level. The RPM has U-M leading for Fletcher.
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