Welcome to the Recruiting Roundup, our two-times-per-week series breaking down the latest developments on the recruiting trail for the Michigan Wolverines. We’ll keep you up to date on the top targets, the visits they take, the predictions that analysts make, and everything in between. Here’s what you need to know today…
Four-star safety breaks down Michigan interest
Keeping in-state talent home is always a big priority for the Michigan football coaching staff, and 2028 four-star safety LaMarcus Army is one of those players the Wolverines want.
The staff is making it clear to the 6-foot-1, 167-pounder from Cass Tech that he is a priority.
“The school that has been showing me the most love right now is definitely Michigan,” Army told On3’s Ethan McDowell ($). “Of course, they are trying to get me to stay home a lot.”
They must be trying pretty hard, as McDowell placed a prediction for the Wolverines to eventually land Army’s commitment.
Growing up in Michigan, Army dreamed about being in this position to be able to play college football in the state. That dream is becoming a reality.
“It means everything, man,” Army said earlier this year. “It’s like a dream come true. It’s surreal, you know. Growing up, all the kids want to go to Michigan, Michigan State, and to be a part of that small few that actually can do it, it’s a dream come true, definitely.”
Army, who is the No. 317 player in the 2028 recruiting class on the Rivals Industry Ranking, will be in Ann Arbor for the Oklahoma game on Sept. 12. He is also hoping to get to town for the Indiana game on Oct. 24.
Elite OT talks upcoming Michigan visit
With the season less than two weeks away, it’s almost time for fall visits. A new coaching staff is in place, so showing recruits that the program is in good hands is going to be crucial this season. 2028 four-star offensive lineman Mataio Fano out of Orem, Utah will be in Ann Arbor for the Oklahoma game.
“I am looking forward to seeing how the old Utah coaches are over there and see how the culture has changed,” Fano told The Michigan Insider’s Brice Marich ($).
Michigan now has one of the best offensive line coaches in all of college football in Jim Harding, so that should help the Wolverines continue to assert their dominance in the trenches. Fano already has a strong relationship with Harding thanks to him coaching his brother into becoming a first-round draft pick.
“Yes, I have been in contact with a couple of there recruiters and coach Harding,” he said. “I have a great relationship with coach Harding.”
At 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, Fano is the No. 145 player in the 2028 class on the Rivals Industry Ranking.
K commit deemed eligible to play upcoming season
Michigan’s 2028 kicker commit, Ryan Jung, has been battling for high school eligibility in Georgia after leaving IMG Academy ahead of the season. He now attends Milton High School in Milton, Georgia, and after originally being ruled ineligible, he is now eligible and ready to play for his new school.
“I feel great,” Jung told On3’s McDowell ($). “All I wanted to do was get on the field this season. I just love the game, and now I’m really, really happy that I’ll be able to play this season instead of sitting out.”
After a long battle and being ruled ineligible, this new ruling was a special moment for Jung and his family.
“At about 3:30, our AD called my dad, and he asked if he could talk to me, and then he told me the news,” Jung said. “I was just really thrilled. My mom was screaming. She was also really hyped about it, and our entire family was right next to me, so we were just all thrilled about it.”
Michigan has had some great kickers in recent years, and Jung could be one of the next elites at the position in Ann Arbor.
