Welcome to the Recruiting Roundup, our twice-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…
Michigan making a push for North Carolina commit Chad Willis
Michigan isn’t giving up on one of the state’s top receivers, even if he’s already committed elsewhere.
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s standout Chad Willis remains committed to North Carolina,
but the Wolverines have recently increased communication with the 6-foot-3, 215-pound wideout.
Willis originally committed to Cincinnati before reopening his recruitment in July and eventually pledging to Bill Belichick and the Tar Heels. That hasn’t stopped Michigan from making its case.
The in-state receiver visited Ann Arbor for Michigan’s September matchup against Iowa and came away impressed with the performances of JJ Buchanan and Andrew Marsh. He admitted he expected Michigan to lean heavily on its running game, making the receivers’ production a pleasant surprise.
Michigan’s staff has continued its pursuit since that visit.
“They have picked up the contact,” Willis told Brice Marich of The Michigan Insider. “I have talked to the receiver coach, Coach Simon, Coach Perry, Coach Bellamy. They’re telling me that I fit well into their system.”
Willis acknowledged Michigan is trying to keep him home, but don’t expect a flip announcement just yet. He’s focused on finishing his senior season and reiterated he’s fully committed to North Carolina.
Still, with Michigan turning up the heat, this is a recruitment worth monitoring as the Wolverines look to add more talent at receiver.
Michigan and Utah battling for talented tight end Jackson Doman
The Wolverines are firmly in the mix for Jackson Doman, a 6-foot-6, 225-pound tight end from Canby, Oregon, who originally signed with BYU as a 2025 class member before departing for his two-year LDS mission.
Doman was released from his National Letter of Intent in June and has since picked up an offer from Michigan. Now, it appears his recruitment is shaping up as a two-team battle.
“Safe to say it is between Utah and Michigan at this point,” Doman told Brice Marich of The Michigan Insider.
Despite interest from SEC programs, Doman pointed to his family’s relationship with the Whittinghams and Utah’s longstanding recruitment as reasons the two schools have separated themselves.
Michigan will have an opportunity to make a big impression on Oct. 24, when Doman’s parents and cousin visit Ann Arbor for the Wolverines’ matchup against Indiana.
Doman is targeting a decision by November before enrolling in college in January, giving Michigan a relatively short window to close the deal.
His high school production certainly makes him an intriguing target. During his senior season, Doman caught 57 passes for more than 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns.
With a decision approaching and Michigan firmly in the picture, this is one to watch over the next few weeks.
Four-star LB Ryan Peterson keeping Michigan among top contenders
Michigan is also making progress with one of the top linebackers in the 2028 class, and the Wolverines have a familiar advantage: he’s a lifelong Michigan fan.
Four-star Ryan Peterson is ranked No. 140 nationally and No. 9 among linebackers in the Rivals rankings. The Cornelius (N.C.) Hough standout received his Michigan offer in July and has kept the Wolverines among his top contenders.
According to Ethan McDowell of The Wolverine, Peterson has Michigan standing out alongside Georgia, LSU, Texas A&M, USC, Tennessee, Auburn, South Carolina and Florida.
One of Michigan’s biggest assets has been linebackers coach Alex Whittingham, who has developed a strong relationship with Peterson through calls and texts.
“He’s a great guy though,” Peterson said. “He’s an even better coach. He has a coaching resume that you would like to see.”
Peterson originally hoped to visit Ann Arbor for Michigan’s September matchup against Oklahoma, but those plans fell through. He’s still working to schedule his first trip to campus before the fall wraps up.
Despite not making that visit yet, his interest in Michigan hasn’t faded.
“It’s the same,” Peterson said. “If it isn’t the same, then it increased.”
Peterson plans to narrow his options following his upcoming visits and is targeting February or March for a commitment.
With plenty of national competition, Michigan still has work to do. But having a lifelong Wolverines fan interested in the program certainly doesn’t hurt.
