Maize n Brew has the latest from The Big House, where Michigan Football and head coach Kyle Whittingham brought in priority targets and commits for the game against the Western Michigan Broncos.
Peer Recruiting Efforts
*** Let’s start with the 2027 commits who showed up for the opener. Three were spotted on the field during pregame in Kalamazoo (Mich.) Loy Norrix offensive tackle Jakari Lipsey, Saline (Mich.) High interior offensive lineman Louis Esposito, and Grand Rapids (Mich.) Kenowa Hills running back Lundon Hampton.
All three were seen at one point in time interacting with a fellow visitor who’s current uncommitted. For instance, 2028 four-star linebacker Camden Noe was with Esposito and Lipsey, and 2028 Saline (Mich.) High athlete Marquis Ray was with Hampton. Good to know this class is doing some recruiting themselves for those upcoming cycles and are guaranteed locks to sign once National Signing Day happens.
*** Hampton and his family talked extensively with Michigan assistant coach Fred Jackson during warmups. I saw Hampton in his first game a couple of weeks ago and wrote vehemently then the Wolverines want him in the room learning under Jackson and Tony Alford. The visual of their reunion on the field further emphasized that point. I also checked in with Esposito on Friday and he said plans are for him to early enroll in January.
Who’s Pushing For Who?
*** Noe was one of the notable targets on campus. There were rumblings of him coming to The Big House prior to his expected return next month, so it’s evident of the focus he’s receiving from linebackers coach Alex Whittingham and defensive coordinator Jay Hill. We talked about this in the visitor’s preview published Friday, but reiterating it wouldn’t be a surprise if Michigan’s biggest contender for Noe is its in-state rival, as the Spartans are making just as major of a push.
*** Ray confirmed on Friday following Saline’s 59-0 win he would be back to see the game Saturday. Through his father, Michigan legend Marcus Ray, the pair got a front row view of warmups, as Alford made time to welcome their arrival. I really like U-M’s chances in landing Ray. He’ll also check out MSU soon, but I think this recruitment is the Wolverines’ to lose. As teammates of Esposito, Ray is hearing from the latter a ton about remaining teammates at the next level.
*** Digging deep on the surprise visitor, Rabun Gap (Ga.) Nachoochee linebacker Jay Schell made a crucial appearance in Ann Arbor, as the Whittingham’s are recruiting the junior just as hard as Noe. Michigan will do battle alongside Clemson and Oklahoma for Schell’s services, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if U-M’s stock rises after this weekend. Team recruiting analyst Chase Ketterer was seen with Schell pregame as well as 2028 Chicago (Ill.) Brother Rice tight end Jack McNamara.
*** McNamara and 2028 four-star Mundelein (Ill.) Carmel Catholic offensive tackle Wyatt VanBoening were the two Chicagoland headliners on the visitors list. Illinois, Notre Dame, Northwestern, Purdue, Arizona State and others are yielding high interest in McNamara, but this is a return to Michigan since his spring camp appearance in March, as Freddie Whittingham is pulling out all the stops to land him. Meanwhile, VanBoening announced his offer during the first quarter. He was certainly a strong candidate to get the offer leading up to the game.
*** Another big time recruit who took in the festivities is 2028 four-star Chillicothe (Ohio) High running back Cartae Ligon. Less than 10 junior tailbacks are confirmed to be on Michigan’s board, with Ligon arguably near or at the top of it. Alford is doing a phenomenal job of keeping Ligon his interest in the program high. He told us a few months ago his trip to watch spring practice set the standard for all future visits anywhere. Ligon is having a standout season as well, so the production at the prep level should give him a bump in the rankings. Lastly, Michigan brought in a second offered 2028 offensive lineman in Carter Barrett. The West Des Moines (Iowa.) Dowling Catholic star is listed as the No. 10 interior offensive lineman, according to Rivals.
*** I didn’t catch 2028 four-star Baltimore (Md.) Saint Joseph cornerback Kinnard Mahomes, who was expected to visit, during warmups. We will take a further look for him inside The Big House after the game when recruits get an opportunity to be on the field again. Same goes for fast-rising 2028 linebacker teammate and potential offeree Cyrus Zuah, whose offer list includes Notre Dame, Penn State and Virginia Tech.
