Michigan Wolverines Gaining 'Traction' for a Five-Star LSU Football Wideout Target

The top-five wide receiver in America has narrowed his focus to a handful of programs, one school standing out.

Courtesy of Calvin Russell's Instagram.

Miami (Fla.) Northwestern five-star wide receiver Calvin Russell is 24 hours out from revealing a commitment decision with a handful of programs in contention for his pledge.

Russell, a top-five wideout in America, has secured scholarships from the likes of the LSU Tigers, Michigan Wolverines, Alabama Crimson Tide and Oregon Ducks, among several others.

But the 6-foot-5, 190-pounder has trimmed his list with Michigan, Syracuse, Oregon and Florida State emerging as the contenders in his process.

The five-star wide receiver took official visits to check in with the LSU Tigers, Syracuse Orange, Florida State Seminoles and Michigan Wolverines where he began identifying the schools on his radar.

Despite taking a multi-day trip to Baton Rouge, Russell has seemingly eliminated the Bayou Bengals from contention after solidifying a final four prior to a decision.

The Sunshine State prospect has a commitment date locked in for Saturday, July 5 where he will make his decision that night.

According to multiple reports, it appears to be a battle between Michigan and Syracuse with the opportunity to be a dual-sport athlete intriguing Russell.

While on an official visit to Ann Arbor (Mich.), Russell was wined and dined by the program with head basketball coach Dusty May coming in to deliver a recruiting pitch.

Legitimate traction here 〽️ https://t.co/q2Gy8DvlAi

— John Garcia, Jr. (@JohnGarcia_Jr) July 2, 2025

Now, fresh off of an official, the predictions have begun being logged in favor of the Michigan Wolverines to win out.

On3 Sports had previously logged a prediction with the LSU Tigers expected to win out, but with less than 48 hours until a decision, it's been moved to Michigan.

2026 5⭐️ WR Calvin Russell has been predicted to Michigan by On3’s Stephen Wagner #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/YywCGDN07A

— uofmcoverage (@uofmcoverage) July 3, 2025

The recruiting efforts of the Wolverines staff, opportunities to be a dual-sport athlete and the push from five-star freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood appear to be paying off here.

Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers have intensified their pursuit of Jase Mathews, the No. 3 rated wide receiver in America, as he winds down his process.

The Bayou Bengals hold commitments from a trio of wide receivers in the 2026 Recruiting Cycle:

- Tristen Keys: No. 1 WR in America
- Jabari Mack: No. 1 WR in Louisiana
- Kenny Darby: No. 2 WR in Louisiana

Now, the search for a fourth wideout continues with the current expectation being Russell evaluating his options between both Michigan and Syracuse as a decision nears.

More LSU News:

The Buzz: LSU Football Trending for Multiple Targets on the Recruiting Trail

LSU Baseball's Derek Curiel Named D1 Baseball's National Freshman of the Year

LSU Football Beats Out Texas Longhorns and Florida Gators for Five-Star EDGE

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