Wolverine Digest

Michigan enters the fray for an elite 2027 Crimson Tide commit

The Wolverines are no longer seen as a non-threat on the recruiting trail, they target who they want regardless of commitment status or location.
Jerred Johnson|
Dec 31, 2024; Tampa, FL, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore greets Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen Deboer after the ReliaQuest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Dec 31, 2024; Tampa, FL, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore greets Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen Deboer after the ReliaQuest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

In the Nick Saban era, a Michigan versus Alabama recruiting battle went to the Tide the vast majority of the time. Elite running back Najee Harris was one of those instances, as former head coach Jim Harbaugh and his staff put everything they had into his recruitment. In the end, he got on the plane to Tuscaloosa and ultimately won a National Championship with the Crimson Tide. Those days are over. The Bryce Underwood flip and the new approach to NIL by Sherrone Moore and his staff has Michigan confident they can target anyone, anywhere, regardless of commitment status. They showed that with a recent offer to an elite wide receiver that has already verbally committed to the Tide.

Alex Ward is a 2027 WR/CB prospect who has not been rated yet. Judging by his list of offers, which includes the majority of the SEC, he is going to be a high 4-star recruit at a minimum. Any recruit that verbally commits to a school two years prior to their graduation date is basically looked at as a non-commit these days. The majority of these prospects end up flipping to another school as they have not even taken any of their official visits yet. In the past, wrestling these kids away from Bama was darn near impossible. Now it feels like Michigan may be the big dog on the block.

If the Wolverines want someone bad enough, they've proven they have the means and blueprint to get it. Let's watch to see if they turn up the heat for this young talent in the months ahead.

Enjoy more Michigan Wolverines coverage on Michigan Wolverines On SI -

More Michigan News:

ESPN grades Sherrone Moore's first year as head coach at Michigan football

Column: 2025 Way-too-early top 25 rankings

Michigan RB Donovan Edwards wants to prove he's 'One of the best running backs in this class'

For additional coverage of University of Michigan athletics:

Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations

Published
Jerred Johnson
JERRED JOHNSON

Jerred Johnson has served in the United States military for over 23 years. He has a Bachelors in Marketing, a Masters in Management and is in the final phases of completing his Doctorate in Business Administration.

Home/Football