Michigan football makes final four for top-ranked recruit in the state

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Four-star wide receiver CJ Sadler never took an official visit to Ann Arbor, however, the Cass Tech prospect have been on Michigan's campus seven times, per Rivals. While Sadler's recruitment has been a little quiet with Michigan, the Wolverines remain a strong contender.
Sadler announced his final four on Saturday evening and he will choose between Michigan, Maryland, North Carolina, and Colorado.
The 5-foot-9.5, 185-pound wideout is ranked as the nation's 96th-ranked prospect in the 2026 class, per the Composite. Sadler is also listed as the top-ranked recruit from Michigan. The Wolverines do not have any commitments from the state of Michigan.
ATH CJ Sadler ( @cos_jr1 ) is down to 4 schools
— Nate Gravender (@recruit_access) July 19, 2025
Sadler is ranked as a top 100 recruit in the nation (#6) per the 247sports composite
The 5-10 185 pound ATH from Detroit, MI is also ranked as the #1 player in the state
Where should he call home? ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/5l6BNX77iM
Michigan currently has 21 commits in its 2026 class. The Wolverines have three wide receivers: Zion Robinson, Travis Johnson, and Jaylen Pile. Michigan was close to gaining five-star Calvin Russell, but he chose Syracuse in a shocking surprise.
The Wolverines have closely monitored Sadler for quite some time -- being a prospect in their backyard. Now we will see if Michigan can close the gap and gain his commitment.
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Trent began writing and covering Michigan athletics back in 2020. He became a credentialed member of the media in 2021. Trent began writing with Sports Illustrated in 2023 and became the Managing Editor for Michigan Wolverines On SI during the 2025 football season. Trent also serves as the Publisher of Baylor Bears on SI. His other bylines have appeared on Maryland on SI, Wisconsin on SI, and across the USA TODAY Sports network. Trent’s love of sports and being able to tell stories to fans is what made him get into writing.
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