Michigan Football Offers Five-Star 2028 Lockdown Cornerback

The Wolverines joined a growing list of powerhouse programs pursuing Jermaine Cobbins, one of the nation's top defensive prospects in the 2028 recruiting cycle.

A Michigan football helmet during the spring game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, April 18, 2026. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

On Monday, June 1, Kyle Whittingham and the Michigan Wolverines offered five-star cornerback Jermaine Cobbins. 247Sports Composite has the 6’0” CB as the No. 1 recruit in the state of Tennessee and No. 3 overall recruit at his position. 

The Springfield, Tenn. native announced the offer via X, where he added a photo of Wolverine legend Charles Woodson.

Blessed to receive to an offer from @UMichFootball @jernarogilford @BuckFitz @jaxon_rose8 @Hunter_DeNote @NatlPlaymkrsAca @NCEC_Recruiting @dustinw45 @Football_SPT @SocialDweebs @TomLoy247 @ChadSimmons_ pic.twitter.com/iWyW0xQLmI

— jermainecobbins_ (@Jermainecobbin_) June 1, 2026

Cobbins has offers from Kentucky, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Georgia, Florida, Ohio State, Miami and Indiana, among others. 

In his first two seasons of high school football, Cobbins has accumulated over 80 tackles, five interceptions, a touchdown and three tackles for loss.

Michigan and the Cornerback Position

The Wolverines have had their fair share of impressive defensive backs in their history. As mentioned, Charles Woodson is one of those. Woodson was the first player who primarily played defense to win the Heisman (1997). 

In recent years, UofM has sent a host of cornerbacks to the NFL, including Mike Sainristil, Jourdan Lewis, Dax Hill and Will Johnson.

Jan 4, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Commanders cornerback Mike Sainristil (0) celebrates after Philadelphia Eagles failed on a 4th down conversion during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Looking at the 2026 squad, the Wolverines top cornerback is expected to be Jyaire Hill. The senior was recently ranked the 24th best college football player heading into the 2026 season by On3.

Zeke Berry is another key returner for the Maize and Blue, while Utah transfer Smith Snowden brings years of experience to the squad, playing in 36 games with the Utes.

Michigan Wolverines defensive back TJ Metcalf (7) and defensive back Zeke Berry (10) celebrate during the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025. | Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Recruiting Classes for the Maize and Blue

Despite not having any commits in the class of 2028 yet, the Wolverines have sent out a host of offers. Michigan has offers on 12 cornerbacks, including the nation's top recruit in the class of 2028, A’Mir Sears.

As far as the 2027 class, Michigan football has been moving up the team recruiting ranking. On3 has the Wolverines now at No. 10 as of June 2.

Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham watches a play during the spring game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, April 18, 2026. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Michigan has 15 total commits in that 2027 class. Two of those recruits are cornerbacks, Tavares Harrington (Chicago, Ill) and Darius Johnson (Riverside, Calif.). Both Harrington and Johnson are listed as four-star prospects heading into their final season of high school football.

Some college football fans thought Whittingham would struggle in the recruiting aspect in Ann Arbor. But the new leader of the Maize and Blue is showing his ability to get top athletes to play for the Wolverines.