Ryan Day and Ohio State should remain vigilant as Michigan continues to make significant strides in recruiting. After securing commitments from Bryce Underwood, a highly coveted prospect flipped from LSU, and five-star offensive tackle Andrew Babalola, Michigan has built a top-10 recruiting class for 2025. Under Sherrone Moore’s leadership, the Wolverines are now targeting two of Ohio State’s top prospects, adding another layer of competition to their historic rivalry.
Recent reports indicate Michigan has set its sights on Elbert Hill and Victor Singleton, two four-star cornerbacks from the class of 2026. Hill, the No. 1 cornerback and 17th overall prospect, hails from Archbishop Hoban High School in Akron, Ohio. Singleton, the No. 6 cornerback and 64th overall player, attends Central Catholic High School in Toledo, Ohio. According to Michigan insider EJ Holland, the Wolverines have a realistic chance of landing both players.
This development is particularly intriguing given Michigan’s previous recruiting setbacks against Ohio State. In the 2024 cycle, Michigan aggressively pursued top-100 cornerbacks Aaron Scott Jr. and Bryce West but ultimately lost both to the Buckeyes. Holland acknowledged that Michigan fans might still be scarred from those defeats. However, the landscape has changed, especially with the introduction of robust Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities.
NIL has become a game-changer for Michigan, which lacked the financial backing in previous recruiting cycles. The Wolverines’ $12 million investment in securing Bryce Underwood demonstrates the program’s commitment to competing in high-stakes recruiting battles. Beyond financial incentives, Michigan has other advantages that could sway Hill and Singleton.
Sherrone Moore recently visited both players, who have also made trips to Ann Arbor. Singleton, in particular, may lean toward Michigan due to his proximity to the university, as Toledo is closer to Ann Arbor than Akron. Singleton has attended multiple Michigan games and maintained regular contact with the coaching staff, suggesting a stronger connection with the program.
The bond between Hill and Singleton could also play a pivotal role. The two first met at a Michigan camp and have remained friends since. They visited Michigan together during the fall, and if Singleton commits to the Wolverines, it could influence Hill to follow. This mirrors Ohio State’s 2024 recruiting cycle when Bryce West played a key role in securing Aaron Scott’s commitment to the Buckeyes.
While there is still time for both players to make their decisions, Michigan’s aggressive recruiting approach under Sherrone Moore may succeed where previous efforts under Jim Harbaugh fell short. If Michigan secures these commitments, it could mark another significant victory in their rivalry with Ohio State, both on and off the field.