Michigan’s recruiting board is busy enough in 2027, but Wednesday brings a pair of cornerback decisions that could shape how the Wolverines finish on the trail.
The headliner is five-star Joshua Dobson, who is set to announce later today. The Rivals Industry Rankings have him as the No. 2 cornerback and No. 6 overall prospect in the 2027 class, and Michigan is in the thick of it with Auburn, South Carolina and Texas A&M. The Wolverines have made a real charge over the past few months, and Dobson came away from his official visit feeling even better about where things stand.
“The OV was great, they definitely shocked me and I’m going to have a hard decision,” Dobson told Rivals’ Steve Wiltfong ($).
Michigan’s push has not been limited to what happens on the field. Dobson has also connected with Charles Woodson, Floyd Mayweather and other prominent figures tied to the university, and that has clearly mattered to him.
“Man, it’s something special they are building and they want me to be a part of it,” Dobson said. “They put me in front of some big-time people… The connections at Michigan are endless.”
Whether that is enough to land him today is still up in the air, but Michigan has put itself in strong position with one of the best prospects in the entire 2027 cycle.
Later tonight, another cornerback decision will give the Wolverines a chance to keep building in the secondary. Monsanna Torbert, a 2027 four-star and former Indiana commit, is set to choose a school, and Ohio State remains the main threat. Michigan has gained ground since Victors Weekend, helped by the way the new staff has handled the recruitment.
“Man, I really love coach (Jay) Hill,” Torbert told The Michigan Insider’s Sam Webb ($). “He’s a great coach and he’s done a great job recruiting me. He’s just a genuine person.”
Torbert also pointed to the effect of the staff change in Ann Arbor.
“Once the new staff came in, it gave off a vibe like this staff is different than the other staff. Just being versatile.”
If Michigan gets Torbert, it would add another blue-chip defensive back to the class and take a major win over the Buckeyes for a player from Ohio.
The Wolverines are also already working ahead to the 2028 cycle, where four-star tight end Jordan McKinley has emerged as an important name to watch. The Illinois standout has offers from Michigan, Alabama, Ohio State, Oregon and more, but he already views the Wolverines as a school that stands out.
“One of my big dream schools,” McKinley told On3’s Ethan McDowell ($). “I’ve seen that game at The Big House on live TV and I wish I was there so bad.
Being a part of that type of stuff is just a dream. Michigan is for sure up there as one of my top choices.”
McKinley also had strong things to say about tight ends coach Freddie Whittingham after the offer came through.
“Really professional,” McKinley said. “He had a really good plan for me, explaining my role with the team.”
He plans to return to Ann Arbor for a game this fall, giving Michigan another chance to deepen the relationship. McKinley is ranked No. 261 overall and No. 11 among tight ends in the 2028 class.
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