Michigan’s recruiting board keeps getting more interesting, and this latest stretch gives the Wolverines a shot with three very different prospects: a five-star cornerback who came away impressed from Ann Arbor, a former BYU signee weighing a decision between Michigan and Utah, and a top-100 wideout who’s building a stronger bond with the staff by the day.
The headliner on the defensive side is Nasir Richardson, the No. 8 overall prospect and No. 1 cornerback in the 2028 Rivals Industry Rankings. The five-star from Newark, New Jersey, visited Michigan for the Wolverines’ win over Oklahoma in September, and that trip left a mark.
“Michigan was great,” Richardson told Ethan McDowell of The Wolverine. “I liked that the trip was short.
It wasn’t a long plane ride, but it was great when I was there. The coaches, they was very welcoming.
I know they’re supposed to do that, but I really felt it.”
Richardson said one of the biggest parts of the visit was spending time with cornerbacks coach Jernaro Gilford. Right after the Oklahoma game, Gilford had him come in to watch film, which Richardson said was a new experience compared with other schools he has seen.
That kind of attention matters to him. Development and academics will both play major roles in his decision, and he believes Michigan is making a strong case in both areas.
“I felt like a real connection with him actually, compared to all the other schools,” Richardson said.
He still has several stops ahead, including visits to Rutgers, Auburn, Ohio State and Miami before possibly returning to Ann Arbor. Official visits are also planned for next summer, and his commitment will come after that. Michigan is not alone near the top, either, with Penn State also making a major impression.
“[Michigan] was different from a lot of the other schools, but those really are two that really stand out,” Richardson said.
Michigan is also in the mix for Jackson Doman, a 6-foot-6, 225-pound tight end from Canby, Oregon, who originally signed with BYU in the 2025 class. The Wolverines recently offered Doman after he was released from his National Letter of Intent in June while serving an LDS mission, and he plans to enroll in college in January.
The offer came from tight ends coach Freddie Whittingham and caught Doman off guard in the best way.
“Super pumped and flattered by a Michigan offer and definitely interested,” Doman said.
He won’t be able to make it to Ann Arbor himself while on his mission, but his parents are planning to attend a game and meet with the coaching staff. There’s already some familiarity in the recruitment, too. Doman’s uncle, Sam, has stayed in touch with Whittingham, and offensive coordinator Jason Beck has also made a strong impression on the family.
Even with SEC programs involved, Doman says the race has narrowed considerably.
“Safe to say it is between Utah and Michigan at this point,” Doman told The Michigan Insider.
Doman’s senior season numbers help explain why programs are still circling: 57 catches, more than 1,100 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. With January enrollment coming up, this one should move quickly.
Michigan’s latest wide receiver target is also back on the visit list. Malachi Lee, the No. 72 overall prospect and No. 9 wide receiver in the 2028 Rivals Industry Rankings, plans to return to Ann Arbor for the October 17 game against Penn State.
The 6-foot-2, 185-pound receiver from Virginia already spent time in Ann Arbor over the summer and worked individually with wide receivers coach Micah Simon. That relationship has only deepened since then.
“Things are great,” Lee told Ethan McDowell of The Wolverine. “I talk to Coach Simon basically every day.”
Michigan made Lee’s top 12 last month and remains one of the schools pushing hardest for him, along with Virginia Tech, Nebraska and Texas A&M. This next trip is less about first impressions and more about tightening the connection with the staff.
“Really just to get out there and just hang out with the coaches and spend time with them and get to know each other a lot better,” Lee said.
Lee isn’t naming a leader yet, and he expects his recruitment to run into next year. Even so, Michigan has clearly positioned itself well.
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