Michigan is making early noise with some of the best linemen and defensive backs in the 2028 class, and the Wolverines have already positioned themselves well with three elite prospects who could shape the future of the program.
At the top of the board is five-star defensive lineman Kellan Hall, the No. 2 overall prospect and the No. 1 defensive lineman in the Rivals Industry Rankings. The 6-foot-4, 265-pound Louisville (Ky.)
Christian Academy standout has been on Michigan’s radar since his freshman year, and that early offer still matters. Even after the coaching change, the Wolverines have kept him feeling like a priority.
“Michigan is such a historic program,” Hall told Rivals. “The fanbase, the Heisman Trophy winners and the number of defensive linemen that they have put in the league.”
Hall said he built a strong connection with former defensive line coach Lou Esposito, and the new staff has worked to preserve that momentum.
“They were one of the first big programs to offer me my freshman year,” Hall said. “I had a great relationship with coach (Lou) Esposito and now the new staff is making sure that I know that I’m still a priority. I talk to coach (Larry) Black weekly and he has been consistent in trying to build a relationship … I’m familiar with coach Whittingham and his style of play defensively, so we will see where things go from here.”
Michigan is far from alone in that race. Oklahoma, Kentucky, Ohio State, Tennessee and Texas A&M are all in the mix, but the Wolverines have at least done what they needed to do early: stay in the hunt for one of the class’s premier defenders.
The Wolverines also have the attention of top-100 cornerback Langston Pridgeon, who has his sights set on a legacy-level standard in Ann Arbor. The DeMatha Catholic standout is ranked No. 94 overall and No. 8 among cornerbacks, and he’s already thinking about the kind of plays that get remembered at Michigan.
“What excites me about Michigan is the potential opportunity to play in front of the biggest crowd in all of America in the Big House and making plays all over the field that would be remembered just like Charles Woodson,” Pridgeon told Rivals.
Football is only part of the appeal for Pridgeon. He also pointed to the academics and the fact that his mother is from the Midwest.
“Michigan has a great tradition for being a top football program,” he said. “Next it would have to be the degree you earn from Michigan which is considered one of the top in the country. Lastly my mom being from the Midwest a lot of my family could come see me play.”
Pridgeon is also being chased by Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State and Virginia Tech as he heads into his junior season.
Michigan’s biggest in-state battle may be for Detroit Cass Tech offensive tackle Antijuan Wilkes Jr., the No. 11 overall prospect in the 2028 class and the nation’s top offensive tackle. The 6-foot-7, 280-pound lineman has Texas A&M in the mix, especially after his high school quarterback, Donald Tabron II, committed to the Aggies.
Wilkes had positive things to say about Texas A&M, but Michigan still clearly holds a special place.
“Everything,” Wilkes told Rivals. “It’s my hometown and the guys treat me right. Just everything stands out for Michigan.”
Michigan’s new staff has made Wilkes a major target, and the competition is heavy. Texas A&M, Ohio State, Miami, Alabama, Missouri, Georgia and Florida are all involved, setting up a major fight for one of the class’s most coveted linemen.
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