Michigan’s win over Western Michigan on Saturday did more than give the home crowd a strong showing at The Big House. It also left a long list of recruits walking away impressed, including several 2028 prospects Michigan is pushing hard for.
One of the most notable visitors was 2028 four-star linebacker Jay Schell, a surprise guest from last weekend. Maize n Brew will publish a full interview with him soon, but Schell already made one thing clear: he was “glad he did” make the trip. He remains one of Michigan’s top linebacker targets in the next cycle, with Clemson and Oklahoma also expected to be in the mix when he makes his decision.
Michigan also hosted Gregory Montre, trainer and mentor to both 2028 four-star cornerback Kinnard Mahomes and 2028 linebacker Cyrus Zuah, teammates at Baltimore (Md.) Mount Saint Joseph.
For both players, it was their first game day at The Big House, and Montre said the visit landed exactly the way Michigan hoped it would: “They loved it. Thought it was one of the best game day visits we’ve been on.”
During the trip, the group met with cornerbacks coach Jernaro Gilford and linebackers coach Alex Whittingham. Zuah left with an offer, while Mahomes already held one.
Running back Cartae Ligon, a 2028 four-star from Chilicothe (Ohio) High and one of Michigan’s top priorities regardless of position, was back on campus after visiting for spring practice a few months ago. He described the day simply: “The visit went great.
Had a great time with my family.” Darren Gammell, founder of the Darren Junior Recruiting Source LLC and someone who works closely with Ligon, said it was valuable for him to spend more time around the program again, including with primary recruiter Tony Alford.
Michigan’s class of 2027 also had a familiar face in the building. In-state running back commit Lundon Hampton attended his first game in Ann Arbor since pledging, and he was seen during warmups talking at length with 2028 athlete Marquis Ray, a frequent pledge candidate. The two are 7v7 teammates with Detroit-based SoundMind SoundBody, giving them a built-in connection as they caught up and talked through their recruiting paths.
Hampton came away encouraged after watching Michigan’s 30-27 win. “They got off to a strong start but couldn’t really get much going after that.
The defense did a good job holding them to just four field goals. I’m not too worried, though.
I know they’ll clean things up and get back to being the Michigan we all know.”
Another visitor who came away impressed was 2028 three-star tight end Jack McNamara, one of two offered prospects from the Chicago area on hand Saturday. Like Ligon, it was his first return trip since the spring, and he and his family left feeling good about what they saw.
McNamara said, “The visit was great. Had an amazing time speaking to the staff and coaches, and the atmosphere was insane at The Big House.”
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Michigan Recruiting Battle Just Got More Important At Quarterback
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What makes the quarterback pursuit especially important is how often these recruitment battles come down to repeated visits and comfort level rather than one quick impression. Zingelmann has made clear he is still weighing his options, and Michigan remains in the mix as he looks ahead to upcoming trips and a fuller picture of each program. For the Wolverines, the next few visits could matter as much as any early offer or first look. [Read more 🡒]