Michigan is back in the mix for one of its old 2027 targets, and this time there’s a visit on the calendar.
Four-star safety and Kentucky commit Tristin Hughes plans to be in Ann Arbor for the Penn State game on Oct. 17, his first known trip to Michigan. The Rocky River, Ohio, standout had been on the Wolverines’ radar for a while after safeties coach Tyler Stockton offered him in March, and Michigan once looked like it had real traction before Hughes committed to Kentucky on April 18. Now, the Wolverines have another chance to make their case.
“I’m interested in Michigan’s football tradition and would love to experience the program in person,” Hughes told The Wolverine’s Ethan McDowell ($).
He’s not shutting the door, either.
“I’m open to hearing them out,” Hughes said.
Hughes is ranked No. 297 overall in the Rivals Industry Rankings, and he’s putting together a strong senior season. Through his first stretch of games, he has 26 total tackles, two tackles for loss, two pass breakups, one interception and one forced fumble. Michigan already has one safety committed in this cycle in three-star Charles Woodson Jr., but the staff is clearly still chasing help at the position.
Another name the Wolverines continue to work on is 2028 athlete Cartae Ligon, who got back to Ann Arbor for the season-opening win over Western Michigan. The four-star Chillicothe, Ohio, prospect is ranked No. 145 overall in the Rivals Industry Rankings, and Michigan likes him at running back.
Ligon came away impressed by the attention from the staff.
“Michigan was a good time,” Ligon told Rivals’ Steve Wiltfong ($). “Their relentless pursuit of myself is what stands out the most.”
But he also left with questions he wants answered as the season moves along.
“I’m interested in seeing the changes they make to better their offensive line and run game,” Ligon said. “Also their ability to not overlook any opponents.”
He also wants to see whether the program can keep rolling under a new staff.
“Their history stands out the most, but with a brand new staff, we will have to continue to watch if they are able to sustain the success that Michigan football has in year previous to now.”
Michigan has Ligon’s attention. Now he’s watching the product on the field.
Meanwhile, Michigan quarterback commit Kamden Lopati is tearing through his senior year at Salt Lake City (Utah) West. The four-star signal-caller has helped West jump to a 4-0 start, completing 49 of 72 passes for 1,005 yards and nine touchdowns while adding 202 rushing yards and a score.
West has outscored opponents 155-33, and Lopati has been a big reason why.
“It’s been a great blessing,” Lopati recently told The Michigan Insider’s Brice Marich ($). “I mean, West hasn’t had this type of start in forever.
To be around our guys and go do it, to know that’s where this group is, that’s a big thing for us. Means a lot to us.”
He’s also treating this season like a preview of the next chapter.
“During the offseason my parents came up to me and let me know ‘Hey, we’re trying to get ready for Michigan. Right?’
That hit me,” Lopati said. “This whole year, I’m focused on getting up there and earning my spot up there.”
And his connection with head coach Kyle Whittingham and the staff is still in good shape.
“Everything’s been great since,” Lopati said. “I mean, the relationships since they were at Utah have always been strong. And those relationships just keep building daily.”
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