Regardless of the performance on the field, Michigan welcomed a ton of impressive freshmen to their matchup against Texas last weekend. The atmosphere was at its peak and the prospects got a chance to experience what it’s like playing a marquee game inside the Big House.
Despite losing their first game since December 2022, the Wolverines were able to make waves in recruiting, and in today’s recruiting roundup, we bring you reactions to the big weekend of visits from some of the top prospects who were on campus.
Top 100 RB looks back on his first trip to the Big House and plans his next visit
Texas native Javian Osborne was in attendance to watch the matchup between two schools he’s highly regarded in his recruiting. The No. 54 overall prospect and No. 4 running back in 2026 was in Ann Arbor for the first time on game day.
“It was a great visit. It was my first time in the Big House. It was a great experience,” Osborne told The Wolverines’ EJ Holland ($). “I felt valued and needed there. I got to talk to Coach TA (Tony Alford) and meet his oldest son. There was definitely a lot of love shown. I’m really thankful to Michigan.”
Osborn continues to build a relationship with Alford and recognizes how his experience can help him develop at the next level.
“He’s a great coach,” Osborne said, “very personable and willing to talk to me about anything. I feel very comfortable talking to him. I watched the film after the game on Friday and he talked to me about a lot of stuff. He’s been around the sport for quite a while so his perspective as a coach is great. It’s very helpful to know and see what he brings to the table.”
Osborne also sees a path to contribute early at Michigan, saying he has a “great opportunity for me to shine and play a role.”
For Osborne, the trip was an opportunity to see if he would fit in at Michigan on and off the field. He said good things about the city of Ann Arbor, the school’s “very good athletics program” and that Michigan “checked a lot of boxes.”
Osborne is next scheduled to return to Ann Arbor for a matchup against Oregon on Nov. 2.
Three 2025 prospects also visited elsewhere
Though the pregame visit list was lengthy, Michigan was also able to invite a few unannounced guests to campus for the game, many of whom were 2025 prospects who had committed to other programs.
Oregon commit Brandon Finney was the first surprise visitor to appear on the Big House sideline before the game. The No. 78 overall prospect and No. 9 cornerback hadn’t visited Michigan before committing to the Ducks in June. But defensive backs coach Lamar Morgan kept in contact with Finney despite his commitment and was successful in getting him to come to campus.
Brian Doane of 247Sports reported that Finney is also considering taking an official visit to another game later this season ($). There are no signs yet that Finney will waver from his pledge, but Michigan only has one cornerback committed, so we’ll keep an eye on him.
Next up, in-state four-star safety Elijah Dotson was at the game on an unofficial visit. Dotson committed to the University of Pittsburgh in May after Michigan decided to sign other top prospects at his position. The 6-foot-2, 175-pound player made waves on the 7-on-7 scene over the summer, impressing other teams, including Alabama, Michigan State and Michigan.
The Wolverines have four-star commit Ivan Taylor in the mix, but they also need a big, athletic boundary safety in this class, and while he’s received increased interest from big-time programs recently, Dotson told 247Sports’ Allen Truew that he’s “fully committed” to Pittsburgh for now.
Finally, Ron Bellamy welcomed three-star wide receiver DJ Avery Jr. on Saturday. The 5-foot-11, 170-pound Georgia native committed to Miami (Ohio) after taking his official visit in June. The agile athlete is off to a strong start in his senior year at Chattahoochee High School, recording 335 yards receiving and four touchdowns in his first three games.
The four-star defender felt like a top priority on the visit.
Four-star cornerback Jordan Thomas, a Class of 2026 recruit, visited campus for the first time over the weekend. He attended Bergen Catholic High School (New Jersey) and is teammates with wide receiver and former top target Quincy Porter, so he should be familiar with the program.
The 6-foot-tall, 175-pound player thoroughly enjoyed his visit, telling Michigan Insider’s Bryce Marich, “What’s not to like about Michigan? It’s a powerhouse school that’s known for developing elite athletes, especially at my position.”
Thomas likely had his eye on All-American cornerback Will Johnson during the game and knows the pedigree Michigan has at the cornerback position.
“The great history of their program speaks for itself, and I’m extremely grateful for my relationship with them,” he said.
Morgan has continued to build a relationship with Thomas since he was re-offered in June, and he and his staff seemed to make a big impression on Thomas this weekend.
“They all appreciated having me here,” Thomas said. “They made me a priority and are excited to have me back.”
Thomas also praised his coaches for showing great character and staying positive despite the loss to Texas.
Quick Hitter
Defensive line coach Lou Esposito extended offers to two top-25 edge rushers in the 2027 class who were on campus Saturday. In-state recruit LeCadder Kitchen from Muskegon received an offer after visiting campus for the first time. DJ Jacobs, the No. 3 overall pick in 2027, also visited campus and received an offer from the staff. Another freshman who committed to other schools was also on campus for the game against Texas. Four-star 2026 cornerback Dominique Kelly attended the top-10 game despite his commitment to Georgia. The top-200 player attends IMG Academy in Florida and is teammates with current Michigan commits Donovan Johnson and Caden Strayhorn. Three-star linebacker Josh Galbreath received an offer from Brian Jean Mary on Monday.
