Erik Bean Erik is a lifelong Wolverines fan born and raised in West Michigan. He covers a variety of topics related to Michigan football including game analysis and recruiting.

The Michigan Wolverines are in the midst of another historic regular season. and their success so far is drawing attention on the recruiting trail.

In-state prospect reflects on unforgettable visit for rivalry showdown

Most predicted this year’s Michigan vs. OSU showdown would be significantly closer than the last two years, and that was certainly the case. The Wolverines sealed the game in the final minute and proved they are the better team, even in the face of adversity.

This was something that recruits took notice of, and 2025 four-star offensive tackle Avery Gach was one of them.

“I mean, that was awesome,” Gach told The Michigan Insider ($). “I had a feeling we were going to rush the field just because the commits were telling me they were probably going to rush the field, so I was ready for it. I went out there and it was crazy. The field was packed and you could not get out of there for like 30 minutes after the game. I was trying to walk and I wanted to go and meet up with the players, but they were scattered all over the place, so you couldn’t really find them. It was really cool.”

Something that especially stood out to Gach was how Michigan rallied behind Zak Zinter’s injury. Gach was also impressed by Michigan’s offensive line depth and how each guy is ready to contribute when his name is called.

Gach and Sherrone Moore have a great relationship, and he was impressed by Moore’s ability to embrace change and step into the interim head coach position when needed. He has also established relationships with other incoming commits who have been trying to sway him to join them in Ann Arbor, including another in-state star in four-star defensive lineman Bobby Kanka.

All in all, things seem to be going very well for Michigan. There is no timetable for a potential commitment, but the Wolverines are certainly among the top options, along with Ohio Sate, Penn State, Georgia, Alabama and others.

Deyvid Palepale reflects on flipped commitment from USC

The Wolverines received good news on Saturday when 2024 three-star defensive lineman Deyvid Palepale flipped from USC to Michigan. Now he has detailed his flip a bit more in depth with The Michigan Insider ($).

“Not necessarily content, but happy. More at ease, I would say,” Palepale said. “It’s a lot closer to home than USC. That degree is a lateral step. The accounting and business school is top in the nation. I feel really comfortable being able to go to a top school that’s close to home and they’re really good at football.”

Defensive line coach Mike Elston actively pursued Palepale and made him a priority, even when he was committed elsewhere.

“Being around him and his family when I went on the visits each time even, on an official, and when I went out in the spring, I was around him and his family, and that kind of stood out to me,” Palepale said. “How he talks us players, how he talks about them when they’re not around, we built a great relationship even before committing to USC.”

Palepale is one of a few defensive tackles in Michigan’s 2024 class, as he joins four-star Ted Hammond, four-star Owen Wafle and three-star Manuel Beigel.

Four-star DL prospect raves about Michigan offer

If you are a defensive prospect looking to land somewhere to develop quickly, Michigan is one of the best places to be. Michigan goes after the best of the best who fit the system, and that includes 2025 four-star defensive lineman Bryce Jenkins.

Jenkins is a dominant force in the trenches, helping guide Washington (D.C.) Friendship Collegiate Academy to two consecutive state championships. Schools around the country are pursuing him hard, and the Wolverines have thrown their hat in the ring. He discussed that with On3’s EJ Holland ($).

“Everything is going well with recruiting,” he said. “I will probably start making all of my visits in the spring. I want to commit by the beginning of my senior year, so I can get that decision out of the way.”

Jenkins has been putting in the work to refine his skills and get more recognition, and receiving an offer from Michigan was “a big one,” according to Jenkins.

He also recognizes Michigan is a great place to land for defensive prospects and that it would be great opportunity for his development to accelerate at a rapid pace.

“I really like the way their defensive line plays and their style,” Jenkins said. “I like the way they coach the players. I talked to the coaches, and they seem like a great staff. I think they can develop me as a player and a man.”

Jenkins is hoping to visit Ann Arbor in the spring and, specifically, check out the academics. He admitted he is “not worried too much about football — I know they have a great program.”

Along with Michigan, Jenkins has offers from other top programs including Alabama, LSU, Miami, Penn State and more.