The Quarterback Hunt Heats Up
Michigan is making real moves to secure its future at the most important spot on the field. The program is locking in a visit with a top-rated quarterback and has an elite safety planning a trip soon. This is not just talk. The Wolverines are actively competing for the best talent in the country. According to On3 Wolverines, the team is pushing hard for a five-star signal-caller in the 2028 class. They are also chasing other talented passers who can run the offense. The goal is clear: build a roster that wins now and in the future.
Three-star quarterback JJ Howard is a key part of this plan. He recently told On3’s Ethan McDowell which schools are fighting for his signature. “The schools standing out right now are Michigan, SMU, Missouri, Ole Miss, Oregon, BYU, Washington, UCLA and Auburn,” Howard said. He does not have a dream school picked out yet, but he is honest about his feelings. “… I don’t have a dream school, but I’d say Michigan is a big one.” That kind of interest matters. It shows the coaching staff is doing something right.
Building Trust Over Time
The relationship between Howard and the Michigan staff is not new. It has been growing for a long time. Howard spoke to Rivals’ Brandon Huffman about how smooth the process has been. “I’ve been having good conversations with them for about a year now, and it’s been good,” he said. He feels the program is moving up, not down. “Everything’s been smooth sailing with Michigan. I feel like they’re only going in a better direction.” This stability is rare in recruiting. Most kids get bounced around by new coaches or changed plans. Michigan has offered consistency.
Howard is taking his time to decide. He is not rushing into a commitment. “Honestly, I’m just taking it day by day. According to him, he has a slight concept of his desired destination, actions, and similar matters. He gave a rough timeline for when he might pick a school. He stated that, to be truthful, it could take roughly five to six months, potentially until the season concludes, contingent upon his current status and interactions with those other schools among other things. That patience gives Michigan a real shot to win his heart before the season ends.
More Talented Kids on the Way
The good news does not stop at the quarterback spot. Four-star defensive back Jackson Parker is also heading to Ann Arbor. On Sept. 26, he plans to be present at the matchup between Michigan and Iowa. This is a big test for the defense. Parker told Rivals’ Brandon Huffman that he has other trips lined up too. He has visits to Kansas, Nebraska and Cal on his calendar. But Michigan is making a strong impression. “The schools recruiting me the hardest are Kansas, Michigan and UCLA,” Parker said. Once he takes all his official visits, he will be ready to decide.
Another four-star quarterback, Tristin Gaines, is also in the mix. He plans to visit Ann Arbor this fall. Gaines listed his top schools to Rivals’ Steve Wiltfong. “Schools that been really standing out to me are Oregon, Tennessee, Michigan, Texas Tech, Florida,” Gaines said. He has set up visits to Oregon, Texas Tech, and Michigan. The Wolverines are showing up everywhere these top kids look. This depth in recruiting is what builds a champion. The staff is working hard to get these young men on the bus.
Michigan needs to keep this momentum going. The 2028 class could be special if they land these targets. The fans should watch the game against Iowa closely. That day might decide the future of the program. One visit can change everything. The staff has done the work. Now they need the players to make the call. The road to a national title starts with these recruits.
