NEW COMMITMENT: Top key commit to Michigan football
Michigan football’s strong performance in recruiting continued on Monday with two more 2025 recruits committing to the Wolverines.
First, four-star wide receiver Jacob Washington from Louisiana, standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 180 pounds, announced his commitment. He is ranked No. 320 overall in the 2025 class according to the 247 Sports composite rankings.
Washington and three-star linebacker Chase Taylor, who also visited over the weekend, both committed. Taylor hails from Stockbridge, Georgia, is 6-foot-3, 201 pounds, and is ranked No. 583 overall in the 2025 class by 247 Sports.
Taylor had official visits with USC, Georgia Tech, and South Carolina. Washington considered Mississippi State, Baylor, Missouri, and Georgia Tech. Michigan now has 12 commitments, nine of which are ranked as blue-chip prospects. Taylor is the only one ranked outside the top 500, and he’s just slightly outside of it.
Michigan is currently 15th in the team rankings according to 247 Sports, and here are three key takeaways.
A big wide receiver
The Wolverines have shown interest in several receivers and are projected to secure commitments from three others in the 2025 class: Andrew Marsh, Taz Williams, and Phillip Wright.
Marsh stands at 6-foot-1, Williams at 6-foot, and Wright at 5-foot-11. Although Washington doesn’t possess exceptional speed, his tape reveals similarities to Cornelius Johnson. While not as fast, he excels at beating press coverage at the line of scrimmage.
Washington is adept at navigating the middle of the field and performing well in jump-ball situations. Likely more of a possession receiver compared to someone like Amorion Walker, Washington may not be a speedster but has reliable hands and consistently gets open on the outside against press coverage.
What Chase Taylor brings to Michigan football
Taylor is ranked as a three-star recruit, but his film is impressive. Over the past two seasons, he has recorded nine sacks and over 140 tackles. Taylor shows proficiency in coverage, run defense, and pressuring the quarterback.
These skills make him an ideal fit for Michigan’s defense. Although currently a bit light at 201 pounds, he is expected to bulk up. He has the potential to become a three-down linebacker, but this will likely require him to gain 20-30 pounds.
In today’s sub-package game, it will be exciting to see Taylor blitz from the linebacker position. His excellent closing speed and overall skill set align well with Michigan’s defensive strategies.
Michigan is building a top-10 class
Ohio State fans who have been commenting on Michigan’s low recruiting rankings, such as being 50th or 39th in the 2025 class, will need to update their statements. According to the 247 Sports composite rankings, Michigan football is now ranked 15th in the 2025 class.
The Wolverines are currently favored to land six additional recruits, based on expert predictions. If these predictions hold true, Michigan will secure a top-10 recruiting class, potentially even breaking into the top five.
Contrary to Ohio State fans’ claims, Michigan has not faced significant repercussions from the alleged sign-stealing scandal, nor have recruits been deterred by it. Additionally, the predicted mass exodus of players did not occur.
Under the leadership of Sherrone Moore, Michigan football is well-positioned not only for another Big Ten championship this season but also for continued success in the future.