Michigan trending for 4-star RB Donovan Johnson

Michigan remains in the running for a number of top candidates as the company looks to complete its 2025 recruiting class.

With the off-season approaching, the Wolverines have another big round of visits planned, as many high-profile recruits flocked to Ann Arbor this week, including Savannah (Ga.). IMG Academy Four-star running back Donovan Johnsonwho was able to take a look at UM for the first time on Wednesday.

“It was great,” Johnson told EJ Holland of The Wolverine about the visit. “I went and talked to the whole coaching staff. I had a chance to talk to Coach (Sherrone) Moore. I had a really long talk with Coach Tony (Alford). Great people. Great school. Great atmosphere. I have nothing negative to say about it. I was there all day. I watched the practices and went to the Big House. It was just great.”

The Wolverines are currently very interested in Johnson, according to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Engine (RPM). On Saturday, Michigan traded three picks in favor of signing the Burner, who, if he chooses the Maize and Blue, would be the second RB commit for the Big Ten program this cycle.

Michigan didn’t make Johnson’s top five schools in October, as he named Georgia, Tennessee, Florida State, USC and Ohio State as his top contenders. He told On3’s Chad Simmons he’s getting closer to a decision, but is currently still the sixth-best RB on the list this cycle.

“Anything can happen at any time,” Johnson told Simmons last fall. “I’m looking for that family atmosphere. It’s about my connection to the staff, how I feel around the head coach and running back, and what culture fits me best. The academic aspects will also be important. I want to study engineering, so overall development on and off the field will help me make my decision.”

Johnson is the No. 239 overall prospect and No. 15 RB in the 2025 cycle, according to On3 Industry Rankinga weighted average that takes into account all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 33 player in Florida.

Wolverines have the top 15 recruiting class this cycle

Michigan secured the No. 15 ranking in the nation in the last cycle, and the 2025 pledge list currently occupies the same position, according to the On3 Industry Team Recruitment Rankings.

Montgomery Village (Md.) Gonzaga Four-Star Security Winston-Kainoa is one of three new additions to the Wolverines this month. He announced his decision on June 14 and is the second top-100 recruit in the class, joining Oak Park (Ill.) Fenwick, a four-star defensive lineman Nate Marshall – the No. 45 most promising player and fourth-best DL in the nation.

Michigan received a RB commitment on June 15 in the form of Marrero (La.) Archbishop Shaw three-star Jasper Parker. Palatine (Ill.) Four-star DL Jaylen Williams also committed earlier this month and is one of three D-linemen in the class, along with Marshall and Howell (Mich.), a four-star. Bobby Kanka.

The class also includes four-star quarterback Bishop Verot from Fort Myers, Florida. Carter Smiththe No. 16 QB in the cycle. He is currently the top commit on the offensive side of the ball for UM, with Franklin (Mich.) Wylie E. Groves four-star IOL Avery Gach Directly behind.