Now what’s the use of throwing $10–12M cash-a-bag for a young 5-star recruit if you’re not building around him? That’s the mindset Sherrone Moore’s Michigan is embracing as it gets serious about building a powerhouse around generational quarterback Bryce Underwood. And right now, one name—well, two actually—are dominating their recruiting radar. The Wolverines have zeroed in on elite wide receiver Christian Ward, a dynamic pass-catcher out of Walton High School, and they might just be making a two-for-one push. Why stop at a top-300 WR when his younger brother—an Alabama commit—might be flip-worthy?

Christian Ward, standing at 6-foot-3 and 185 pounds, has been a priority since Michigan offered him. The competition is stiff—Georgia, Alabama, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M are all circling. During the Georgia Tech visit in 2024, Ward had all the praise for their program. “Tech was great. It was an awesome scrimmage, very competitive. I like their offense and how they are balanced. The coaches are great, and I look forward to growing a relationship with them. I can’t wait to go back during the season,” said Ward in April 2024.

Even during his visit to the Florida State program earlier this month, Ward seemed very optimistic. “Great school, what I just heard today is great stuff. Not a lot of what I have heard from previous schools. So I like it here. I like the coaching staff. I like what I heard,” Ward said. “For sure it’d be a top school I like going to.” 

His enthusiasm for FSU and Georgia was clear, but when Michigan enters the picture, the decision-making process tends to shift. With an offer now on the table from Moore’s Wolverines, the landscape is pretty obvious. And if Ward’s recent moves are any indication, his recruitment may be leaning to his desired direction.

On March 22nd, Michigan Insider Ethan McDowell dropped the bomb: Christian Ward made his first trip to Ann Arbor this week, and the Wolverines have surged to the front of his recruitment. Ward summed it up simply: “I love everything about it.” That message, short and sweet, says a lot. “I love the coach for sure and the quarterback, so I feel like that would be a good move,” Ward further added. From what he saw during his visit—including Underwood’s command at practice—Ward left impressed with Michigan’s championship mentality. And it’s not just about vibes; it’s about vision.

This isn’t your average high school prospect. Christian’s got elite tools—clocked at 23 MPH in the open field and blazing through a 4.4-second 40-yard dash, according to his uncle and trainer, Coach Mil of Ballers Choice. Michigan’s had him on their radar since the Harbaugh days, but now the connection is deeper. Ward has built a strong bond with WR coach Ron Bellamy, and he’s not just taking in the facilities—he’s studying the playbook. He’s eager to see where Bellamy sees him fitting in, and he’s especially looking forward to sitting down with OC Chip Lindsey to break down the evolving offense for 2025 and beyond.

Right now, Michigan is crafting a high-powered, Underwood-led attack—and Ward wants a front-row seat.

Despite being unranked in the current On3 2026 Top Football Recruits list, Christian Ward is far from under the radar. With just one WR committed in the 2026 class, Sherrone Moore and his staff view Ward as a cornerstone piece—and they’re not being subtle about it. According to On3, Ward confirmed that Michigan is out in front, and the message is clear: surrounding Bryce Underwood with elite weapons is the priority. But here’s where it gets really interesting…..

Sherrone Moore’s flip play

Enter Alexander Ward—Christian’s younger brother. A 2027 DB currently committed to Alabama, Alexander is ranked No. 57 nationally and is gaining serious traction. But Michigan’s not backing down. With Coach Mil once again at the center—serving not only as mentor and trainer but also as the NIL agent for both brothers—Sherrone Moore has made it known: Michigan wants Alex, too. And they’re not pulling punches.

Coach Mil revealed Michigan’s pitch for the younger Ward: “Michigan loves Alex. He wants to be a two-way player. He’s the next Travis Hunter. And he has the high school pop. He’s a five-star. He has my vote as the No. 1 athlete in the 2027 class.”

With elite training from NFL legend Josh Norman and a unique combination of size, football IQ, and flash, Alexander Ward might be the ultimate flip candidate. Alabama may have secured his early commitment, but Michigan’s not giving up—not with another year to go. Now, the latest buzz? A potential package deal with the Ward brothers.

First up, Michigan’s going all-in on Alex. Then, it’s Christian. The Wolverines are setting the stage for something bigger than just one signing—they’re building the kind of receiver room that can elevate Bryce Underwood’s legacy before he even takes his first college snap.

And while Alabama may still have Alexander in the bag, they’ve already taken one L to Michigan this year in the ReliaQuest Bowl (19–13). Letting the Wolverines snatch the Ward brothers next? That’s a loss they can’t afford to repeat.