Luring a player goes beyond football. It’s more about trust, relationships, and the feeling of home—something that goes beyond NIL deals, five-star rankings, or even a coach’s track record of sending players to the NFL. For one of the top wide receivers in the 2027 class, the decision between staying home or chasing the Hollywood lights of Southern California is about more than just gridiron glory. While USC’s Lincoln Riley has already made his move, extending an offer, it seems like Sherrone Moore and Michigan Wolverines have something that USC doesn’t—a deeply personal connection that just might tip the scales in their favor…

That connection begins with Dakota Guerrant, the electrifying 6-foot-1, 185-pound playmaker out of Harper Woods, MI. An elite five-star in the 2027 cycle, Guerrant has his choice of powerhouse programs, with Michigan, Michigan State, Miami, and USC all vying for his commitment. And while his talent speaks for itself—speed, physicality, and an ability to high-point the football with an effortless grace—it’s the off-the-field relationships that have made his recruitment so fascinating. On On3, the Class of 2027 prospect’s mother, Shalamar Guerrant, revealed they have been on five trips to Ann Arbor with her son, and with each visit, Michigan has only strengthened its position.

The recent visit came on Feb. 1. “It was great,” Shalamar revealed. “I always have a really good time anytime I visit the school. They treat us like family. It doesn’t feel like I’m going on a college recruitment trip.” She has been on plenty of recruiting visits. She’s seen the glossy presentations, the highlight reels, and the rehearsed speeches meant to impress parents just as much as their kids. But Michigan’s approach was different.

That distinction matters. From the moment they parked their car, the Wolverines made sure the Guerrants knew they weren’t just another stop on the tour. The staff “personalized” the experience, asking about life outside of football, making it clear they were invested in more than just Dakota’s 40-yard dash time or route-running precision.

Guerrant’s cousin, Michigan redshirt freshman defensive back Jacob Oden, is already in Ann Arbor. Bloodlines help, but they aren’t everything. If Michigan was banking solely on that, it wouldn’t be enough to keep the No. 2 WR in the state talent from heading west. Shalamar made that clear.

“Outside of Jacob being there, it’s what I receive as a mom, just being there,” she said. “If my son did decide to go there, I know he would be in great hands.” And for Dakota, who understands just how much his home state values its own, that connection to Michigan means something. “No state will show you more love than the state that you’re from,” he said. All the credit doesn’t just go to HC Sherrone Moore, but to wide receivers coach Ron Bellamy, who was the primary recruiter.

But, it’s not like Lincoln Riley is going to back down without a fight. USC has built its brand on dynamic offenses and elite skill position talent. After making a late push in early January, USC added elite players to their 2025 recruiting class; Mojave (NV) four-star linebacker AJ Tuitele was one of them. For a player with his skill set—speed, strong hands, and the ability to make plays in space—the temptation of playing in Riley’s system is real.

But Michigan isn’t the same program it was five years ago. Under year 1 OC, Chip Linsdey, Moore and Co. have a more modern approach to the aerial attack. Now that could help the Maize and Blue land more blue-chip WRs on the recruiting trail.

U-Mich and Sherrone Moore keep the pipeline of recruits running

The Wolverines have been working overtime this offseason to bolster their receiver room, and it’s paying off. They’ve already landed two key transfers, snagging Anthony Simpson from UMass and Donaven McCulley from Indiana to add experience and versatility. But that’s just the beginning—Michigan is also making waves with some of the nation’s top high school pass catchers, and their latest visit to Ann Arbor was one to remember.

Dakota Guerrant, Chad Willis, and Charles Britton, three HS star catchers, also visited Michigan on February 1, strengthening both their friendships and their ties with the program. “Chad was actually on my team,” Guerrant shared. “I always played against Trey. We’ve all been the best at our positions growing up.”

Michigan wasted no time making an impression. Willis and Britton left town with official offers, and the recruits got the full VIP treatment—touring the state-of-the-art locker room, checking out the in-house barber shop and bowling alley, and catching a Wolverines hockey game, which they loved. “It was fun,” said Willis, a newly minted four-star recruit. “We don’t see each other often, so we just kept the conversation going—talking football, school, life.”

So, is Sherrone Moore cooking up a receiver room that’s about to set the Big Ten on fire? Looks like the Wolverines are loading up, and defenses better take notice.