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What happens when a former Alabama commit, a generational talent, and 2 powerhouse programs collide? Chaos. That’s exactly what we’re seeing with Ty Haywood, the last 5-star beast left unclaimed in the 2025 class. Ever since Ohio State claimed the natty on January 20th, Michigan fans have been saltier than a bag of pretzels. Michigan’s pulling every NIL lever to stack a natty-ready roster after a mid-tier 2024 season, while Florida State is clinging to the hope of flipping the Texas phenom. But with national insiders talking, rumors flying, and NIL money flowing, who’s really got the edge?
Ty Haywood’s recruiting journey has been nothing short of a cliffhanger. The 6’5”, 285-pound phenom originally committed to Alabama last summer but reopened his recruitment earlier this month. Now, Michigan, FSU, and Texas Tech are in a fierce three-way tug-of-war. National insider Steve Wiltfong dropped the latest tea on ‘On3 Recruits,’ saying, “I still love where the Maize and Blue, Michigan, stands in the recruitment of Tai Haywood.” According to Wiltfong, Haywood’s recent official visit to Ann Arbor on January 17th could be a game-changer.
“Time spent with Sherrone Moore, Grant Newsome, and that coaching staff—Coach Moore and Coach Newsome were down in Texas visiting with the Denton Ryan standout before his visit.” Michigan’s pulling out all the stops to land Haywood. Sherrone Moore and offensive line coach Grant Newsome made a winter trip to Texas to woo the Denton Ryan standout. They’re also offering an NIL package that’s rumored to rival the Bryce Underwood deal—a jaw-dropping $12 million. Michigan’s new NIL strategy is aggressive, and it’s paying off. They’ve already flipped Underwood from LSU and landed five-star OT Andrew Babalola over Auburn and Oklahoma. Adding Haywood to the mix would elevate their recruiting class from No. 9 to No. 6 nationally.
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The Wolverines’ roster pitch is equally diabolical. Michigan’s 2025 class already boasts studs like quarterback Bryce Underwood, edge rusher Nate Marshall, and cornerback Shamari Earls. Steve Wiltfong summed it up perfectly: “You would have franchise quarterback Bryce Underwood, and then you would have franchise offensive tackles Andrew Babalola and Ty Haywood.” That’s a future NFL pipeline waiting to happen.
Look, Florida State ain’t giving up without a tough fight, but they’ve got their work cut out for them. The Seminoles have been flirting with Haywood since February 2023 and made their last official visit last June. However, NCAA rules limit programs to one visit per high school, leaving FSU unable to make another trip to Denton Ryan. This misstep low-key could cost them dearly, especially with Michigan ramping up its efforts.
FSU’s biggest challenge might be overcoming Michigan’s NIL firepower. While Mike Norvell and his staff have been persistent, the Seminoles simply can’t match the resources Michigan is throwing at Haywood. It’s somewhat David vs. Goliath situation, and unless FSU pulls off something miraculous, they’re likely to fall short.
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Michigan Wolverines on Ty Haywood’s visit and 2025 recruiting class
Haywood’s January 17th visit to Ann Arbor has Michigan insiders buzzing. EJ Holland of ‘On3’ said, “Haywood is officially back on the market, and Michigan remains in a strong spot here. The Wolverines put together a major deal for Bryce Underwood and are looking to do the same with Haywood. With Michigan’s new approach to NIL, I do think there is some optimism that the Wolverines can seal the deal very soon.” Coming off the visit, Haywood literally got impressed by Michigan’s 2050-ish facilities, coaching staff, and vision for his future. The Michigan brewing similar NIL deal for Ty Haywood like they cooked for Bryce Underwood is the real key here.
Michigan’s 2025 recruiting class is stacked. In addition to Underwood and Babalola. The Wolverines have landed Top 100 talents like safety Jordan Young, wide receiver Andrew Marsh, and defensive lineman Nate Marshall. With 23 commits, their class ranks No. 9 nationally and No. 3 in the Big 10, trailing only Ohio State and Oregon.
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All signs point to Michigan leading the race for Ty Haywood, but recruiting battles are never over until the ink dries. Mike Norvell and Florida State are low-key playing a losing battle. If Michigan pulls this off, it’ll be another massive win for a program that’s making serious moves to reclaim its spot in the food chain.
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Debate
Is Michigan's $12 million NIL offer for Ty Haywood a game-changer or just a desperate move?
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Is Michigan's $12 million NIL offer for Ty Haywood a game-changer or just a desperate move?
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