With a total of 24 commitments for the 2025 class that ranked 6th nationally last year, Sherrone Moore was phenomenal, to say the least, in his first year. Snagging Bryce Underwood from LSU’s nose was perhaps the biggest win for Moore’s Michigan. However, just a year later, the Wolves’ head coach does not seem to have the same grip when we talk about Michigan’s next class. With only eight commitments for their 2026 class, Michigan now ranks 15th nationally. And while the program has already lost multiple talents to their rivals, HC Moore is now banking on his signal caller to land another five-star prospect.

As Moore pushes forward with his ambitious recruiting strategy, the spotlight again shines on Underwood, because the potential QB1 is not just helping matters on the field. Underwood’s star status is helping the program off the field as well. Especially in the case of a five-star offensive tackle from Mansfield (Texas), Lake Ridge, who is nearing a decision about his future.

Michigan football hosts Week 2 of its official visits for 2026 class players. This weekend, they had a tremendous chance to make a big impression on several high-end players on both sides of the football. Felix Ojo has been one of the prime among them. He is certainly not new to Ann Arbor, but nothing felt as impactful as his last visit. The reason? An exchange with Bryce Underwood.

“It was good,” Ojo told On3. “It was nice hanging out with the players. I talked to Bryce (Underwood). It was nice seeing his point of view on the program since he got there. He said I’m a priority for Michigan, and he wants me to come there, and that’s how I see the coaches, is how they are. He said the reason he came to Michigan was the development and culture, and not only that, the offensive scheme is a lot like Jim Harbaugh’s.”

Well, this quick exchange might work wonders for Michigan, because despite visiting the program for only second time, Ojo already rates the Wolves high. “Michigan compares high,”Ojo told On3’s Steve Wiltfong. “It was only my second time going to Ann Arbor, and it still felt like home there. Michigan stands high with me and my family and on the same playing field as Texas and Ohio State right now.”

As per On3, Ojo is the No. 1 overall prospect from Texas and the No.3 offensive tackle in the country. The 6-6, 275 lbs OT is also the No. 6 overall prospect in the nation for the 2026 class. So, it is no surprise that HC Moore is desperate to get the five-star offensive tackle’s signature.

Michigan’s coaching staff makes a good pitch for Felix Ojo

Moore and offensive line coach Grant Newsome kept on pursuing Ojo like anything. “Coach Newsome, he played offensive line at the college level,” Ojo said. “Played at Michigan. When it comes to o-line play, he knows what he’s talking about. Not only that, he has a great offensive mind. Coach Moore is a lot more relatable as a head coach. He’s the type of coach you can talk to for hours. He talks to you like you’re family.”

Ojo has been hyperactive exploring his options this offseason. He has already taken visits to Colorado, Ohio State, and Ole Miss. But Steve Sarkisian and Texas are still having a strong grasp on their home-grown talent. The Wolverines would love to be the spoilsport like they did with Ty Haywood a year back, but this time it will be tougher with a huge competition brewing. Ryan Day looks to be in the game as well. Ojo posted a picture of a glimpse of the Buckeyes’ film room last weekend following his visit. On3 gave the Buckeyes the third-best odds to land him over Texas.

Texas has still been at the top of its game. Gorney wrote. “But the Longhorns still have the lead, Austin is less than three hours away, and his relationship with position coach Kyle Flood is all playing significant roles here.” Now, it remains to be seen whether or not Moore can get a break in the race and emerge as the wild card winner.