Some kids flirt with a dozen schools during their recruitment. Others rack up visits like they’re collecting frequent flyer miles. But when a top-ranked recruit makes 12 trips to one school before he can even legally drive, you might wanna pay attention. The Michigan’s latest obsession, a wide receiver who’s been camped out in Ann Arbor so often, he might as well start paying rent. The Wolverines and Sherrone Moore have been rolling out the red carpet, but here’s the kicker—his pops ain’t exactly being shy about where they stand. And let’s just say, some B1G rivals might wanna sit down before they hear that part.

Enter Dakota Guerrant, the No. 1 recruit in the state of Michigan’s 2027 class and a certified baller. This Harper Woods High School standout is already a national name, and if the number of visits means anything, Michigan’s got him locked in their crosshairs. With 12 trips to Ann Arbor—more than double any other school—the writing is on the wall. And his pops, Gerald Guerrant, is not shy about throwing a little shade at Michigan’s competition. “It’s Michigan. It’s not Michigan State, it’s not Indiana, it’s Michigan,” Gerald said, making sure Sparty and the rest of the B1G knew exactly where his son’s priorities are.

Look, Gerald’s ties to Michigan run deep. He grew up a Wolverine fan, watching legends like Desmond Howard do their thing in the Big House. His best friend, Rod Oden, played for Michigan, and Dakota’s best friend, Jacob Oden, is already suiting up for the Wolverines. This recruitment isn’t just business—it’s personal. Dakota’s got offers stretching coast to coast, from Oregon to Miami, but none of those programs can match the familiarity and homegrown loyalty Michigan brings to the table.

Last week, Dakota made his latest stop in Ann Arbor to check out Michigan’s second spring practice, getting an up-close look at the new-look offense under Sherrone Moore and Bryce Underwood. Dakota and his dad wanted to see if the Wolverines were finally ready to air it out more rather than running the pigskin 55 times a game: “I know they’re still going to run the ball, but I want to see more vertical passes to receivers instead of the tight end,” Gerald said. Sounds like someone’s been watching Michigan’s recent run-heavy approach and is ready for a little more fireworks.

Speaking of Bryce Underwood, the Lamine Yamal of college football, Michigan’s new prized QB commit is already working his magic. The five-star freshman has been in Dakota’s ear, making sure he knows there’s a spot waiting for him in Ann Arbor. Underwood flipping from LSU to Michigan was a game-changer in Guerrant’s recruitment. “That is what helped put Michigan back in the top three,” Gerald admitted. Before that, the Wolverines had slipped out of the top group, but now? They’re sitting comfortably in prime position.

Guerrant ain’t rushing into a decision, though. He and his family are going through the recruiting process carefully, looking to eventually trim his options down to a final 3. But if trends mean anything, Michigan fans might want to start getting excited. After all, a kid doesn’t visit the same school 12 times just for the free snacks, right?

Big Ten rivals taking Ls while Michigan flexes

The Wolverines aren’t just leading in the Guerrant sweepstakes—they’re making sure their biggest rivals know it, too. When Gerald Guerrant said, “It’s not Michigan State, it’s not Indiana, it’s Michigan,” you could practically hear the collective groans from East Lansing. Sparty, Indiana, and the rest of the Big Ten 10 watch, but it looks like they won’t be touching this one.

Michigan State, in particular, has to be feeling some type of way. Michigan State HC Jonathan Smith is still trying to rebuild the Spartans’ program, but losing the state’s top recruit—especially to big brother Michigan—is a gut punch. MSU has made its pitch. But with the Wolverines already holding such a massive lead, it’s looking like another L for the Spartans in the in-state recruiting battle.

Ohio State? They’re in the mix because, well, they’re Ohio State. The Buckeyes have been recruiting at an elite level for years, and they’ll never go down without a fight. But Michigan’s recent dominance in The Game, combined with Underwood’s commitment, has given the Wolverines the edge in this recruitment. Dakota wants to be part of something big, and right now, Michigan is offering the best mix of opportunity, system, and long-term success.

Look, Dakota Guerrant is straight-up balling at Harper Woods High School. The kid’s racked up 415 yards on 24 catches, averaging 17.3 yards per grab, with a monster 95-yard TD under his belt. He’s got hands and deep-threat speed, making him a serious problem for defenses. But he ain’t just a receiver—Guerrant’s got wheels too. With 216 rushing yards on 17 carries (a crazy 12.7 yards per run) and five touchdowns, he’s a nightmare in open space. He even dabbles in passing, dropping 107 yards and two TDs through the air. No wonder why Sherrone Moore and Michigan are pulling the red carpet 12 times.

With the 2027 class still a ways away from signing day, there’s plenty of time for twists and turns. But for now? Coach Moore’s Michigan sitting in the driver’s seat, and their Big Ten rivals are stuck watching in the rearview mirror.