The winds of change are blowing through Ann Arbor, and Sherrone Moore is holding the reins. Fresh off a gritty 19-13 victory over Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl, Michigan Football is proving that its resurgence isn’t just a flash in the pan. Recruiting coordinator Sean Magee already proved the skeptics wrong, with Bryce Underwood, the crown jewel gunslinger of the 2025 class, already flipped from LSU. Now it’s about to get more bougie for the Wolverines.

If they get successful in luring this key player for an Imhotep Charter squad that went 10-3 and made the PIAA 5A state championship. However, this could feel personal—like a Big Ten grudge match that never ends. This time, the Wolverines have their eyes set on a blue-chip EDGE rusher with a complicated history.

The Michigan Sports Talk channel on YouTube breaks down the Buckeyes slayer’s efforts to assemble the Avengers. It’s not just about his four-star status or the fact that he was once locked in with Michigan’s bitterest rival. This is about taking the fight directly to Columbus.

“2025 class—the four-star, top 100 EDGE Zahir Mathis,” Michigan’s insider said, giving voice to what fans across the maize and blue nation are already whispering. “Michigan still going after him, the ex-Ohio State commit, and he is set to take visits to Florida State on January 11th, UCLA on January 18th, and Michigan.” Zahir Mathis, the former Ohio State commit, has emerged as one of the hottest names on the recruiting trail.

Grabbing him under Ohio State’s nose could be felt like a fifth consecutive loss around Columbus to their Big 10 sworn enemies. The 6-5.5 230 pounds played defensive end in a 4-3 scheme at Imhotep Institute in Philadelphia and has the kind of skill set that Michigan thrives on. His junior season numbers—52 tackles, three sacks, and a forced fumble, shows his knack for making game-changing plays. The Wolverines are betting on his ability to slot seamlessly into their defensive system, which has leaned heavily on versatile edge defenders to wreak havoc.

And while Mathis has lined up visits with other major programs like Florida State, UCLA, and Oregon, Michigan appears to have momentum. The host confirmed, “January 27th, Oregon also potentially expected to get a visit from him as well. So Michigan was expected to get a visit from him—it is locked in now.”

The timing couldn’t be better. Michigan is riding high, not just from their bowl win but from a recruiting season that has flipped skeptics into believers. If Mathis joins their 2025 class, it will propel the group to No. 6 overall, further solidifying Michigan’s foothold as a national recruiting powerhouse. Pulling off coups like flipping Underwood and keeping the pipeline flowing with names like Ty Haywood, another five-star offensive tackle who’s also expected to visit. “Michigan should be able to get Ty Haywood on campus for a visit as well,” the host confirmed, hinting at the potential for even more fireworks.

For Ohio State, the potential loss of Mathis feels almost symbolic. After back-to-back defeats to the Wolverines on the field, losing a high-profile recruit to their rivals would be salt in an already festering wound. The fact that Mathis gave his verbal commitment to Ryan Day’s program nearly a year ago only adds to the intrigue. It’s not just about winning a recruiting battle; it’s about shifting the balance of power in the Big Ten.

If Moore and his staff can seal the deal, the victory would sting the Buckeyes in ways that can’t be measured on the field alone.

Sherrone Moore and his secret weapon to lure in Zahir Mathis

Michigan’s defensive line coach, Lou Esposito, has been putting in the work, and it’s paying off big time with four-star recruit Zahir Mathis. Since decommitting from Ohio State, Mathis has felt a strong connection with Esposito and the Wolverines, making Michigan a serious contender in his recruitment.

“It’s really about playing time and getting on the field,” Mathis shared. “NIL? Yeah, it’s a factor, but that’s not my main focus. For me, it’s about the love and connection with the coaches.” Mathis was quick to add that his decommitment doesn’t mean he’s completely shutting the door on Ohio State. “It’s still all love with Coach Larry Johnson,” he said. “This isn’t about bad blood; it’s about keeping my options open. At the end of the day, it’s about love, respect, and the opportunity to play.”

In the grander scheme, Michigan’s pursuit of Mathis signals a program that’s tired of playing second fiddle to its rivals. Sherrone Moore’s Wolverines are no longer content with incremental progress—they’re swinging for the fences.