It’s no secret that Michigan football has had difficulty attracting players ranked in the top 100. The Wolverines received zero in the class of 2023 and one in 2024 alongside U-M.
Even when rankings don’t matter, exceptional talent is still necessary. Nate Marshall had committed to Michigan football in the top 100 of the 2025 class, but his commitment is currently in doubt following a recent visit to Auburn.
However, Michigan has a strong relationship with Washington, D.C. defensive back Kainoa Winston, who is ranked in the top 100. The 5-foot-10, 185-pound safety is ranked ninth at his position and 88th overall in the 2025 class, per the 247 Sports composite rankings.
Recently, Winston paid a formal visit to the Michigan football team. He had just narrowed his list of teams to three, and he was at Penn State last weekend. Penn State and Michigan seemed like the obvious favorites, and Winston has begun to lean toward U-M following his trip to Happy Valley.
The Wolverine’s EJ Holland made a knowledgeable prediction that Winston will end up playing for Michigan. The On3 prediction algorithm now offers the Wolverines an 80% chance of obtaining Winston’s pledge.
Additionally, Josh Henschke of the Maize and Blue Review contributed a professional forecast in the shape of a futurecast for Winston to play football at Michigan.
For the Wolverines, it would be good news, and Sherrone Moore would likely have yet another significant recruiting victory. Although Jaylen Williams was a good acquisition, Moore and Michigan football would benefit from adding Winston and defeating Penn State in the process.
