Michigan Wolverines news: Positive 5-star update, Adam Fantilli goes top 3 in NHL draft, and more

In our latest Michigan Wolverines news roundup, Michigan football has a shot with 5-star DT Justin Scott, Adam Fantilli goes early in the NHL draft, and more. 

Things have been a little quiet for Michigan football when it comes to the recruitment of five-star defensive lineman Justin Scott.

However, there was a report, from a Notre Dame insider no less, on Wednesday, that Michigan football is getting some positive buzz with Scott.

The 14th-ranked prospect in the 2024 class via the 247 Sports composite rankings, just completed an official visit to Ohio State. He also visited Georgia, Miami, and the Michigan Wolverines earlier this month.

Scott’s visit seemed to go well, but most visits do. It was hard to know if Michigan football truly made some headway. Miami has felt like the leader. Steve Wiltfong put in a crystal ball projection back in March and the Hurricanes lead via the On3 prediction machine.

But keep an eye on Michigan football here, especially if the Wolverines can convince Scott to take a visit to the recruiting BBQ at the end of July.

A big recruiting win for the Michigan Wolverines

Michigan football beat out Michigan State and others for the commitment of four-star linebacker Jeremiah Beasley on Wednesday.

The sixth-ranked player in the state of Michigan, who also ranks 319th overall via the 247 Sports composite rankings, was an MSU lean at one point. But Michigan football was able to flip the script and has landed three of the top six players in the state.

Here’s a full breakdown of the commitment of Beasley, who is the 15th blue-chip commitment for the Michigan Wolverines in the 2024 class.

Michigan Wolverines standout Adam Fantilli selected third in NHL draft

I don’t love the fact that Adam Fantilli will be starting his professional hockey career in Columbus, Ohio, but nevertheless, it was great to see him go No. 3 overall in the 2024 NHL draft.

Fantilli won the award as the best collegiate hockey player in the country — making him the first Michigan Wolverines player to do so — and now is a top-3 draft pick. He’s a dynamic scorer and playmaker, ranking in the top 4 nationally in goals and assists last season.

There is still a chance Fantilli could return next season and play for the Michigan Wolverines who have made two straight trips to the Frozen Four. That’s the difference between the NHL and NBA.

NHL teams can draft collegiate players but retain their rights in the future. So whenever Fantilli goes pro — before the next NHL season or after Michigan’s 2023-24 hockey season — the Blue Jackets retain his rights.

So all Michigan Wolverines fans can do is hope. Fantilli is special either way and whenever his NHL career begins, he’ll easily prove to be worth the draft investment.