Quarterback recruiting is the lifeblood of any successful college football program. You can't win without big-time talent at that position.
Michigan football learned that lesson during the 2024 season. It also learned from some of the mistakes that led to that.
That's how the Wolverines were able to eventually land Bryce Underwood. The door opened, and Michigan was aggressive in securing its quarterback of the future. The Wolverines have continued to recruit the QB position well, though.
Four-star Peter Bourque is a top-100 prospect in the 2027 class. He looks like another elite find. He could be the heir apparent to Bryce Underwood. However, another name to know, in the 2028 class is No. 1 QB Jayden Wade.
Michigan battling for No. 1 QB again
Wade is 6-foot-3, 180 pounds, out of the IMG Academy. That's where J.J. McCarthy finished up his high school football career. The Wolverines also landed two players from IMG in the 2025 class.
Wade is ranked fifth overall in the 2028 class, according to the 247 Sports composite rankings. He will announce his commitment on November 18th among Michigan, Ohio State, Washington, Oregon, Texas, Florida, and Georgia (Rivals).
It's a star-studded group of teams. You wouldn't think that Florida would be a serious contender. I. have a hard time seeing Washington win out, although Jedd Fisch is a QB guru, just look at what he's doing with Demond Williams.
Michigan is a serious threat, though. According to EJ Holland of The Wolverine, "Michigan is for sure a team that I'm looking at," said Wade.
It's obviously very early in the process but with a decision two weeks away, it feels like Michigan football is a serious contender to land the No. 1 overall quarterback for the second time in four classes.
However, Wade has visited Georgia, Oregon, and Texas, so those programs might have the leg up at this point. We'll see if Michigan can make up that ground, even without hosting him for a visit, unless there is an unofficial visit, not during a game in the next two weeks.
Still, Michigan football is in the mix and this is a recruitment to watch for Wolverines fans.