Michigan football projected to land elite 2025 defender

Much of the focus when it comes to Michigan football recruiting is on five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood.

Michigan football has been trying to flip Underwood. He's been committed to LSU since January and just took an official visit there. The Tigers didn't play well when he was there but recruits normally don't make decisions based on one game like that.

Now, if the offensive coordinator were to leave, that might make a difference. But for now, it feels like LSU still has the edge as signing day approaches. Underwood hasn't visited and until he does, I wouldn't expect a flip.

Michigan football is projected to land an elite 2025 LB

Yet, Michigan football is trending as the favorite to land four-star linebacker Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng. He's 6-foot, 205 pounds out of IMG and is ranked No. 107 overall in the 2025 class according to the 247 Sports composite rankings.

Owusu-Boateng visited Michigan football recently and Notre Dame last weekend. It's been a battle between the Fighting Irish and the Wolverines but Michigan has the momentum and has received a crystal ball projection from Tom Loy of 247 Sports, as well as a Futurecast from Rivals expert Sam Spiegelman projecting him to be a Wolverine.

Here's a look at his scouting report and what Michigan football would be getting if the four-star linebacker does wind up committing.

"Speed-and-space linebacker that can hawk down ball carriers and spy quarterbacks. Tips the scales at just over 6-foot, 200 pounds, and appears to still have some growth potential with his lean, muscular build. Started prep career off in the DMV before arriving at IMG Academy where he emerged as a team leader in advance of senior season. At his best in chase mode, but has shown over the years that he’s willing to attack blockers or play around them. Tends to strike opponents when the opportunity presents itself. Has proven to be rather effective against the pass as he’s athletic and agile enough to mirror tight ends underneath or down the seam. Should be viewed as a potential impact player at the Power Four level."

Owusu-Boateng is exactly the kind of linebacker Michigan needs and really any team needs in this era of wide-open offenses. You need athletes who can cover and tackle athletes. Owusu-Boateng fits that description to a T and it will be interesting to see if U-M can close with him soon.