The late signing period is approaching for the 2025 recruiting class, and Michigan football has only a few targets remaining on its recruiting board. One of those recruits is five-star offensive lineman Ty Haywood, who the Wolverines may be the favorite for. The other big target on Michigan's board is Ohio State EDGE decommit Zahir Mathis.
Mathis, ranked as a four-star recruit, is a Pennsylvania native who was committed to Ohio State for the majority of the recruiting cycle, before opening back up his recruitment in November. The Michigan football staff was instantly in contact with Mathis, and now the Wolverines are set to get his final official visit the weekend of January 27th.
Mathis will be visiting UCLA and Florida State before making his way to Ann Arbor, and those schools appear to be Michigan's main competition. Florida State isn't secretive about its willingness to use NIL. UCLA is a bit more unknown on that front. I'd expect Michigan to offer Mathis a very competitive NIL package.
Michigan football could fill another need in 2025 class
At 6'6, the Wolverines have a need for an EDGE recruit like Mathis. Michigan has only one EDGE commit in its 2025 class in four-star Julius Holly. With how important a position it is, Michigan football would love to get a second EDGE on board before closing out the 2025 class.
It's hard to not like Michigan's chances in this one. The Wolverines should have the advantage on the NIL front, and they're going to get the last visit. As long as UCLA or Florida State don't get Mathis to cancel his Michigan visit before it happens, the Wolverines should have a great chance here. Let's not forget the extra motivation that Michigan has to sign Mathis. Stealing a coveted recruit from your arch rival is always welcomed.