Michigan football ends drought with massive commitment

Michigan football head coach Sherrone Moore has plenty to smile about on Monday as the Wolverines ended a three-month commitment drought with the pledge of Nate Marshall, who is ranked 35th overall according to the 247 Sports composite rankings for the 2025 class.

This is the first commitment for Michigan football under Sherrone Moore. Marshall visited for the spring game this weekend and started trending to the Wolverines with expert projections. That doesn't always mean a commitment is coming soon, but in this case it did.

Marshall is 6-foot-4, 265 pounds, and ranked as the No. 4 defensive lineman in the 2025 class according to the 247 Sports composite rankings. He's also the top-ranked player in the state of Illinois out of Oak Park. Here is his scouting report via Allen Trieu of 247 Sports:

"Has a background that includes basketball and offense, where he sometimes splits way out wide and can be effective playing from that spot. Carries that athleticism over to defense where he is comfortable in space and pursuit. Can change directions and chase down plays. Shows motor and does not give up on plays. Shifts from outside to inside and has played up and down the line. Carries his weight very well so could continue to pack on pounds and be a combo guy in college. Does not currently have bad weight. Long-term projection is likely most likely as a five-tech but that depends on physical development. Combo of athleticism and versatility make him a high-end prospect. Has to continue developing from a technical standpoint with his hands and get stronger, but he looks like he will be a starter for high-major program and has the baseline tools to play beyond college."

What his commitment means for Michigan football

It means we can finally stop talking about the commitment drought. The Wolverines jumped up to No. 35 overall with their fourth commitment. There is still a long way to go, but Michigan football finally has some momentum on the recruiting trail.

With the defensive prowess of Michigan football, which doesn't seem to have changed under Wink Martindale, it will be fun to see what the Wolverines can do with the development of Marshall, who is a freakish athlete.

Defensive line is probably the most important position group in the game outside of quarterback. Every elite team is elite up front. That's how you win games in the SEC and the Big Ten. It's how Michigan football won three straight Big Ten titles. That makes this pledge the perfect one to end the commitment drought and my hope is that the Wolverines and Moore are just getting started.