Michigan football has a 'true chance' to land top-100 DT DJ Sanders

Michigan football lost one of its 2025 commitments on Sunday, as three Phillip Wright re-opened his recruitment but the Wolverines could be adding a commitment this week, maybe even two.

Four-star cornerback Jayden Sanders, who visited for the Michigan football recruiting BBQ, is expected to announce his commitment this week. The Wolverines have been trending as the favorite there but DJ Sanders is also expected to announce a decision on Thursday, August 8 and while it's much more of a battle, U-M is one of the teams in the mix for the elite defensive tackle.

Out of Belleville, Texas Sanders is ranked No. 88 overall according to the 247 Sports composite rankings. The 6-foot-4, 290-pound defensive tackle is down to Michigan, Texas, and Texas A&M.

Normally, that's not a recruitment you would feel great about as a Wolverines fan. The Longhorns have received two crystal ball projections. One of those came about a week ago. EJ Holland of The Wolverine said Michigan football is a dark horse in this recruitment. He also assessed the Wolverines' chances ahead of the commitment on Thursday.

“Michigan thinks they’re right in this recruitment,” Holland said. “It kind of makes sense. Texas just flipped a kid from Oregon who’s a similar type of player. A&M already has a 300-pound defensive line commit. Michigan has a need, like a real need, for a guy like DJ Sanders. He fits more of the Kenneth Grant type of mold. He’s a longer kid. Really impressive wingspan. When it comes to finding a (Grant) replacement, Sanders has been the guy. (Michigan wasn’t) going to move on targets until they really good or really bad about Sanders. So, they still have some optimism. I’m not saying Michigan leads, but I do think they have a true chance with Sanders.”

That's not the worst update I've ever heard. I'm not betting on Michigan football to upset Texas and A&M for Sanders, but it sounds like the Wolverines are a legitimate threat.