Michigan Football: Wolverines remain locked in a battle for 5-star Alabama commit

Jerred Johnson | 15 Hours Ago

5-Star Michigan target Ty Haywood / @TyHaywood_ X account

Previously reported by Michigan On SI's Trent Knoop, the Wolverines are prioritizing the recruitment of five-star offensive lineman Ty Haywood. The 6-5 285-pound Texas native has been committed to Alabama for much of the 2025 recruiting cycle. However, his interest in other schools became apparent when he declined to sign his letter of intent during the early signing period. On3's EJ Holland reported that Michigan was preparing a significant NIL offer for the towering lineman. The offer appeared to be enough to make Haywood slow his commitment timeline and take a serious look at Michigan.

Some of the most recent reporting suggests that the five-star prospect is down to Alabama, Michigan, and Texas Tech, with Florida State also making a late push to join the fray as well.

Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Although both his X/Twitter and Instagram pages still have his commitment graphic to Alabama pinned to the top, there's speculation that the Crimson Tide may not even be in the running for his final commitment.

Whiparound: Three programs involved with 5-star Ty Haywood, four visits planned for 4-star edge Zahir Mathis, Oregon and Florida putting the finishing touches on strong class. The intel here: https://t.co/d2zVQBvKBn pic.twitter.com/RIaZPtRY9a

— Steve Wiltfong (@SWiltfong_) December 24, 2024

Haywood, the No. 18 overall ranked recruit in the 2025 class, is down to Texas Tech, Michigan, and an outside shot of Florida State according to On3's Steve Wiltfong. Haywood has not yet visited The Big House, but it seems that he will make it up in January after the dead period has concluded. If Michigan were to close this battle and notch another recruiting win with Haywood, it would give the Wolverines their second five-star lineman in this class - joining five-star Andrew Babalola. It would also bring Michigan to three five-star recruits in the 2025 class overall, including No. 1 rated QB phenom Bryce Underwood.

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More Michigan News:

• Michigan Football lands top-ranked RB in transfer portal from Alabama

• Davis Warren's first impression of Bryce Underwood: 'You’re not the No. 1 recruit in the country for no reason'

• Sherrone Moore's message to Davis Warren after signing Bryce Underwood, looking for portal QB

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