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Welcome to the Recruiting Roundup, our three-times-per-week series breaking down the latest developments on the recruiting trail for the Michigan Wolverines. We’ll keep you up to date on the top targets, the visits they take, the predictions that analysts make, and everything in between. Here’s what you need to know today…
Brother of Michigan legend hoping for Wolverines offer
Michigan has yet to offer one of the most recognizable names in the 2028 class, but that hasn’t stopped Carson Graham — the No. 707 overall prospect and No. 69 defensive lineman in the Rivals Industry Rankings — from keeping a close eye on the Wolverines.
The younger brother of former Michigan All-American defensive tackle Mason Graham would certainly welcome the opportunity to follow in his brother’s footsteps if an offer eventually comes. The 6-foot-2, 250-pounder holds offers from USC, Hawaii and San Diego State, but Michigan is one of the schools he’s hoping offers him.
“I’m not leaning one way or the other yet,” Graham recently told Rivals’ Brandon Huffman ($). “I’m just getting ready for the season. I’m hoping to have a great year and hopefully some other opportunities come.”
Graham has visited only Hawaii so far because of its proximity, but he’s also interested in UCLA and visited Washington while attending camps in June. But despite the growing attention, Graham is staying patient with the process.
With Graham’s recruitment still in the early stages, the Wolverines would instantly be one of the favorites to land him if they decide to pursue him.
Four-star Ohio ATH eyeing another trip to Ann Arbor
Michigan is also firmly in the mix for one of Ohio’s top prospects in the 2028 class. Cartae Ligon, the No. 159 overall prospect and No. 6 player in Ohio, is beginning to map out his fall visit schedule, and Ann Arbor is one of the places he wants to see.
The four-star athlete exploded onto the recruiting scene after rushing for 2,130 yards and 25 touchdowns as a sophomore, earning offers from high-quality programs across the country. Ligon visited Michigan this spring and said one of the biggest reasons the Wolverines remain high on his list is his relationship with running backs coach Tony Alford.
“I have been building a great relationship with coach Alford at Michigan,” Ligon told Rivals’ Allen Trieu ($).
In addition to Michigan, Ligon also wants to visit Minnesota, Miami, Indiana, Virginia Tech and NC State at some point this fall.
Rivals300 RB planning Michigan visit this fall
Michigan is making an early push for another one of the top running backs in the 2028 class. Xander Edwards, the No. 108 overall prospect and No. 6 running back in the country, is planning to visit Ann Arbor for a game this fall after receiving an offer from the Wolverines last month.
The 6-foot-1, 205-pounder from Jacksonville, Florida has become one of the country’s fastest-rising recruits after rushing for 2,629 yards and 44 touchdowns while averaging 9.9 yards per carry as a sophomore in 2025. Notre Dame, Miami and several other national powers are also in the mix.
Much like Ligon, Michigan’s early momentum stems from his relationship with Alford.
“I love coach Alford already,” Edwards told On3’s Ethan McDowell ($). “We’ve been talking quite a bit recently, and I’m excited to build his relationship, and I’m definitely going to be up at a game this fall.”
Edwards also likes how Alford envisions him fitting into Michigan’s offense.
“(Alford) said that I fit into their offense really well,” Edwards said. “He likes the bigger-type backs that can run you over because they have a lot of duo, gap scheme, just smash mouth football downhill, which is my favorite type of football to play.”
Academics, NFL development and relationships with coaches will all factor into Edwards’ final decision. The Wolverines have already positioned themselves well in this recruitment, especially if he is able to take a visit for a game this fall.
