Michigan Football confirms 5-Star Alabama commitment

The last two weeks have been a roller coaster for Michigan football recruiting. It’s been a wild ride, from Bryce Underwood’s pursuit to Ivan Taylor’s move to Alabama. And it appears that this will not slow down until early signing day, at the latest.

EJ Holland of ON3 reported that Michigan is mounting a NIL push for five-star Alabama offensive line commit Ty Haywood. Haywood has been committed to the Crimson Tide since July. This appears to have happened out of nowhere for a Texas native. Haywood was interested in Michigan when the Wolverines offered him, but that interest never materialized.

However, with Michigan football now deciding to go the NIL route in recruiting, the Wolverines are now a legitimate contender for Haywood. In fact, it is believed that the staff is attempting to get Haywood on campus as soon as possible. Unfortunately for Michigan supporters, Haywood’s high school team has a playoff game on Saturday, so he will be unable to attend the Northwestern game, complicating matters significantly.

That is not to suggest he cannot still visit; weekday visits are very much possible; it simply eliminates the most straightforward alternative. With Michigan’s on-field troubles in 2024, it appears like Sherrone Moore intends to make a big impact with his first recruiting class.

What do Michigan’s chances look like?

In the world of NIL, it is difficult to tell. Some recruits do not feel compelled to pay a visit if a significant enough offer is on the table. So a visit isn’t required. However, I don’t expect Michigan to outbid Alabama. The Crimson Tide have a well-oiled NIL machine, and while Michigan can triple, quadruple, or even five times his NIL offer, I don’t think that’s what they want.

With that said, I believe it all relies on whether the staff can bring him in for a visit. If they can get Haywood on campus, I believe the Wolverines will have an advantage in recruiting him. However, with this revelation, you can guarantee Kalen Deboer and Alabama will do everything in their ability to keep Haywood from heading to Ann Arbor.

This is absolutely worth keeping an eye on in the coming weeks. Especially if Michigan football can work its magic and flip Bryce Underwood (which is far from guaranteed). Keep a watch out for any developments, but this is a very promising development. Go blue.