Michigan Football Makes Late Push for Five-Star OL Ty Haywood
The Michigan Wolverines are making waves in the recruiting world, shifting focus to NIL opportunities in their pursuit of elite talent. Among their latest targets is five-star offensive lineman Ty Haywood, a Texas native who has been committed to Alabama since July.
According to ON3’s EJ Holland, Michigan has intensified efforts to flip Haywood, a move that has caught many by surprise. While Haywood showed some interest in Michigan when initially offered, it never seemed serious until now. The Wolverines are now seen as a legitimate contender, with the coaching staff reportedly working to bring him to Ann Arbor for a visit as soon as possible.
However, timing is tricky. Haywood’s high school team has a playoff game this Saturday, ruling out a visit for Michigan’s clash with Northwestern. Weekday visits remain a possibility, though they add complexity to the process.
This aggressive recruitment effort comes as offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore looks to make a strong impression with his first recruiting class, especially in the wake of Michigan’s on-field struggles in 2024. A commitment from Haywood would be a significant win for the Wolverines as they aim to reestablish momentum ahead of early signing day.
Michigan’s Chances with Ty Haywood: A Tough Battle Ahead
In the NIL-driven recruiting landscape, predicting Michigan’s chances of flipping five-star offensive lineman Ty Haywood from Alabama is challenging. NIL offers can sometimes be decisive even without a campus visit. However, it doesn’t seem likely that Michigan will attempt to drastically outbid Alabama’s NIL package. The Crimson Tide’s established NIL system is formidable, and while Michigan could theoretically offer a significantly higher amount, they are unlikely to set a precedent of overspending.
That said, getting Haywood to visit Ann Arbor could be the tipping point. Michigan’s coaching staff excels at leaving strong impressions during campus visits, and the opportunity to showcase the program’s culture and future plans might give them an edge. Without a visit, though, Alabama’s momentum and infrastructure may prove too much to overcome.
Additionally, Alabama head coach Nick Saban and staff, aware of Michigan’s interest, will undoubtedly ramp up efforts to keep Haywood committed. The situation may become even more intense if Michigan also pushes hard for Bryce Underwood, as success in one marquee recruitment could spill over into others.
While Haywood’s recruitment remains uncertain, the fact that Michigan is in the mix at all is a positive sign of their evolving recruiting strategy. If they can secure a visit, their chances increase substantially. For now, this is a recruitment to watch closely over the coming weeks. Go Blue!
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