Michigan stays in Top 10 in 2025 recruiting rankings following commitment of top TE Eli Owens

Michigan remains at No. 10 overall on the 2025 On3 Industry National Team Recruiting Rankings following the verbal commitment of Alcoa (Tenn.) High tight end Eli Owens on Thursday.

At 6-foot-2, 230 pounds, Owens is listed as the No. 366 overall prospect and No. 23 tight end in the country, according to On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four primary recruiting media services. On3 ranks Owens as the No. 11 player in Tennessee.

Owens made two game-day visits to Michigan this season, including for the win over Ohio State in late November.

“I feel like the tight ends are the key focus point in Michigan’s offense,” Owens told The Wolverine. “Everything runs around them. The amount of tight ends that get used and how special they are in their own different ways makes the offense run. What I have been told is that I is that I am a mix between Colston (Loveland) and Max (Bredeson).”

Tight ends coach Grant Newsome led the way in securing a pledge from Owens.

“He’s such a personable guy,” Owens said. “Nothing is ever awkward with him. Conversations flow. It’s like you’re talking to your best friend. I like what he’s been able to get done with the tight ends at Michigan and how he’s bringing in the best in the country for the future of the room. I know the tight ends are going to get drafted. It’s amazing to see what he’s doing, and he’s just such a good person.”

Michigan 2025 Recruiting Class

Following Owens commitment, the Wolverines are among the 21 schools at the Division I level with at least four verbal pledges. Their overall ranking (91.448) sits higher than the likes of Texas, Florida State, Penn State and Miami.

Rounding out Michigan’s 2025 recruiting class are Top 100 Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna cornerback Chris Ewald Jr., On300 Ft. Myers (Fla.) Bishop Verot quarterback Carter Smith and four-star Howell (Mich.) High defensive lineman Bobby Kanka.

Dozens of 2025 top targets remain on Michigan’s board, such as five-star Charlotte (N.C.) Providence Day offensive tackle David Sanders, five-star Zephyrhills (Fla.) High safety DJ Pickett, Top 100 Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy athlete Alex Graham, Top 100 Katy (Tex.) Jordan wide receiver Andrew Marsh and On300 Mukilteo (Wash.) Kamiak tight end T’Andre Waverly.

2025 Big Ten Recruiting Rankings

Michigan currently sits No. 3 in the Big Ten Conference and trail Oregon and Ohio State. Eight of the 18 programs currently don’t have a commit next cycle.

1. Oregon
2. Ohio State
3. Michigan
4. Penn State
5. Wisconsin
6. Nebraska
7. Iowa
8. Purdue
9. Washington
10. Rutgers