Podcast: Two priority Michigan targets announcing decisions this week

Analysts EJ Holland and Zach Libby discuss two priority 2025 Michigan targets expected to announce a commitment this week, including Top 100 Bellville (Tex.) High defensive lineman DJ Sanders, on The Wolverine Live Tuesday Recruiting Show.

Watch the full video above.

Sanders Recruitment

Sanders plans to decide on Thursday, with Michigan battling Texas and Texas A&M for the projected nose tackle. The Wolverines hosted Sanders on two visits this offseason, most recently for an official in late May.

Holland went in-depth on where things stand for Sanders.

“He’s had a Top 3 for a long time,” Holland said. “Now, going into the summer, Texas A&M was considered to be the favorite in this recruitment. Then, they kind of faded away. Then, Texas was considered the favorite in this recruitment, which some people still think they are. But it seems to have opened up a little bit more. Texas A&M has reemerged as a contender here. Then, there’s Michigan. Kind of the dark horse. The team that people have dismissed in this recruitment but has continued to hang around.”

Michigan defensive line coach Lou Esposito and the staff are pushing strongly for Sanders.

“Michigan thinks they’re right in this recruitment,” Holland said. “It kind of makes sense. Texas just flipped a kid from Oregon who’s a similar type of player. A&M already has a 300-pound defensive line commit. Michigan has a need, like a real need, for a guy like DJ Sanders. He fits more of the Kenneth Grant type of mold. He’s a longer kid. Really impressive wingspan. When it comes to finding a (Grant) replacement, Sanders has been the guy. (Michigan wasn’t) going to move on targets until they really good or really bad about Sanders. So, they still have some optimism. I’m not saying Michigan leads, but I do think they have a true chance with Sanders.”

Along with Michigan and the two SEC Texas schools, Hiter holds notable offers from Alabama, LSU, Oregon, Miami, Notre Dame, Auburn, Oklahoma, Florida, USC, and Utah, among others.

At 6-foot-4, 325 pounds, Sanders is listed as the No. 79 overall prospect and the No. 8 defensive lineman in the country, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four primary recruiting media services. He’s also the No. 14 player in Texas.

Michigan currently has 15 commits in its 2025 recruiting class. Featured are Top 100 Oak Park (Ill.) Fenwick defensive lineman Nate Marshall, Top 100 Winter Garden (Fla.) West Orange safety Ivan Taylor, Top 100 Center Valley (Pa.) Southern Lehigh tight end Andrew Olesh, On300 Alpharetta (Ga.) High EDGE Julius Holly, On300 Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy running back Donovan Johnson, On300 Palantine (Ill.) High defensive lineman Jaylen Williams, On300 Marrero (La.) Archbishop Shaw running back Jasper Parker, On300 Washington (D.C.) Gonzaga College safety defensive back Kainoa Winston, and On300 Ft. Myers (Fla.) Bishop Verot quarterback Carter Smith.

Two commits comprise Michigan’s 2026 recruiting class – Top 100 Cocoa (Fla.) High quarterback Brady Hart and On300 Jacksonville (Fla.) Mandarin cornerback Brody Jennings.