Wolverine TV: Breaking down new Michigan OL commit Kaden Strayhorn

Michigan picked up a commitment from three-star Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy offensive lineman Kaden Strayhorn on Sunday afternoon.

The Wolverine’s EJ Holland shares his thoughts on Strayhorn in the video above.

Strayhorn Recruitment

Michigan offered Strayhorn as an underclassman and continued to make him a top priority over the last couple of years.

Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore served as his primary recruiter when he was the offensive line coach and played a major role in sealing the deal with Strayhorn this weekend. New Michigan offensive line coach Grant Newsome quickly built a bond with Strayhorn and made a strong impression as well.

Strayhorn committed to Michigan over fellow finalists Colorado and Ohio State.

“It’s like my mom put it,” Strayhorn said. “She told Coach (Sherrone) Moore ‘he didn’t just commit to Michigan, he committed to you and Coach (Grant) Newsome.’ Our relationship has been developed for the last three years, so it runs really deep with them. They stayed consistent. Everything that needed to happen for me to come here, which is (Moore) becoming the head coach, did happen. Ever since then, it’s been smooth sailing. I just feel like this is home in my heart. Obviously, I can tell you that it’s because of the history of the offensive line and all that, but the real reason is Coach Moore.”

Strayhorn played a lot of tackle for IMG last season. However, he projects best as a center at Michigan and was recruited hard at the position.

At 6-foot-3, 285 pounds, Strayhorn is ranked as the No. 39 interior offensive lineman and No. 464 overall prospect nationally. He is also ranked as the No. 63 overall prospect in the state of Florida this cycle.

Michigan now has 10 commits in its 2025 recruiting class — Strayhorn, Top 100 Washington (D.C.) Gonzaga defensive back Kainoa Winston, Top 100 Oak Park (Ill.) Fenwick defensive lineman Nate Marshall, On300 Fort Myers (Fla.) Bishop Verot quarterback Carter Smith, On300 Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy running back Donovan Johnson, four-star Palatine (Ill.) High EDGE Jaylen Williams, four-star Birmingham (Mich.) Groves offensive lineman Avery Gach, four-star Howell (Mich.) High defensive lineman Bobby Kanka, three-star New Orleans (La.) Archbishop Shaw running back Jasper Parker and three-star Alcoa (Tenn.) High tight end Eli Owens.

The class is currently ranked No. 12 nationally and No. 4 in the Big Ten, per the On3 Industry national team recruiting rankings. The Wolverines currently sit behind Ohio State, Oregon and USC.