Michigan football secured a spot in the top five selections for a five-star recruit, alongside increased discussions about Jim Harbaugh’s coaching future.
Michigan football received more positive news on the recruiting front a day after an impressive Early National Signing Day, as the Wolverines emerged among the top five choices for highly sought-after safety DJ Pickett.
Pickett, a standout talent from Tampa standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 170 pounds, ranks seventh overall in the 2025 class according to the 247 Sports composite rankings. Alongside Michigan, his top five choices include Alabama, Georgia, Ole Miss, and Miami. Pickett has previously visited Michigan multiple times and shares a close relationship with Chris Ewald, a 2025 commitment to Michigan football.
Despite Michigan’s strong positioning in Pickett’s considerations, there’s uncertainty about the Wolverines’ ability to secure five-star recruits in the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) era without offering guaranteed upfront NIL payments, as seen with Ohio State’s recent Signing Day strategy.
Meanwhile, speculations regarding Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh’s future continue to swirl. While no definitive decision has been made, the consensus suggests that if a deal isn’t finalized this week, Harbaugh may entertain NFL offers post the ongoing season.
Recent reports have indicated interest from the Chargers, with prominent Michigan Insider John U. Bacon mentioning that the Chargers could be a genuine prospect for Harbaugh. Bacon highlighted Harbaugh’s priority for feeling appreciated over financial incentives.
Amidst NCAA investigations, Michigan football has shown significant support, yet the pivotal question looms—will Athletic Director Warde Manuel provide the necessary backing (“Bear Hug”) to retain Harbaugh in Ann Arbor? Whether Harbaugh stays could hinge on the Wolverines’ performance and a potential national championship win.
Looking ahead, if Harbaugh opts for an NFL return, there’s growing speculation that Sherrone Moore might step into his shoes. Analyst Chris Balas shared the opinion that Moore could succeed Harbaugh in 2024, presenting a scenario that seems to indicate an eventual transition to either Harbaugh or Moore leading the team.
