Recruiting Roundup: Michigan expected to flip USC commit.
BREAKING NEWS: Michigan unexpected USC Flip Committed….. 
Erik Bean Erik is a lifelong Wolverines fan born and raised in West Michigan. He covers a variety of topics related to Michigan football including game analysis and recruiting.
The Michigan Wolverines cruised to another undefeated regular season and have not lost a regular season game since 2021. If you are a recruit looking to play for a successful team, Ann Arbor is the place to be.
In today’s roundup, we’ll discuss a high ceiling 2025 offensive lineman who has an affinity for the Wolverines, as well as the coaching staff making an in-home visit for a late-blooming 2024 edge. But first…
Michigan receives flip prediction for USC commit
Three-star 2024 defensive lineman Deyvid Palepale has been committed to the USC Trojans since July.
The Wolverines were actively recruiting Palepale and appeared to be leading the way in his recruitment before ultimately losing him to the Trojans.
But now it appears there has been some movement, resulting in On3’s EJ Holland ($) — and now other recruiting experts — predicting him to flip to Michigan.
The Wolverines were always very high on Palepale’s list. He visited Ann Arbor in the summer and had good things to say about the program and coaching staff.
“It just felt like a home vibe,” he told Holland. “My mom really loved it, too. She really liked how coach Herb (Ben Herbert) transforms guys.
Aidan Hutchinson came in looking like a receiver and left how he is now. That stood out to me and my family. She doesn’t have to worry about me eating too much or too little.
The biggest thing is reaching my potential, and I think Michigan can do that. If I were to go to Michigan, she wouldn’t have to worry about me leaving the nest.”
Although a three-star, the Wolverines like what they see in Palepale and believe he could come in and make a big impact. There has been no official statement yet, but it sounds as if he and the Trojans have already decided to part ways, according to Holland.
This is worth keeping an eye on as the early signing day rapidly approaches.
Michigan making late push for 2024 edge, making in-home visit today
The Wolverines have produced incredible talent along the edge in recent years, sending several guys to the NFL. Although the list of uncommitted players in the 2024 cycle are dwindling, there are some prospects Michigan would love to add to the class, including m four-star Lugard Edokpayi.
The No. 22 ranked edge prospect in the cycle has taken several visits to schools all around the country, but he has yet to make a commitment.
The Wolverines were late to the party, officially offering Edokpayi less than a month ago. Although they did not take immediate interest, Michigan appears to be an intriguing option for him.
In an interview with On3’s Holland ($), Edokpayi had nothing but good things to say about the Wolverines.
“Michigan is a great, consistent team that’s been in the top-five in recent years,” he said.“
They do a great job. They produce edge rushers, which is my position. They have a great coaching staff and a great culture. They are good at football and have a great education. Those are two big things on my checklist.”
Michigan is set to make an in-home visit with Edokpayi today, according to Holland, with defensive coordinator Jesse Minter and defensive line coach Mike Elston likely being the ones to make the trip.
Additionally, Edokpayi will officially visit Ann Arbor next week, while also taking trips to Florida State, Minnesota, Rutgers and Texas A&M this month. He is expected to make a final decision on or around the beginning of the early signing period on Dec. 20.
Michigan leading the way for 2025 four-star OT
Michigan produces some of the best offensive line talent in the nation, sending player after player to the NFL.
Sherrone Moore and the Wolverines target recruits who best fit their system, which includes 2025 four-star Will Black.
A massive recruit in both talent and size, Black is 6-foot-7, 295 pounds. He attended a camp at Michigan in the summer, which is when he earned his offer.
The No. 2 player in Connecticut was able to make it back up to the mitten this past month to witness the Wolverines defeat rival Ohio State.
The visit went very well,” Black told The Michigan Insider’s Brice Marich ($).
“The highlights of the trip were talking to coach Moore before the game, watching the offensive line warm up on the field and watching Michigan win the game. I loved the support the whole team gave (Zak Zinter) and especially all the fans.
“Michigan is definitely one of my top schools as of now.”
Black recognizes Moore is one of the best offensive line coaches in the nation.
With Harbaugh serving the remainder of his suspension, it was even more impressive to witness the juggling act of Moore coaching the line, calling offensive plays and being the interim head coach during the biggest game of his career.
As Black admitted, Michigan is leading the way in his recruitment. That is even more confirmed by TMI’s Marich, Steve Lorenz and Sam Webb all submitting predictions for the Wolverines to eventually land his commitment.
With more than 20 offers, he is being pursued by several other top programs including Alabama, Notre Dame, Penn State, Miami and others.
