No Game, No Problem: Wolverines Recharge and Dominate the Recruiting Trail
If you’re a Michigan fan, this weekend feels a little strange — no tailgates, no jump arounds, no sea of maize under the Big House lights. But that doesn’t mean things have gone quiet in Ann Arbor. The No. 21 Wolverines might be off the field, sitting at 7-2 and catching their breath, but behind the scenes? The staff’s been putting in work. While players rest, heal, and hit the cold tubs, Sherrone Moore and company are heating up the recruiting trail — and already landed a major flip for the future.
Riding a Three-Game Win Streak
Before the bye, Michigan gutted out a 21-16 win over Purdue at home — a classic grind-it-out Big Ten battle that fit this team’s identity perfectly. Jordan Marshall was the hero, running wild for 185 yards and three touchdowns. He carried the load, the clock, and basically the whole offense. That win marked three straight and pushed the Wolverines to 5-1 in conference play. Moore’s squad isn’t flashy right now, but they’re finding ways to win — and that’s usually the sign of a mature, well-coached football team.
Healing Up and Getting Right
The timing of this bye couldn’t be better. Michigan’s been banged up, especially in the backfield. Running back Justice Haynes — the Big Ten’s leading rusher before last week — was spotted in a walking boot during the Purdue game. Moore later confirmed he’ll need foot surgery, and while there’s a slim chance of a late-season return, the staff’s priority is getting him healthy long-term.
Defensively, though, things look brighter. Edge rusher Jaishawn Barham, who left early against Purdue, is trending toward a return against Northwestern. Linebackers Jimmy Rolder and Cole Sullivan, both sidelined recently, are “getting closer and closer,” according to team sources. Translation: the bye came right on time.
Welcome to Ann Arbor, Tommy Fraumann
The biggest headline this week doesn’t come from the field — it’s from the recruiting wire. Michigan pulled off a big-time flip, landing offensive tackle Tommy Fraumann, a 6-foot-7, 250-pound mountain from Loyola Academy. Fraumann had been committed to Miami (Ohio), but his official visit to Ann Arbor for the Washington game sealed the deal. Both his parents are U-M grads, so in a way, this was destiny wearing maize and blue.
The commitment continues a clear pattern under Moore: go get your guys, even if they’ve already pledged elsewhere. And it’s working.
The Flip Strategy Is in Full Effect
Michigan’s making a habit of flipping major recruits — and that’s not luck, it’s strategy. Fraumann joins linebacker Aden Reeder (flipped from Wisconsin) and linebacker Markel Dabeny (flipped from SMU) as recent adds. The next name on the board: Marcus Jennings, a three-star linebacker from Detroit Cass Tech who’s currently committed to Pitt. Jennings visited on November 4 and picked up an official Michigan offer. If you’re keeping score, Moore’s staff has turned November into recruiting season 2.0.
Looking Ahead: Wildcats at Wrigley
When the Wolverines return to action on November 15, they’ll do so in one of the coolest backdrops in college football — Wrigley Field. Their opponent, the Northwestern Wildcats, enter at 5-3 (3-2 Big Ten) and play tough, physical ball. Coach David Braun’s defense has held seven of eight opponents under 200 passing yards, and they love to make games ugly.
Their weak spot? Turnovers. Quarterback Preston Stone has thrown 9 picks against 10 touchdowns, which means Michigan’s opportunistic defense could feast if it forces him into long-down situations. The key for the Wolverines will be establishing the run without Haynes — and letting Bryce Underwood stay comfortable and efficient behind a line that’s starting to gel again.
The Bottom Line
The bye week isn’t about rest — it’s about momentum. Michigan’s got it, and they’re using it. The Wolverines are 7-2, and with plenty of momentum, winning three in a row following the loss to USC. Making waves in recruiting doesn’t hurt either! The Big House may be quiet this weekend, but make no mistake: this program is still moving full steam ahead.
What do you think, Michigan fans — is this team peaking at the right time, or is the injury bug going to bite down the stretch? Hit the Wolverine Wire in the forum, or leave a comment down below!
Note: This story includes reporting and verified updates from multiple reputable sources, including team reports, local media, and national college football outlets
