A familiar recruiting rivalry is heating up early, as Big Ten and SEC programs go head-to-head for top talent in the 2027 class.

Kyle Whittingham’s Michigan Wolverines gained an edge over Big Ten rival the Oregon Ducks and SEC power program, the Texas Longhorns, with the commitment of a 4-star cornerback.

According to On3 recruiting analyst Hayes Fawcett, the 6-foot-1, 185-pound cornerback, Blake Jenkins, from Katy, Texas, chose the Wolverines on Thursday, June 4. 

Jenkins originally intended to visit the Wolverines during the Victors Weekend, scheduled for June 19-21, which is a major recruiting event hosted by the program.

However, instead of waiting for that visit, he decided earlier this week to commit to Michigan. Wolverines’ recruiting victory came over major programs, including the Alabama Crimson Tide, Texas, Oregon, and Vanderbilt, who offered Jenkins. 

According to On3, Michigan cornerbacks coach Jernaro Gilford played a crucial role in Jenkins’ recruitment, as he made him a top priority after offering late, in February.

“Coach JG has been consistent with me throughout the process, and getting that Victors Weekend invite showed how much they value me,” Jenkins said in an interview earlier this spring. “I felt like it was the right place to close out my OVs and really take everything in.”

Even though Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns offered him early, back in October last year, Michigan still stood out in the recruiting race. Oregon, too, offered Jenkins eight months back in October. 

This is not the first time that Michigan defeated Big Ten rival Oregon in the recruiting race. They also gained the commitment of 2028 linebacker Brayden Watson, who held an offer from Dan Lanning's program. 

While the 2027 class is shaping up, tension is already rising for the 2028 class.

Michigan Wolverines and Texas Longhorns Locking Horns for 2028 Recruit

One of the nation’s top-rated quarterbacks in the 2028 class, Neimann Lawrence, is reportedly nearing an early decision that could come in the coming weeks.

The 6-foot-0.5, 202-pounder from Miami, Florida, is the No.6 quarterback and No.7 in his state, according to On3, who completed 71 percent of his throws for 1,971 yards and 32 touchdowns against a single interception as a sophomore. 

He holds offers from 30 programs, including Michigan, Texas, the Miami Hurricanes, and the Ohio State Buckeyes, among others.

According to On3’s prediction, Texas ranks at the top with an 88.9% chance to seal his commitment. Michigan, however, stands with only a 1.1% chance. 

As per the latest reports, Lawrence will announce his commitment choice on June 25. 

Now that Michigan has defeated Texas in Jenkins’ recruitment, what are your thoughts on the Wolverines' chances on the 2028 quarterback? Share in the comments.

Read more at Michigan Football Community.

Written by

Soheli Tarafdar

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar