Michigan Wolverines football is deep into a fight for one of the top cornerbacks in the 2027 class. That fight just got a lot tougher.

Four-star cornerback Monsanna Torbert Jr. from Princeton, Ohio, took an official visit to the Ohio State Buckeyes on June 12. He visited Michigan this past weekend on June 19. Louisville Cardinals have now entered the race, too.

"Multiple sources have indicated that Louisville has emerged as a contender, recently hosted Torbert, and have put an exciting NIL opportunity on the table," Rivals' Steve Wiltfong reported.

That NIL offer is the real wrinkle here. Michigan and Ohio State both have limits on what they will spend on an incoming freshman cornerback, and Louisville is using that gap to its advantage.

The programs are contesting for Torbert, who is ranked No. 102 overall and No. 12 among cornerbacks nationally per 247Sports Composite.

Torbert decommitted from the Indiana Hoosiers on May 18 after committing to the 2025 National Championship winner in January. He made clear he is keeping his options wide open right now.

"I'm excited about all these schools," Torbert told Rivals per Maize N Brew. "I'm not leaning towards one more than others. I'm excited to see where this process goes."

That is not exactly a warm lean toward Michigan or Ohio State. Both programs are still very much in the race. Torbert did point to one thing that draws him specifically to Michigan.

"The new defensive staff," he said. "Defensive guru, the DC coach Jay Hill. Michigan is a powerhouse, they're always good. The DC/corners coach I have a great relationship with him."

Jay Hill's reputation as a defensive mind, under whom the BYU Cougars were listed No.13 in total defense in 2024, is one of Michigan's biggest selling points in this recruitment right now.

Ohio State visited with Torbert first, and expert projections began to lean toward the Buckeyes after that trip. A to Z Sports noted the Buckeyes would rather lose Torbert to Louisville than to Michigan if it comes to that.

Torbert had 40 tackles, three picks, and three pass breakups in ten games last season. Numbers like that at the high school level do not go unnoticed for long.

Meanwhile, Michigan targets Torbert to push their recruiting rankings.

Michigan’s 2027 class has been on a roll

While the Torbert situation plays out, Michigan has been putting together a strong 2027 class under Kyle Whittingham. According to On3's 2027 Football Team Recruiting Rankings, Michigan has 17 commits in the cycle, and 11 of them are blue-chip recruits.

They currently sit at No. 13 nationally in the 2027 class. Adding Torbert would push them close to the top ten.

The Wolverines already have two cornerbacks locked in. That includes Blake Jenkins and Darius Johnson.

Torbert would be an important addition to the group if Michigan could get it done.

Do you think Michigan can land Torbert over Ohio State and Louisville? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Farheen Fathima

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar