Michigan Wolverines had a real shot at one of the best wide receivers in the country. It didn't work out.

Five-star wide receiver Xavier Sabb committed to Oregon on July 4, choosing the Ducks over LSU Tigers, Tennessee Volunteers, Georgia Bulldogs, and UCLA Bruins, as reported by Rivals' Steve Wiltfong. He is ranked the No. 5 receiver and No. 32 overall prospect in the 2027 class, according to Rivals.

"Best choice, best chance I can get to winning a national championship," Xavier explained the reason behind his pick during his commitment ceremony, as posted by Rivals on X.

The Michigan connection here is real. Xavier's older brother Keon originally signed with Michigan in the 2022 class before eventually transferring to Alabama Crimson Tide in February, 2024. Xavier had publicly said he was still considering Michigan because of that family tie.

"Mainly, what drove my decision is the relationship I've developed with Coach [Dan] Lanning. He's been recruiting me since I was in the eighth grade," Xavier said. "I've had a great relationship with them since my freshman year. They're going to develop me for the pros."

That's a relationship Lanning built over the years while Kyle Whittingham's staff is still trying to establish itself in Ann Arbor. Michigan's ties to Xavier were built through family, not through years of their own direct recruiting work, and that ended up being the difference.

He finished his junior year at Glassboro High School in New Jersey with 59 catches for 897 yards and 13 touchdowns, plus two rushing scores and a kick and punt return touchdown en route to a state championship. He also picked off four passes playing defense.

Rivals analyst Greg Biggins called him a high-ceiling prospect with NFL upside, pointing to his 10.69-second 100m time and 6-foot-2 high jump as proof of what he can do as an athlete.

With Xavier's commitment, Michigan is left behind in the 2027 recruiting rankings by the Big Ten rival.

Xavier Sabb's commitment pushes Oregon to No. 1 in the Big Ten’s 2027 recruiting class

Oregon entered the day at No. 6 nationally in the 2027 class. That pushed Oregon to No. 3 in the country and No. 1 in the Big Ten for the 2027 class, while Michigan is at No.3 in the Big Ten and No.10 overall, according to On3's 2027 Football Team Recruiting Rankings.

Xavier is the third five-star Lanning has pulled in this cycle. The other two are wide receiver Dakota Guerrant and edge rusher Rashad Streets, who are also worth noting, having chosen Oregon over their home state, Michigan.

Two five-star receivers in the same class, both saying no to Michigan and yes to Oregon. That tells you something about where each program stands right now on the recruiting trail.

Do you think Michigan can respond and land elite wide receiver talent in the 2027 class? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Farheen Fathima

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar