After flipping Bryce Underwood from LSU just weeks before National Signing Day, the Michigan Wolverines are now hoping to repeat the history with WR Dakota Guerrant, who recently committed to Oregon.

That strategy was highlighted by the analyst Ethan McDowell during an appearance on The Inside Scoop. McDowell believes Michigan never expected Guerrant's commitment to end the battle and believes the Wolverines will continue to pursue the Harper Woods standout.

"But Michigan's going to keep swinging. They've always fully expected that his recruitment is going to go to signing day, and...he is maybe the top overall target on their recruiting board and always has been,” McDowell said. “And they're just going to keep pushing for him, keep doing everything they can to keep him home."

The Wolverines stunned the recruiting world last year by flipping five-star quarterback Underwood from LSU less than two weeks before National Signing Day. Last year, Underwood finished with 2,428 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Michigan now hopes its approach can get him another surprise with Guerrant.

"If Michigan's offense shows improvement, that's always been the big pivot point... offense shows improvement," McDowell continued. "If he feels like he can be successful in Michigan's offense, I think they will have his attention at the very least."

Michigan's offense struggled to find balance last season, relying on its running game while the passing attack failed to make a consistent impact.

The team finished the 2025 season with a 9-4 record and suffered a 41-27 loss against the Texas Longhorns.

Michigan has not given up on Guerrant. But the Ducks have already built a strong bond with the five-star receiver.

What Makes Oregon Hard to Beat for Dakota Guerrant

The  Oregon Ducks have built a reputation for receivers under head coach Dan Lanning, where they are creating opportunities and preparing them for the NFL.

“Guerrant walks into a place that's putting out NFL talent too, with Tez Johnson and Troy Franklin now big options for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Denver Broncos, respectively,” Lorenzo Reyna of Sports Illustrated wrote. 

 Future quarterback options such as Dylan Raiola and 2027 commit Will Mencl strengthen the program's long-term appeal. While Guerrant feels like he is at his dream school.

"This was always my dream school growing up," Guerrant said, as per Ducks Wire. "When they started recruiting me, they felt like family from the start. It just kept building with them, and how they do with their receivers and how they're producing, I've just seen myself there from the start."

Guerrant recorded 58 catches for 1,100 yards and 27 touchdowns during his junior season, making him one of the nation's top prospects.

With Oregon offering a proven receiver pipeline and an exciting offensive future, Michigan faces a difficult challenge if it hopes to recreate the Bryce Underwood story.

What do you think Michigan will do to get Dakota Guerrant on their side? Let us know in the comments.

Read more on the Michigan Football Community

Written by

Shreya Mishra

Edited by

Rudra Dubey