Michigan Wolverines are already looking ahead to the future after extending a scholarship offer to Class of 2028 linebacker Blake Nesbitt, one of Missouri's fastest-rising defensive prospects.

Michigan is the latest major program to enter the race for the talented sophomore, who has quickly become a sought-after recruit because of his versatility and athletic background. According to Zack Besaw of Roundtable, Nesbitt's multi-sport experience is one of the biggest reasons Michigan views him as a strong fit for its program.

"Michigan has long valued multi-sport athletes who bring diverse skill sets to the gridiron, and Nesbitt fits that mold perfectly," Besaw wrote. 

That combination of skills separates Nesbitt from many linebackers in his class, as reported by Zack Besaw of Roundtable.

"At Kirksville, he is a prominent three-phase player, contributing significantly on varsity basketball and showcasing his soft hands and spatial awareness as a two-way star at tight end,” Besaw added. 

His experience at tight end improved his hands and helped him understand how offenses attack defenses. That has carried over in coverage, where he often gets to the ball.

Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing between 210 and 220 pounds, Nesbitt already has the size college programs look for in a modern linebacker. 

On film, he shows quick recognition, physical tackling ability, and the range to play all three downs. His length also allows him to shed blocks effectively and close on ball carriers in space.

Nesbitt is not the only multisport linebacker linked to Michigan. The Wolverines landed the commitment of multi-sport and 4-star linebacker and 2027 class recruit, Frederrick Ford, in June.

Meanwhile, excitement is already brewing about Nesbitt's addition.

Michigan sees Blake Nesbitt as a fit for its defensive identity

As per the same report, Besaw believes Nesbitt's football IQ and relentless playing style fit the culture Michigan has built on defense.

He noted that the Wolverines continue to prioritize tough, disciplined defenders who can make an impact in multiple phases of the game, and Nesbitt checks many of those boxes despite still having two years of high school remaining.

The Kirksville High School standout, who recorded 117 total tackles and 74 solo tackles last season, announced the offer on social media after speaking with Wolverines linebackers coach Alex Whittingham.

"After a great conversation with @alexwutangham, I am blessed to receive an offer from the University of Michigan! Can't wait to continue building this relationship! @UMichFootball @JPRockMO @On3," Nesbitt wrote on July 17.

Michigan joins an expanding list of schools pursuing the Missouri native. Earlier this month, Iowa also offered Nesbitt after linebackers coach Seth Wallace reached out.

Oklahoma and Missouri are among the other programs working to keep pace in his recruitment.

As a sophomore last season, Nesbitt played both linebacker and tight end for Kirksville High School, showcasing his value on both sides of the ball. Rivals currently ranks him as a four-star recruit, the No. 3 overall player in Missouri, and the No. 17 linebacker.

With two more seasons of high school football ahead of him, Nesbitt's stock could continue to rise.

Michigan moved early by extending an offer, and the Wolverines now appear set for a long recruiting battle to land one of the Midwest's promising young linebackers.

Share your thoughts on how Nesbitt can make Michigan's defense better.

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Written by

Evince Das

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar