This week has been challenging for Michigan football on the recruiting front, as the Wolverines faced a significant setback with the loss of their top-ranked commitment for the 2025 class. The player in question, Nate Marshall, was previously committed to Michigan but has now decided to join Auburn. Marshall, a 6-foot-4, 260-pound defensive lineman, was initially committed to Michigan since April. His decision to flip to Auburn has been a blow to the Wolverines’ recruiting efforts.
While this development is certainly disappointing, it’s important to note that such changes are part of the recruiting landscape, and it is not the end of the world for Michigan. The Wolverines are still actively pursuing other prospects and working on potential flips of their own, particularly at the cornerback position. One of their most significant targets in this area is four-star cornerback Donovan Starr from Auburn.
Donovan Starr, who hails from Brentwood, Tennessee, stands 6 feet tall and weighs 176 pounds. According to the 247 Sports composite rankings, he is currently ranked No. 416 overall in the 2025 class. Starr committed to Auburn in June, with Clemson also showing interest. However, Clemson’s cornerback roster for the 2025 class is quite crowded, which could make it challenging for them to secure Starr’s commitment.
Michigan is making a concerted effort to persuade Starr to reconsider his commitment to Auburn and join their program instead. According to EJ Holland of The Wolverine, this push could be bolstered by a potential visit from Starr to Michigan this fall. It appears that Michigan is not the only program vying for Starr’s attention, but there is optimism that the Wolverines will have the opportunity to host him for a visit soon.
Starr’s athleticism is noteworthy; he runs the 100-meter dash in 10.56 seconds, which is particularly impressive given his height of 6 feet. His speed and agility make him a standout prospect in the cornerback position. Additionally, Starr’s high school, Ravenwood, is a familiar name for Michigan football fans. The Wolverines have previously recruited from Ravenwood, landing current cornerback Myles Pollard from there. Ravenwood also produced Junior Colson, who played for Michigan for two seasons before moving on to the NFL with the LA Chargers under the coaching of Jim Harbaugh.
Despite the recent loss of Nate Marshall, Michigan’s recruiting efforts continue to focus on securing top talent and strengthening their roster. The potential flip of Donovan Starr represents a significant opportunity for the Wolverines to add a talented player to their defensive backfield. As the recruiting season progresses, Michigan will look to build on their current efforts and turn the tides in their favor.
