Spring is in the air, and so is the buzz around Michigan football. As the Wolverines kick off spring practices, top recruits are making their way to Ann Arbor. And one name that stands out? Anthony Cartwright, a talented four-star tight end. Set to visit on April 3, he brings plenty of intrigue with him. However, a 2027 prospect, whose brother—a five-star wide receiver—remains a player to watch. Although the WR prospect committed to Alabama in November, Michigan isn’t backing down just yet. But with both brothers on their radar, Sherrone Moore and his staff are now weighing their options, rethinking their pursuit of the elite pass-catcher. Could the Wolverines make a late push?
On March 23, Michigan insider EJ Holland took to X with some big recruiting buzz. He reported that Michigan’s visit again impressed Rivals150 OL Malakai Lee. But the real headline? 2026 five-star wide receiver Christian Ward. All eyes were on Michigan’s approach with the elite pass-catcher. For days, speculation ran wild. Would the Wolverines make a big push? But now, the answer is clear—Sherrone Moore and his staff have decided to step back—no push for Ward. No doubt, it’s a surprising twist in Michigan’s recruiting strategy.
We all know Christian Ward was once a top target for Michigan. Even at one point, the Wolverines seemed like the team to beat. And after his visit, Michigan still leads for Ward. But behind the scenes, Sherrone Moore and his staff saw other pass catchers they liked even more. That’s why instead of locking in a summer official visit, they’ll take a step back. The plan? Reevaluate him next month during the spring evaluation period. As of now, will Michigan circle back, or is this the beginning of the end? That’s the big question.
Michigan right back in it with Top 100 OL Malakai Lee + more takeaways from a busy first wave of spring visits in Ann Arbor #GoBlue. https://t.co/JXHU7TBKpe pic.twitter.com/acMjFqGOhY
— “EJ Holland” (@EJHollandOn3) March 22, 2025
However, Christian Ward isn’t just another prospect—he’s a game-changer. His uncle and trainer, Coach Mil, raves about his elite measurable. With a blazing 4.4-second 40-yard dash and a top speed of 23 mph, he is a combination of pure speed and power. Given that Michigan has had its eyes on him since the Jim Harbaugh era, and his bond with WR coach Ron Bellamy runs deep. But under Sherrone Moore, the Wolverines are weighing their options, although they love Ward’s potential but have a few reservations. Could he still land in Michigan’s class? It’s possible, but there’s work to be done.
Although the Wolverines have surged to the front of his recruitment, they are now rethinking their approach to Christian Ward. Still, his visit to Ann Arbor left a lasting impression. In his own words, Ward kept it simple but powerful, writing, “I love everything about it.” But the story doesn’t end there. While Michigan reassesses Christian Ward, his younger brother—the top defensive back prospect—remains on their radar. Now, the script could flip for Sherrone Moore. Could a family connection seal the deal? This recruitment just got even more interesting.
Sherrone Moore’s recruitment strategy
Here comes Alexander Ward, a dynamic 2027 athlete from Marietta. Although he committed to Alabama in November, Michigan isn’t backing down. They’ve kept the pressure on, bringing in both Alexander and his five-star brother, Christian Ward. But now, the script has flipped—Sherrone Moore is out on Christian but all in on Alexander. Can the Wolverines pull off the flip for the Alabama commit? Maybe.
Because Michigan has plenty of reasons to believe they can land Alexander Ward. A versatile athlete, he has the skill set to play CB or WR at the next level. And that’s exactly what makes the Wolverines so appealing. According to On3, Ward is intrigued by Michigan’s history of developing two-way players. And that could be the edge Michigan needs to flip him from Alabama.
“I’m interested in Michigan because I like the way they let their players be versatile. They let their players play on both sides. It’s a great opportunity to consider them with me playing on both sides. (Michigan) told me they like me at both. I’m excited to see the way the coaches work with the corners and wide receivers. I just want to see how the coach and how the players go through things,” said the standout DB.
However, flipping Alexander Ward from Alabama won’t be easy. When he committed to the Tide, he made it clear why. “What stands out the most is the coaches and how they love up on their players and everything,” said Ward. And that kind of connection runs deep. As of now, Sherrone Moore and Michigan have their work cut out for them. But can they change his mind? That’s the biggest challenge.
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