Five-star WR Calvin Russell includes Michigan in top 8, sets commitment for July 5
Five-star WR Calvin Russell includes Michigan in top 8, sets commitment for July 5
Near the end of the 2025 recruiting cycle, Michigan football shocked the recruiting world by flipping five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood from his longtime commitment to LSU. Now that the Wolverines have the No. 1 overall prospect in the class and the top quarterback, what's next? After all, Underwood needs some top talent to throw to.
The maize and blue did get a few top-flight receivers in 2025 in four-stars Andrew Marsh and Jacob Washington, while three-star wideout Jamar Browder was arguably the hype beast of spring ball. But Michigan is working behind the scenes to get some elite receiver talent in 2026. At the moment, it has three-star Jaylen Pile committed but is working on other options.
A top target sets a decision date
One wide receiver that the Wolverines have been quietly working on is 2026 Miami (Fla.) Northwestern five-star Calvin Russell. Listed by 247Sports as the No. 23 player in the country, regardless of position, Russell is an elite talent that Michigan is connected to and fits the ethos of the new-look offense as he's 6-foot-5 and 195 pounds coming out of high school.
Russell is considering eight schools, including Michigan, North Carolina, Florida State, Oregon, Miami, Florida, LSU, and Syracuse. And he plans to make his decision on July 5.
Russell has visited Ann Arbor once thus far, having made his way to campus on March 17. He has not scheduled to take an official visit at this time.
Scouting report
247Sports' Andrew Ivins is very high on Russell's talent, comparing him to Bengals star Tee Higgins:
Hulking wide receiver with above-the-rim athleticism that makes him a uniquely dangerous target, especially down in the red zone. Owns more of a slender build, but has measured over 6-foot-5 multiple times and is blessed with a near 6-foot-10 wingspan. Isn't exactly the most polished route runner at this stage, but creates separation with unexpected suddenness for such a longer strider. Superb body control tends to create even more of a disadvantage for defensive backs as he wins 50-50 battles with timing and positioning. Not going to outrun every tackle, but is quick to hit the gas and can make some dynamic cuts in traffic. Spent much of freshman and sophomore seasons repping as a run first-quarterback out of necessity before settling in as a must-look option in Year 3 for a storied Miami Northwestern program that captured a 3A championship. Will need to add some body armour to a rather wiry frame in hopes of improving play strength and buy into the process at the school of his choice, but should be viewed as a potential impact pass catcher for a College Football Playoff contender that can be positioned all around the field in hopes of creating mismatches. One of those good-at-everything athletes that could legitimately play two spots in college as he's also being recruited by basketball high majors.
Given that Michigan has Donaven McCulley on the roster, a player with a similar frame, getting Russell would ensure some continuity. And then he'd create some problems, pairing with the aforementioned Browder, who is also 6-foot-5 and considered a possession receiver.
There are no predictions as of current as to where Russell will end up. Miami, Florida, and Florida State currently have the lead via the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, which is based on AI. He's made six visits to Coral Gables, three to Gainesville, and two to Tallahassee. Other targets at wide receiver include Detroit native C.J. Sadler, DMV resident Travis Johnson, and Texas standout Zion Robinson.
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