Michigan football in top 4 for 5-star OT Kelvin Obot—can they land the 2026 star?

USA Today

15-05-2025

Michigan football in top 4 for 5-star OT Kelvin Obot—can they land the 2026 star?
Michigan football recruiting, as it is most years around this time of year, has been relatively slow and mundane in terms of generating commitments. The Wolverines have just five commitments thus far in the 2026 class, but the team almost always picks things up in June and July following the official visit slate.
Regardless, that doesn't mean that all is quiet behind the scenes.
Coming off a slew of spring visitors, the maize and blue have momentum for most of their top targets that they've had all along. Now that top-tier prospects are whittling down their lists, Michigan football is making significant headway with some of the players it covets the most.
Michigan makes the top four for a top target
One such prospect that the Wolverines have long coveted is 2026 Fruitland (Idaho) five-star offensive tackle Kelvin Obot. Hailing from the same state as former Michigan star tight end Colston Loveland, the Wolverines have proven that they can find elite talent on the fringes of the Pacific Northwest.
On Thursday, Obot revealed his top four schools, and Michigan football made the cut.
Rounding out his list, however, are Oregon, Utah, and Nebraska -- three schools that are regionally closer with some having solid momentum on the recruiting trail.
Oregon has recruited very well, especially along the offensive line as of late. Considered to be the favorite for some time, the other two schools have made significant headway. Obot's last release was a top five, which included the aforementioned four programs, but he eliminated USC from contention. He also recently officially visited Michigan State, which has likewise been eliminated.
Obot unofficially visited Ann Arbor for three days in late March and is expected to visit Michigan officially.
How he ranks
On3's proprietary rankings are highest on Obot, having him listed as a five-star and the No. 9 overall player, regardless of position. He is universally seen as a four-star, but ESPN has him the lowest -- yet still within its top 300 rankings.
Here is how he ranks:
247Sports: No. 144 overall, No. 10 offensive tackle, No. 1 in Idaho
No. 144 overall, No. 10 offensive tackle, No. 1 in Idaho On3: No. 9 overall, No. 3 OT, No. 1 in Idaho
No. 9 overall, No. 3 OT, No. 1 in Idaho ESPN: No. 280 overall, No. 31 OT, No. 1 in Idaho
No. 280 overall, No. 31 OT, No. 1 in Idaho Rivals : No. 204 overall, No. 22 OT
: No. 204 overall, No. 22 OT 247Sports Composite: No. 131 overall, No. 9 OT, No. 1 in Idaho
No. 131 overall, No. 9 OT, No. 1 in Idaho On3 Industry Ranking: No. 79 overall, No. 7 OT, No. 1 in Idaho
Current commits
At the moment, as previously mentioned, Michigan football has five pledges in the 2026 class, led by four-star quarterback Brady Smigiel, the former Florida State commit. Cornerback Brody Jennings and interior offensive lineman Bear McWhorter are also listed as four-stars according to the 247Sports Composite, while wide receiver Jaylen Pile and edge rusher Tariq Boney are both listed as three-stars.
To see who the Wolverines are currently in contention for, click here.
Though the maize and blue currently have five commits, expect that number to triple (or more) by the time mid-July rols around.