Michigan football recruiting is just beginning in the 2025 cycle, but even with recent classes, the Wolverines haven’t been able to attract many truly elite prospects right out of high school.
The Maize and Blue still did an excellent job developing those in the mid-four-star range and even many three-stars ended up looking like five-stars before they left Ann Arbor. But to maintain the high level of success Michigan has had, it will need some high-end prospects.
One player who just visited Ann Arbor for an official visit is Washington (DC) Gonzaga four-star safety Kainoa Winston. Expected to play nickel back if he comes to the Wolverines, Winston has long been viewed as a skinny Penn State prospect, but after his visit, he received two predictions that he would end up wearing a winged helmet.
247Sports’ Andrew Ivins scouting report:
A new-age defensive back with straight-line speed to help combat modern passing attacks. He boasts some of the most impressive track times of the 2025 cycle, having won numerous medals in respected competitions across the country. The size has not been verified by a third party, but he is believed to be under 6 feet tall and full of muscle. He flies around the field and can get out of numbers with ease. Quick to locate the football and not afraid to jump a route. Has proven to be a very spirited defender in run support and appears to be frequently looking for contact. Nimble and fluid enough in the lower half to deal with wide receivers and tight ends, but wasn’t asked to press much on Friday nights. Based on what he has recorded so far, he should be viewed as a potential defensive playmaker for a Power Five program who could play up top, in the box or even in the slot. He will likely add a lot of value to the special teams units in his program of choice.
Winston is ranked as the No. 43 player in the country regardless of position by 247Sports. Penn State, North CarolineIt is Oregon are your other finalists, but you also have offers from schools like Auburn, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, USCIt is Wisconsin.
