The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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40 THE WOLVERINE ❱ JUNE/JULY 2025 BY EJ HOLLAND M ichigan has put recruiting restric- tions on its football program, in- cluding a 7.5 percent reduction in official visits for one year, as a part of self-im- posed punishments related to "Signgate." Schools previously had a cap of 70 of- ficial visits, but that changed last year when the NCAA ruled in favor of allow- ing unlimited official visits for both pro- grams and recruits. The 7.5 percent re- duction likely means number of official visit weekends. It can be inferred that Michigan will likely forfeit a couple of official visit week- ends this season — much like in 2023. That year, Michigan opted to not host recruits for the first two games of the season. It should be noted that the 2023 season fea- tured eight home games, so Michigan will have to choose wisely this year with only six contests slated in Michigan Stadium. Games against New Mexico and Central Michigan make the most sense on pa- per. However, if Michigan goes that route, it wouldn't be able to host visitors until early October. Michigan also underwent a multi-week prohibition on recruiting communica- tions this spring. A handful of U-M's top targets confirmed that they were unable to speak to the Michigan coaching staff during that time. Michigan's staff was not on the road in early May. They are not expected to return to the recruiting trail until the week of May 19. This falls in line with a 20-day reduction of in-person recruiting days — Monday-Friday for four weeks. Michigan will only have one week to see recruits before the NCAA's spring contact period comes to an end on May 24. Reportedly, Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore will not be allowed to recruit on Friday nights during the 2025 regular-season road games. This is a bit of a blow. Moore was arguably Michigan's best closer last year. His in-season visit to see five-star offensive lineman Andrew Babalola helped significantly in that re- cruitment. With that said, Moore's recruiting visits in the fall were already limited. ❱ MICHIGAN RECRUITING NOTEBOOK Michigan Self-Imposes Recruiting Restrictions U-M head coach Sherrone Moore is expected to be suspended for two games in 2025 but prospec- tive Michigan recruits remain unfazed. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL