The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1538670
40 THE WOLVERINE ❱ SEPTEMBER 2025 BY ANTHONY BROOME M ichigan's 2023 class checked in 18th in the country in the Rivals Industry Ranking, U‑M's lowest ranking since 2018 (22nd) and just the third Wolverine group un‑ der former head coach Jim Harbaugh to be slotted worse than 15th. This cohort has had its share of con‑ tributors thus far, such as wide receiv‑ ers Semaj Morgan, Kendrick Bell and Fredrick Moore, offensive lineman Evan Link and defensive backs Jyaire Hill and Brandyn Hillman. However, how play‑ ers like edge Cameron Brandt, defen‑ sive tackle Trey Pierce, offensive guard Nathan Efobi step into bigger roles this year and beyond could ultimately deter‑ mine the legacy of the class. So far, there have been respectable contributions, but no true foundational pieces. Additionally, 12 players from this 25‑ man class have left the program via the transfer portal. Recruiting Name Pos. Stars BROOKS BAHR DT ★★★ The 6-foot-5, 312-pounder, who has switched from defensive to offensive line, has not seen game action in his first two years in Ann Arbor. KENDRICK BELL WR ★★★ Switched from quarterback to wide re- ceiver before the 2023 season, he did not appear in any games as a rookie. During the 2024 campaign, Bell played in all 13 games, earning six starts and catching 7 passes for 70 yards. CAMERON BRANDT EDGE ★★★ Has appeared in 27 career games with 17 career tackles. Coaches say he will be the "third starter" at edge in 2025. SEMAJ BRIDGEMAN LB ★★★★ The Philadelphia native didn't play in 2023 FORWARD PROGRESS U-M's 2023 Recruits Look To Turn From Contributors To Fixtures 2023 CLASS REVIEW REPORT CARD Players In Class: 25 Rivals Industry Team Rank- ing: 18th Players Still At Michigan: 13 Michigan missed on some of its top targets in the 2023 class dur- ing the recruiting process, leading to the lower-than-usual ranking. There are still players who could round into founda- tional roles, but the class lacks star power relative to others at U-M. C+ Cameron Brandt, a former three-star recruit, has appeared in 27 career games and made 17 tack- les in two seasons. The coaching staff views him as a "third starter" at edge in 2025. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL