The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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MAY 2026 ❱ THE WOLVERINE 55 ❱ MICHIGAN RECRUITING lineman as he wraps up his spring visit schedule over the next couple of weeks. He has already been to campus this spring and has his official visit locked in for June 15. Fakatou confirmed that Michigan will be the final school to host him, and he explained why. "It's them and Oregon," Fakatou said. "Oregon was second to last. I wanted to set the school that I really am consider- ing last so they could get the last say on how and why they need me over there." The Wolverines are putting together an all-out push to land the nation's sec- ond-best defensive lineman. His multi- day visit in March was a critical step to- wards ensuring the program remained in contention. Fakatou used that trip to bond with the new staff. The chance to connect with new coaches made his visit to Ann Arbor one of the most in- teresting stops of the spring. "For the most part, I think Michi- gan, probably, was the most interesting one because they have the new whole coaching staff. I'm just trying to see if I still want Michigan in the picture," Fakatou said. "And they did a pretty good job hosting me and my family out there that weekend and keeping them- selves in the race." Fakatou said Michigan "definitely" remains in the picture for him and reaffirmed the program as one of his top-three programs. The Wolverines, Oregon and Ohio State all did a great job building momentum after their re- spective spring visits while showing consistent love. Defensive ends coach Lewis Powell and defensive tackles coach Larry Black are both in frequent contact with the elite lineman. Michigan continues to stress how important he is to the pro- gram's 2027 class. "They really haven't said they want me — they need me," Fakatou said. "And they're just drawing up plays, telling me where I'd be. I had an hour meeting with the DC just telling me where I'm going to fit in, how he's going to try to base the defense around me." Fakatou left that meeting feeling good about Michigan's vision for him as a 6-7, 295-pound edge rusher who could play inside and out. He wants to showcase his versatility at the college level. Powell and Black would give him the chance to do that. Oregon remains the team to beat here. Fakatou said his connection with head coach Dan Lanning helped the Ducks create some separation. "He was sitting with me in meetings over there in Oregon," Fakatou said. "When I had D-line meetings, he was sitting next to me saying, 'Hey, do this better, or this and that.' I feel like, with Michigan, I just need to grow a better relationship with the head coach, for sure." Kyle Whittingham took on a more personal role on their spring visit, and they will continue to strengthen that connection moving forward. "The head coach was with us the whole time," Fakatou said. "When we went to dinner, he was just by our side. Obviously, a lot of head coaches do that, but for some reason, this feels so genuine. He was with us, sharing favor- ite songs. It just felt so genuine." He said Michigan did a great job of making him and his family feel wel- come. Georgia, Oregon, Ohio State and the Wolverines have all locked in of- ficial visits. When he's back in Ann Ar- bor, he wants to learn more about his fit into U-M's defense. Michigan sees him as "a Swiss Army Knife," and he hopes to take a deeper look into that vision in June. After taking his official visits, Faka- tou will move towards a commitment. "My decision is probably going to come the first week of August," he said. MICHIGAN 'BLEW UP' TOP 100 DL XAVIER MUHAMMAD'S EXPECTATIONS DURING SPRING VISIT Michigan made a significant move in Xavier Muhammad's recruitment after the Top 100 defensive lineman's three-day stay in Ann Arbor. He tacked on a trip to U-M as his final visit of the spring and it solidified the program in his top group. Houston, Miami, TCU and others are also in the mix for Rivals' No. 88 pros- Rivals Top 100 defensive lineman Xavier Muhammad of South Houston (Texas) High has Michigan in his top group of schools along with Miami, Houston and TCU. PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS