The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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AUGUST 2026 ❱ THE WOLVERINE 45 ❱ COMMIT PROFILE BY ETHAN MCDOWELL X avier Muhammad noticed the re- cent run of May commitments in the 2027 cycle this spring. The Top 100 defensive lineman was in the middle of a loaded official visit schedule, but he decided to speed up his own timeline. A lot of thought, prayer and conversa- tions with his family led him to a clear conclusion — Michigan was the right spot for him. He said Notre Dame, Miami and the Wolverines were his top three from a long list of offers about a month ago. Then, Michigan emerged as the fa- vorite. "I called my primary coach, Coach Larry Black, and, once I told him, he was fired up, very excited," Muhammad said. "It was a very cool moment." The Wolverines were thrilled to secure his pledge early. He's the No. 88 recruit in the country and someone Black has been building a relationship with for years. That connection, the opportunities on the field and the university's academics put Michigan over the top for the South Houston (Texas) High standout. Black played a huge role in landing Mu- hammad. He traveled down to Texas the night before Muhammad's commitment with general manager Dave Peloquin. The elite lineman said he already made up his mind a couple of days before. "We have a really good relationship," Muhammad said. "We've been talking for almost a year and a half now. He's really one of the coaches who got this whole process started for me, so I'm just grateful and blessed, and he never switched up. Even leaving Vanderbilt, he never switched up. He's the same coach he's always been, a good, loving coach, always looking for me to get better, find- ing different ways to talk to me and ev- erything. I appreciate that a lot." Muhammad visited the Wolverines for the first time in April, spending a few days on campus and deepening his con- nection to the program. "As soon as I got there, I just felt the family atmosphere," Muhammad said. "Coach [David] Denham gave me a big hug. It's just nothing but love up there. And then the coaching staff, they're amazing. They're so cool, too, and they've got so many plans for me to de- velop and be the best player I can be and also the best man I can be." The Wolverines see the nation's No. 8 defensive lineman as a versatile prospect who could move to different spots on the front, but Muhammad said he will play mostly three-technique at U-M. "They see me really playing every- where," Muhammad said. "I think I could contribute to the defense by bringing a high motor, energy, being physical and just dominating overall." He's excited to be a part of the Michi- gan family and said his recruitment is now shut down with plans to enroll early. All trips were scratched except for his Victors Weekend visit with the Wolver- ines. His connection with the program grew quickly over the past few months, but he took U-M seriously as a contender as soon as Black offered him. "Oh yeah, it's Michigan," Muhammad said. "It doesn't get really any better than Michigan and what they have." During his official visit, the current players welcomed him into the team. He said they were family-oriented and cool people to spend time with. Muhammad feels great about his Michigan commitment after that trip and is ready to make plays in the trenches with the Wolverines. "I think I made the best decision," Muhammad said. "I made the right de- cision for not only me, but my family too, and I'm going to have a really good career there, I know. And also, basically, me coming to Michigan, I'll be set for life in the long run, so I'm happy I made that decision." ❑ Top 100 DL Xavier Muhammad Explains Surprise Commitment PLAYER EVALUATION STRENGTHS: There aren't many de- fensive linemen in the '27 class with a higher ceiling than Muhammad. He checks off so many boxes in terms of the frame, multi-sport athleticism and two- way snaps on the gridiron. Boasts some high-end measurables, with an athletic 6-foot-3.5, 265-pound frame, an 84-inch wingspan, and nearly 11-inch hands. He threw the shot put 53 feet, 10 inches, and the discus 107-4 this spring. He also averaged a double-double in hoops this past season with 15.1 points and 12.5 rebounds per game. His athleticism pops on the hardwood and he can play above the rim. Frame- wise and play style, he reminds me of Ohio State '26 signee Khary Wilder. Mu- hammad played predominantly as an edge rusher last season, but we think he slides inside and plays a more traditional tackle or three-tech role at the college level. He's athletic enough to play out of a two-point stance in space and can run down plays from behind. Shows short- area quickness getting up the field and the twitch and flexibility to stop/start and change direction with ease. Plays with heavy hands and is very strong at the point of attack. Can hold up in the run game and uses his length to disengage and make plays in the backfield easily. Can set the edge and either string a play out or use his quickness to make plays outside his area. AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT: His game will take another jump once he hits col- lege and can focus solely on football, as he's never been able to take part in an offseason training program or spring ball due to his basketball and track commit- ments. An easy high-Power Four pros- pect and a player we could see playing on Sundays for a very long time. PLAYER COMPARISON: Muhammad is a long, big-framed defensive line prospect who reminds us of [Clemson and Hous- ton Texans DL] Carlos Watkins. Both were employed as big defensive ends at the high school level and doubled as highly productive basketball players. Watkins was more filled out and heavier at the same stage. — Rivals national analyst Greg Biggins Muhammad, a four-star prospect from Texas, is rated by Rivals as the No. 88 player overall and No. 8 defensive lineman nationally. PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS