The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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50 THE WOLVERINE ❱ NOVEMBER 2026 BY ETHAN MCDOWELL K ellan Hall, currently the No. 2 ju- nior in the country according to Rivals, and five other Top 100-level re- cruits made their way to Michigan Sta- dium on Oct. 17 to watch the Wolverines overcome Penn State 21-18. Hall, a five- star defensive lineman who is ranked No. 1 at his position nationally in the 2028 class, was one of several prospects who planned to extend their trip and return to campus the following day for more meetings. Hall is firmly in decision-making mode, and because he plans on com- mitting early next year, the Penn State weekend was likely Michigan's only chance to host him before he makes a public pledge. The Louisville (Ky.) Christian Academy standout said af- ter the Wolverines-Nittany Lions game that his visit was off to a strong start and that he planned to spend most of the following day in Ann Arbor. "It has been great," Hall said. "I'm looking forward to spending more time with the staff. It's been a year since coming to the Big House, but the atmo- sphere is still incredible. A hard-fought win and a great showing from start to finish for the defense. They controlled the game with key takeaways." The Wolverines were busy inside the 2027 class as well, offering Toledo commitment Yuto Kawamura-Johnson (No. 300 at wide receiver) during his visit. Kawamura-Johnson traveled to campus with his mother, who flew in from Japan for his senior night at West Orange High School in Winter Garden, Fla., and also stayed the following day. Now that he officially holds the U-M offer, Kawamura-Johnson is squarely on flip watch. "I loved the atmosphere and the fans there," Kawamura-Johnson said. "I was very excited about the way Michigan responded and stepped up throughout the game. The coaches showed major interest and love. It was a true blessing." Another standout 2028 product, edge rusher Cam Toomey (No. 44 overall na- tionally, No. 9 at edge) also planned to join both Hall and Kawamura-Johnson on campus during the Penn State week- end. While Toomey was a surprise visi- tor, the Saratoga Springs (N.Y.) standout is an elite prospect and a top priority for Michigan. "It was great," Toomey said. "I still have some meetings with coaches, but the game-day environment was amaz- ing, especially being my first time here." Toomey wasn't the only Top 100-level 2028 target inside The Big House during Penn State weekend. Elite wide receiver Malachi Lee, the nation's No. 72 overall recruit and No. 9 at his position, visited for the second time this year. His fa- ther, Bryant, said they enjoyed the trip despite the cold weather and explained what stood out about the visit. "Tradition!" the elder Bryant said. "Also, the energy in the sideline felt au- thentic. It would be easy to let go of the rope at 3-2, but the players seem to be bought into the culture that the coaches are building." Michigan also left a strong impression on one of the nation's elite underclass- men. Linebacker Kingston Stroshine, the No. 65 overall recruit in the 2029 class who ranks No. 4 at his position, spoke highly of his first trip to Ann Ar- bor. "The amount of fans — 110,000!" Stroshine said. "The history of Michi- gan. Love the coaches and all the players I met after the game." The Wolverines offered the standout sophomore from American Fork (Utah) Lone Peak High, a clear indication they are very high on the No. 1 recruit in Utah. Four-star 2028 safety Drake Coellner (No. 238 overall nationally, No. 24 at safety) returned to Ann Arbor on Oct. ❱ MICHIGAN RECRUITING Recruits React To Michigan's Win Against Penn State Malachi Lee, the nation's No. 72 overall recruit and No. 9 wide receiver, visited for the second time this year during Penn State weekend, Oct. 17-18. PHOTO BY CHAD SIMMONS