Recruiting has been in a standstill at Michigan since the changing of the guard from Jim Harbaugh to Sherrone Moore. It’s understandable, though. Not only did Moore have to take things one day at a time in figuring out which players were going to enter the NFL Draft after the Wolverines won the national championship, but he also had to replace half of the coaching staff. The entire defensive staff is basically gone from a year ago, and not only did Moore have to take some time to bring in the right pieces, but high school recruits had to wait to see who Moore would bring into Michigan and how those coaches would fit with them.
But after a successful Spring Game weekend, Michigan finally received a commitment from a big, big target. 2025 defensive lineman, Nate Marshall, announced his intentions to commit to the maize and blue.
The 6-foot-4, 265-pound lineman in a four-star recruit and the No. 4 defensive lineman according to the 247Sports Composite — he is the No. 1 ranked DL on Rivals. The Oak Park (IL) Fenwick prospect is the top-ranked recruit out of the state of Illinois.
247Sports’ Allen Trieu has a scouting report on Marshall:
Has a background that includes basketball and offense, where he sometimes splits way out wide and can be effective playing from that spot. Carries that athleticism over to defense where he is comfortable in space and pursuit. Can change directions and chase down plays. Shows motor and does not give up on plays. Shifts from outside to inside and has played up and down the line. Carries his weight very well so could continue to pack on pounds and be a combo guy in college. Does not currently have bad weight. Long-term projection is likely most likely as a five-tech but that depends on physical development. Combo of athleticism and versatility make him a high-end prospect. Has to continue developing from a technical standpoint with his hands and get stronger, but he looks like he will be a starter for high-major program and has the baseline tools to play beyond college.
Marshall had some big offers, but chose Michigan over programs such as: Alabama, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, Texas, USC, Miami, and others.
With the commitment of Marshall, Michigan now has four commitments in the 2025 class with Marshall being the top-ranked player.
