Michigan football is gaining momentum in a high-stakes recruiting battle for one of the nation’s top defensive prospects. On Sunday. On3/Rivals recruiting experts Ethan McDowell and Allen Trieu placed predictions in favor of the Wolverines landing Monsanna Torbert, a 2027 four-star cornerback from Cincinnati, Ohio, as this marks a significant shift in a recruitment that previously favored the Buckeyes.

Recruiting Momentum Shifts After Victors Weekend

The prediction comes after Michigan’s annual Victors Weekend event, which saw the team secure a commitment from three-star tight end Christian Hanshaw; more importantly, the event appears to have swayed Torbert’s decision, who had previously taken an official visit to Ohio State. According to Rivals reporter Allen Trieu, the Wolverines are now the clear leaders in the recruitment, with Torbert trending in their direction.

“Based on the intel we are receiving about where things are trending with Torbert, I have made a prediction for the Wolverines,” Trieu wrote — “Ohio State was the previous Rivals Prediction Machine leader, but this Victors Weekend has shifted things.”

Elite CB Battle Adds Weight to Rivalry

This development is a major recruiting win for Michigan, as Torbert is the 10th-ranked cornerback in the 2027 class and the No. 70 recruit overall per Rivals. Prior to the prediction shift. There had been buzz that Torbert might cancel his Michigan visit and commit directly to Ohio State after his official visit last week; Ohio State was believed to be in a strong position in the recruitment, according to GBMWolverine.

“Flipping the script like that would be a massive testament to this coaching staff,” the site noted. “Torbert was at the top of Ohio State’s recruiting list, and there was buzz about him potentially committing to the Buckeyes following his visit last week.”

Recruiting Success May Offset NIL Challenges

Securing Torbert could soften the blow of potentially missing out on another top corner, five-star recruit Joshua Dobson. Dobson is expected to announce his commitment in July, and while Michigan has done well in his recruitment, it is neck and neck with Texas A&M and South Carolina. Both programs are likely to use aggressive NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) offers to secure his commitment.

“I don’t think the Torbert and Dobson recruitments are linked at all; Michigan wasn’t going to take only one of the two,” GBMWolverine reported; “The Wolverines badly want both and will continue their hot pursuit of Dobson.”

Meanwhile, the offense under new head coach Kyle Whittingham is expected to see significant changes, with returning quarterback Bryce Underwood entering his second season and key additions like five-star running back Savion Hiter and transfer JJ Buchanan set to back the unit.