Wolverines Win Major Recruiting Battle with Golden Pickup
Ann Arbor, MI — May 16, 2025
In one of the biggest recruiting victories of the offseason, the Michigan Wolverines have landed a commitment from five-star linebacker Darius Golden, edging out a host of top-tier programs including Ohio State, Alabama, and Georgia. Golden, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound defensive standout from Atlanta, Georgia, announced his decision Thursday afternoon via a live stream that drew thousands of viewers and sent shockwaves through the college football recruiting world.
Golden’s commitment is more than just another high-profile name added to Michigan’s already impressive 2025 class — it represents a seismic win in the program’s continued push to solidify itself among the elite under head coach Sherrone Moore. With this pickup, the Wolverines now hold commitments from three of the nation’s top ten defensive recruits, positioning themselves for a potential No. 1 overall recruiting class.
“I felt like Michigan was the best place for me — on and off the field,” Golden said during his announcement. “Coach Moore and Coach [Ben] Herbert made me feel like family from day one. They have a plan for me, not just as a player, but as a person. That’s what stood out.”
Golden is widely regarded as the top linebacker in the country, possessing rare sideline-to-sideline speed, elite football IQ, and a physicality that makes him a disruptive force in both the run and pass game. At Cedar Grove High School, he recorded 123 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, six sacks, and two interceptions during his junior season, while leading his team to a state championship.
His recruitment was the subject of intense national attention, with Alabama and Ohio State believed to be the frontrunners as recently as two weeks ago. However, a late official visit to Ann Arbor turned the tide. Sources close to Golden’s camp indicated that Michigan’s developmental pitch, particularly how the program has sent multiple linebackers and defensive players to the NFL in recent years, played a pivotal role.
“This is a culture win for Michigan,” said 247Sports national analyst Allen Trieu. “Golden could have gone anywhere in the country, and he chose the Wolverines not just because of what they’ve built, but because of where they’re headed. It’s a major statement.”
Golden’s pledge pushes Michigan’s 2025 recruiting class into the national spotlight. With 17 commitments now on board — including other five-star defenders like defensive end Malik Thomas and cornerback Jaylen Rhodes — the Wolverines are in position to have their highest-rated class in over a decade.
Coach Moore, who took over the program after Jim Harbaugh’s departure to the NFL, has wasted little time putting his stamp on Michigan’s recruiting philosophy. Known for his ability to connect with players and sell the holistic development approach, Moore has turned Michigan into a serious recruiting power.
“This is just the beginning,” Moore said in a brief statement following Golden’s commitment. “We’re building something special in Ann Arbor. Darius is a cornerstone of that vision.”
Golden is expected to enroll early and compete for playing time immediately in a linebacker room that will lose several key contributors to the NFL next year. His athleticism and versatility will make it difficult to keep him off the field, even as a freshman.
The commitment also sends a strong message to the rest of the Big Ten, especially to archrival Ohio State. With the Wolverines and Buckeyes locked in fierce recruiting battles year after year, Golden choosing maize and blue over scarlet and gray adds another layer to the storied rivalry.
For Michigan fans, this is more than a recruiting win — it’s a sign that the program is not just sustaining success, but elevating it. With a top-tier class on the horizon and momentum building behind Coach Moore, the Wolverines are poised to remain national contenders for years to come.
As the dust settles on this latest recruiting war, one thing is clear: Darius Golden is headed to Ann Arbor, and the Wolverines just got a whole lot stronger.
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