The Nation’s Top-Ranked Linebacker Commits to Michigan Over Ohio State, Texas, and Alabama
May 30, 2025 — In a seismic recruiting development that sent shockwaves through college football, the nation’s top-ranked linebacker, DeShawn “DJ” Mitchell, a towering 6-foot-7, 226-pound defensive phenom, has officially committed to the University of Michigan. Mitchell made the announcement Friday afternoon via a live stream, donning a Michigan cap and declaring, “I’m headed to Ann Arbor.”
The five-star recruit, widely regarded as a generational talent at linebacker, chose the Wolverines over perennial powerhouses Ohio State, Texas, and Alabama — all of which had been seen as frontrunners at various points in his recruitment. His decision is a major victory for Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore, who continues to assert Michigan’s national presence on the recruiting trail following back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances.
“This was never about just football,” Mitchell said. “It was about development, culture, education, and where I felt most at home. Coach Moore and the Michigan staff made me feel like family every step of the way. I believe in their vision.”
Mitchell, a native of Dallas, Texas, has long been on the radar of every elite program in the country. A dominant presence at linebacker, he recorded over 150 tackles, 12 sacks, and 4 interceptions as a junior at Cedar Hill High School. His rare combination of size, speed, and field IQ makes him a game-changer at the next level. Recruiting analysts have drawn comparisons to former NFL All-Pro Brian Urlacher — but taller and even more versatile.
Mitchell’s commitment is being hailed as a program-defining moment for Michigan. Recruiting experts view it as one of the biggest wins for the Wolverines in over a decade, especially considering the caliber of competition. Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer personally led the Crimson Tide’s recruitment effort, and Ohio State appeared to have a strong lead until Michigan surged late with an in-home visit from Moore and defensive coordinator Wink Martindale.
“This is a statement,” said 247Sports national recruiting analyst Greg Biggins. “When you go into Texas and land the No. 1 linebacker in America — a player Alabama and Ohio State were banking on — that’s how programs are built for sustained championship runs.”
The Wolverines’ defensive pedigree played a key role in Mitchell’s decision. Michigan has produced multiple top-tier NFL linebackers in recent years, including Devin Bush Jr. and Nakobe Dean, and the arrival of Martindale — formerly the defensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens and New York Giants — has only added to the program’s appeal.
“I’m a linebacker — I want to hit, I want to fly around, and I want to be coached by the best,” Mitchell added. “Coach Wink brings that NFL mentality. That’s what I’m looking for.”
The commitment also comes at a critical time in the heated Michigan-Ohio State rivalry. With the Wolverines having won three straight against the Buckeyes on the field, Mitchell’s decision adds fuel to the fire on the recruiting front. Buckeyes fans had been optimistic after Mitchell’s April visit to Columbus, but Michigan’s persistent push proved decisive.
With his commitment, Michigan’s 2025 recruiting class now jumps into the top five nationally, solidifying its place among college football’s elite.
For now, DeShawn Mitchell is all in on Maize and Blue — and college football just took notice.
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