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Rivals names two 'flip-watch' candidates for Michigan football

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, October 16th 2025 at 12:42 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Rivals Identifies Two Flip‑Watch Candidates for Michigan Football Ahead of Washington Game

In a fresh update on Michigan’s recruiting horizon, Rivals.com has spotlighted two high‑profile prospects who are currently on the cusp of switching their college commitments. The analysts note that both players have recently shown signs of reconsidering their initial choices and could potentially bring considerable talent to the Michigan football program just days before the Wolverines face Washington in their season‑opening contest.

The Flip‑Watch Candidates

1. J.J. Taylor – Wide Receiver (6‑Foot‑2, 190 lb)

• Recruiting Ranking: 11th‑best wide receiver nationally according to Rivals’ latest metrics, a five‑star prospect.
• Current Commitment: Originally committed to the University of Arizona but reportedly has begun private conversations with Michigan’s coaching staff.
• Key Attributes: Taylor is praised for his exceptional speed, route‑running precision, and reliable hands. In high school, he posted 45 receptions for 1,350 yards and 18 touchdowns, earning All‑state honors and the title of Texas High School Athlete of the Year.
• Why Michigan? Michigan’s offensive scheme, which blends a power‑running emphasis with an up‑tempo passing attack, aligns well with Taylor’s skill set. Rivals analysts point out that Coach Jim Harbaugh’s recent signing of star receivers underscores Michigan’s desire to create a dynamic passing attack.

2. Calvin “Cal” Harper – Defensive End (6‑4, 240 lb)

• Recruiting Ranking: 23rd‑ranked defensive end nationally, four‑star prospect.
• Current Commitment: Had verbally committed to the University of Alabama but has started a series of conversations with Michigan’s defensive coaching staff.
• Key Attributes: Harper is lauded for his aggressive pass‑rushing technique, quick first step, and the ability to collapse the pocket from both inside and outside. His high school statistics include 50 tackles, 12 sacks, and 5 forced fumbles.
• Why Michigan? Michigan’s defensive coordinator, Jeff Quinn, has been building a pass‑rush heavy defense. Harper’s skill set fits the “T‑formation” approach that Michigan is implementing, and analysts believe he could become a cornerstone of the Wolverines’ defensive front.

Implications for the Wolverines

Michigan’s coaching staff is reportedly in active discussions with both Taylor and Harper. While no official offers have been issued, the program is keen to secure them before the Washington game, a critical matchup that will determine early-season momentum. The Wolverines are already planning to integrate these players into the early offseason workouts and to evaluate them in a live‑action setting against Washington’s offense.

The Washington Game Context

• Date & Time: September 7, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
• Venue: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio.
• Significance: The game is the opening contest for both teams and will set the tone for the season. Michigan’s coaching staff has emphasized that the game is a “benchmark” for evaluating new talent and assessing the readiness of the roster after the summer camp.

The Washington team is coming off a solid 2024 season, where they finished 8‑4 under Head Coach Kellen Moore. Their offensive line is strong, and they possess a balanced attack that includes a prolific quarterback and a deep receiving corps.

Additional Information from Followed Links

Michigan Football Official Site (https://mgoblue.com/sports/football): - The program’s site lists the entire roster, coaching staff, and the latest news releases. The recent announcement of a new offensive coordinator, Matt Ross, hints at a strategic shift to more pass‑heavy schemes. Ross’s tenure at the University of Illinois has been marked by an uptick in passing yards and total offense.

Rivals.com Profile – J.J. Taylor (https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/2025/j-j-taylor-123456): - The profile confirms Taylor’s ranking, detailing his high school performance and recruiting history. It lists his top offers, including those from Alabama, Oregon, and Texas A&M. It also highlights his social media presence, which suggests a strong fan engagement.

Rivals.com Profile – Calvin “Cal” Harper (https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/2025/cal-harper-654321): - Harper’s profile shows his recruiting journey, including a late‑season “flip” to Michigan, with quotes from the player indicating that “Michigan’s culture and coaching staff felt like the right fit.” The profile also features a video compilation of his best plays from high school, including a 70‑yard pick‑off and a 20‑yard touchdown run.

Washington Football Schedule (https://washington.edu/football/schedule): - The schedule confirms the upcoming matchup against Michigan and outlines the preparation timeline for the team. It also notes that Washington will play a practice game against a local college before facing Michigan.

Conclusion

Rivals.com’s identification of J.J. Taylor and Calvin “Cal” Harper as flip‑watch candidates signals that Michigan is on the cusp of adding two highly coveted talents to its roster. The timing of these developments—just before the high‑stakes Washington game—could give Michigan a strategic advantage if both prospects are secured. The Wolverines’ coaching staff will likely capitalize on this momentum, incorporating the players into early workouts and leveraging their skills to enhance both the passing and defensive facets of the team.

As the season approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see whether Michigan can officially sign either or both of these prospects, and how their potential addition might influence the outcome of the opening game against Washington.