Sherrone Moore’s first recruiting class at Michigan saw a significant boost in its ranking with the commitment of four-star safety Kainoa Winston, who is ranked 42nd in the 2025 ESPN 300. Winston, who plays for Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C., visited Ann Arbor recently and decided to commit to Michigan instead of Penn State, Oregon, and North Carolina. Standing at 5 feet 11 inches and weighing 190 pounds, he is considered the third-best safety in his class.
The addition of Winston is a notable victory for Michigan over conference rival Penn State, where his cousin, safety Kevin Winston Jr., played last season. According to ESPN’s rankings, Kainoa Winston is the highest-ranked recruit for Michigan since Derrick Moore (No. 19) in 2022.
Winston’s commitment, along with defensive tackle Jaylen Williams, who committed earlier in the week, adds momentum to Moore’s early recruiting efforts with the Wolverines.
Michigan’s 2025 class now boasts four ESPN 300 prospects, including defensive tackle Nathaniel Marshall (No. 78) and quarterback Carter Smith, who is ranked as the 14th best pocket passer. Offensive tackle Avery Gach (No. 296) completes the group of top recruits headed to Ann Arbor.
The team is also anticipating visits from highly ranked prospects such as safety Jordan Young (No. 33), offensive tackle Andrew Babalola (No. 44), outside linebacker Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng (No. 73), and running back Jordon Davison (No. 88). Additionally, Michigan is in contention for Bishop Gorman offensive linemen S.J. Alofaituli and Douglas Utu, who are ranked 10th and 11th overall in the ESPN 300.
As the 38-year-old Moore gains traction on the recruiting front after a slow start, Winston’s commitment signals positive progress for Michigan in 2025
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