Michigan lands elite 2025 cornerback Chris Ewald Jr.

Recruiting the 2025 cycle for Michigan has started off hot.

On Thursday, the Wolverines welcomed in their first sophomore verbal commitment in Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna four-star cornerback Chris Ewald Jr., who made the surprise announcement to shut down his recruitment earlier than expected. Ewald now becomes the first 2025 prospect to join Michigan.

“I feel like I have a great connection with coach Grant (Newsome) and coach (Jim) Harbaugh,” Ewald told On3 Recruiting Director Chad Simmons.

Ewald currently ranks as the No. 30 overall recruit in the country, according to the On3 Consensus, as well as the No. 5 cornerback nationally and No. 6 player in the state of Florida.

Despite the distance from Ann Arbor, Ewald made multiple unofficial visits in the calendar year, most recently being his game day appearance at the Big House back in mid-October against Penn State. He also notably watched the annual spring game from the sidelines

“It was pretty loud,” Ewald said. “The fans are really into the game.”

Ewald went on explain that the preferred treatment that he earned from the entire coaching staff during his time on campus, along with the off the field opportunities presented to football players, were why he chose Michigan over high profiles offers from Miami, Florida State, Auburn, Penn State, and Texas A&M.

At 6-foot-0 and 170 pounds, Ewald could jump start a pipeline for other top Florida native recruits to follow suit and commit to Michigan. Even though the 2023 cycle is holding the priority leading up to the early signing period in five days, the Wolverines received a major boost in the sophomore class.