Michigan football continues its pursuit of top-tier talent, and its latest recruiting efforts have led the Wolverines to Idaho once again. The program has successfully landed standout players from the state in the past—most notably Colston Loveland, who developed into a star tight end after arriving from Gooding, Idaho. Loveland is now projected as a first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. However, Michigan’s recruitment of Idaho prospects hasn’t always been successful, as evidenced by Gatlin Bair’s decision to commit to Oregon instead of heading to Ann Arbor.
Now, Michigan has turned its attention to another highly regarded Idaho prospect: Kelvin Obot, a four-star offensive tackle from Fruitland High School in the class of 2026. Obot recently unveiled his top 10 schools, and Michigan made the cut, signaling serious interest from both sides.
However, Michigan faces stiff competition in securing Obot’s commitment. The 6-foot-6, 295-pound offensive lineman is being heavily pursued by several powerhouse programs, including Ohio State, Oregon, USC, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Utah, Nebraska, and Michigan State. Each of these programs boasts strong recruiting pedigrees and could present compelling alternatives for Obot.
Obot is currently ranked No. 138 nationally across all positions and holds the No. 11 spot among offensive tackles, according to 247Sports. His impressive frame and skill set have made him one of the most sought-after linemen in his class.
For Michigan, securing Obot would be a major win, particularly given its recent success in recruiting offensive linemen. The Wolverines have already landed two elite tackles in the 2025 class, with five-star recruits Andrew Babalola and Ty Haywood both committing to Ann Arbor. While this depth is a positive indicator of the program’s ability to attract top-tier talent, it could also serve as a potential deterrent for Obot, who may factor in the level of competition when making his decision.
Michigan’s history of developing NFL-caliber offensive linemen under head coach Sherrone Moore could work in its favor. The Wolverines have consistently produced top linemen who have excelled at the collegiate level before moving on to the professional ranks. That track record, along with Michigan’s physical, run-heavy offensive scheme, aligns well with Obot’s strengths.
As the recruiting process unfolds, Michigan will look to strengthen its relationship with Obot and demonstrate why Ann Arbor is the ideal destination for his future. His decision will be one to watch, as the Wolverines attempt to fend off fierce competition and land yet another high-profile offensive lineman.
With National Signing Day still a long way off, Michigan remains in the mix for Obot’s commitment. The battle for the Idaho prospect is far from over, and Jim Harbaugh’s staff will need to continue making a strong impression to secure one of the nation’s most promising offensive line talents.