The Michigan Wolverines are aiming high in the 2026 class, especially when it comes to running back. With five-star Savion Hiter, who Michigan may currently lead for, and top-100 four-star Javion Osborne, another recruit that the Wolverines are in a strong position for, thanks to Texas’ running backs coach being poached by the Detroit Lions, Tony Alford has Michigan in the mix for some of the top running backs in the country.
However, a player that hasn’t been discussed much in connection with Michigan recently made his top-six list this week, and to our surprise, Michigan is among the finalists. That player is four-star Deshonne Redeaux, ranked as the No. 105 overall player, the No. 9 running back, and the No. 12 player from California, according to 247Sports’ composite. Redeaux plays high school football at Oaks Christian, the same school that produced former Michigan and current Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet. He received an offer from Michigan last April and made his top-12 list last July.
Since then, there hasn’t been much talk about Michigan’s involvement with Redeaux, making it surprising to see them still in the mix. But it’s a pleasant surprise, as 247Sports’ Greg Biggins scouted Redeaux last April and compared him to one of the NFL’s top young running backs — Detroit Lions star Jahmyr Gibbs. The comparison may be very accurate, as Redeaux looks to be a versatile playmaker who can line up in various spots and make defenders miss. He has breakaway speed and the toughness to run between the tackles, as evident in his junior-year highlights.
To have a legitimate shot at landing Redeaux, Michigan will need to get him on campus, as he hasn’t visited Ann Arbor yet. But the Wolverines shouldn’t be ruled out. “I know my relationship with the coaches and how I fit in the program will be key when making my decision,” Redeaux told 247Sports in October. “I want to play for a winner, but I also want to be developed and make sure I am prepared for the next level and life after football.”
If those factors still hold true, Michigan is well-positioned as one of his top choices. Alford is excellent at building relationships, Michigan is a perennial top contender, and the program has produced several running backs who are currently in the NFL, with Donovan Edwards and Kalel Mullings expected to be drafted this April.
In conclusion, while there hasn’t been much buzz around Michigan’s recruitment of Redeaux and he has yet to visit Ann Arbor, it’s important not to count out Alford and the Wolverines when it comes to landing a top running back.