Ann Arbor, MI — In a recruiting twist that’s shaking the college football landscape, five-star defensive phenom Jaylen “Jet” Richardson has officially flipped his commitment from the Georgia Bulldogs to the Michigan Wolverines, just months before the start of the 2025 season.
Richardson, a 6’4”, 240-pound edge rusher out of Buford, Georgia, had long been considered a cornerstone of Kirby Smart’s No. 1-ranked recruiting class. Widely regarded as one of the most explosive defenders in the 2025 cycle, his initial commitment to Georgia sent shockwaves through the SEC. But after an unannounced visit to Ann Arbor last weekend—and a private sit-down with head coach Sherrone Moore—Richardson made the bombshell announcement via social media:
> “After much prayer and reflection with my family, I’ve decided to decommit from Georgia and officially commit to the University of Michigan. I believe in what Coach Moore is building and I’m ready to be a part of it. Go Blue!”
Sources close to the decision say the Wolverines’ culture, academic offerings, and a personalized defensive scheme pitched by new defensive coordinator Jesse Minter played a major role in Richardson’s change of heart. Michigan, coming off a CFP appearance and building momentum behind Moore’s young, player-first coaching staff, has surged in recruiting over the past two months.
“This isn’t just a win on the trail—it’s a statement,” said one Big Ten recruiting analyst. “Flipping a five-star from Georgia? That hasn’t happened in years. Sherrone Moore is officially a national force in recruiting.”
Richardson’s film is jaw-dropping. With a 4.52 40-yard dash, violent hands, and a relentless motor, he’s drawn comparisons to NFL greats like Von Miller and Micah Parsons. His ability to bend the edge, drop into coverage, and stuff the run makes him a perfect fit for Michigan’s evolving hybrid front.
Current Michigan commits took to social media to celebrate the news. Four-star linebacker Tyson Evans tweeted, “Let’s goooo!!! Defense just got scary. #GoBlue.” Fans flooded comment sections with maize-and-blue emojis and predictions of Big Ten dominance.
Meanwhile, reaction in Athens has been one of shock and frustration, with Georgia fans scrambling for answers. While the Bulldogs still hold a top-tier class, losing a top-five national recruit to a Big Ten rival is a rare and stinging blow for Kirby Smart.
Still, for Michigan, this marks yet another sign that the post-Harbaugh era isn’t about rebuilding—it’s about reloading. With Jaylen Richardson now locked in, the Wolverines’ 2025 class jumps into the top 3 nationally, and defensive coordinators across the Big Ten are officially on notice.
Jaylen “Jet” Richardson is headed north—and the skies over Ann Arbor just got a lot scarier for opposing quarterbacks.
