We’ve seen this before—it’s a classic. This might sound like a meme, but it’s what’s practically echoing down the recruiting halls in Baton Rouge. Because Brian Kelly finds himself once again watching UM creep into his backyard, shoulder-tap a prized commit, and walk out the front door with swagger. If Bryce Underwood was the heist of the decade, this new pursuit might just prove the Michigan Wolverines aren’t done rewriting recruiting protocol under Sherrone Moore. The second-year HC isn’t taking it easy; he’s going after giants, and LSU is back in his sights.

The Wolverines have made it clear they’re not just building a top-10 class in 2026. They’re constructing a machine. And now, their latest target is a defensive blue-chipper with SEC ties and California roots. Word on the trail is Michigan has picked up serious momentum with elite cornerback Havon Finney Jr. A top-60 national recruit who committed to Death Valley in April.

The buzz intensified after CBs’ coach, Lamar Morgan, took a personal trip to visit Finney and his family in California. That visit wasn’t just for show. It opened a door. And the family didn’t hide it. They admitted, without hesitation, that “Havon does in fact love Michigan.” That’s not just a tea leaf. That’s a neon sign.

The shock came early. When Finney, a top-10 cornerback nationally, suddenly moved up his commitment date and pledged to LSU, eyebrows went up. The decision came swiftly, ahead of schedule, and felt like a major recruiting win for Kelly over USC, Michigan, and others. But now, as the dust settles, the battle feels far from over. LSU won the sprint. Michigan seems determined to win the marathon. “Anytime the family of a recruit feels comfortable enough to say their son loves your school, you have to feel like you are in a pretty good spot.” That’s how one insider put it—and they’re not wrong.

Finney isn’t just a name on a board. The Sierra Canyon star is a 6-foot-2, 170-pound technician with length, twitch, and rare instincts for his age. Reclassifying into the 2026 cycle, he’ll skip his junior season—an aggressive move that speaks to his confidence and trajectory. His sophomore campaign was electric: 37 tackles, 16 pass break-ups, and four interceptions. He’s got the ball skills and the frame to lock down elite receivers, and his ability to mirror, recover, and read quarterbacks is way ahead of schedule. This is a player who’s already playing chess while others are on checkers.

So, what happens if Michigan lands him? Simple. It’s another big blow to Brian Kelly’s national recruiting narrative and a warning shot to the rest of the college football world. Sherrone Moore isn’t playing catch-up. He’s hunting. And after snagging Bryce Underwood—possibly the biggest flip of the NIL era—there’s a quiet belief in Ann Arbor that Finney could be next.

The optics would be stunning: another elite LSU pledge walking toward the maize and blue, another reminder that Michigan isn’t afraid to dance with the heavyweights.

To some LSU fans, the idea that Finney could flip feels like betrayal. To Michigan, it feels like a mission. “Love” is a powerful word in recruiting, especially when it comes straight from the player’s family. If Finney’s heart is leaning North, Kelly may be staring at another slow-motion heartbreak.

Michigan cracks Top 10 in ESPN’s SP+ rankings

Michigan football is back on the rise—and the latest SP+ rankings from ESPN are sounding the alarm for the rest of the Big Ten. Back in February, Sherrone Moore’s squad sat at No. 13 in the nation. Fast forward to the spring update, and the Wolverines have clawed their way into the top 10, landing at No. 10 overall. Not bad for a team still figuring things out post-title run!

For those not familiar with the SP+ formula—it’s all about three things: returning production, recent recruiting, and recent success. With that in mind, here’s how Michigan stacks up: Offense: 31.8 (32nd overall). Defense: 10.3 (3rd overall). Special Teams: 0.2 (22nd overall)

Defensively, this group is locked and loaded. With veterans like Derrick Moore, TJ Guy, Rayshaun Benny, Ernest Hausmann, and Rod Moore returning, it’s no surprise that Michigan’s D is ranked a stout third in the country.

Now, about that offense… yeah, analytics are being cautiously optimistic—even after Michigan ranked 131st in passing last season. But if a certain someone—Finney Jr.—joins the party this fall? It might just be a problem season for the rest of the Big Ten.