Should Michigan be concerned with what’s unfolding for Calvin Russell? The 6’5 5-star WR out of Miami Northwestern might just be one of the most electric talents in the 2026 class. He’s long and athletic with 39 catches for 704 yards and 13 scores, and added two rushing TDs last year. And when he finally drops his commitment on July 5, college football will feel a jolt. For now, Sherrone Moore‘s Wolverines are in the thick of it. And so are Oregon, Miami, LSU, and Florida State. But just when we thought the list was set, something wild started bubbling in upstate New York.

Out of nowhere, Fran Brown‘s Syracuse Orange heavily entered the conversation regarding Calvin Russell. When Syracuse Barry lit the fuse with a tweet on July 3, the 5-star just had to step in. Because the post read, “BREAKING: A source close to the situation tells Barry 5⭐ WR Calvin Russell has selected Syracuse.” Russell just dropped a “🧢” emoji on the post. Perhaps, it’s only when he drops the hat that we’ll really fully know the answer?

But of course, before we get carried away, Syracuse Barry is a parody account. And Barry himself came out clean that the post wasn’t intended to rub things the wrong way. And if you look at the continuation of his tweet you’ll see the update isn’t entirely false. “As one of his top schools. He will commit soon.” Still then, he found himself explaining himself saying, “Holy f— I said selected as a top school. It’s on his graphic for his announcement. I never said he committed to Syracuse lol. People need to REEEEELAAXXXXXXXX.” But all jokes aside, there still seems to be momentum building up with the Orange. 

Syracuse may not be in Calvin Russell’s final five, but they’re definitely in the final 8. Maybe even higher now? On3’s Steve Wiltfong added fuel to the fire, saying, “I think it’s coming down to Syracuse and Michigan, and it’s still up in the air. A source close to Russell says a final decision won’t be made till the night before. LSU, Miami, and others are also swinging late, but I’d give the slight edge to Fran Brown and the Orange as he still dots i’s and crosses t’s.” That’s the situation now, but Syracuse doesn’t have something that Michigan has.

Calvin Russell is fascinated with the Bryce Underwood factor

Calvin Russell seems to have built something real with Bryce Underwood following his visit to Ann Arbor on June 20. He connected with Michigan’s crown jewel QB immediately, and the pair started following each other on Instagram, which in recruiting circles is real energy. “I had a nice time with Bryce Underwood,” he revealed. “He can throw it, so I felt like it was a good fit. Life after football was a big thing with my official visit.” The meaning is that he’s searching for a connection with guys beyond football, and the No. 1 overall player of the 2025 class might be his answer. 

There’s also this straightforward confession about what he’s looking for and where he’s leaning. In his conversation with On3, Calvin Russell admitted, “I’m a playmaker, and they need playmakers. Bryce Underwood wants to play with a playmaker.” That’s mutual admiration in motion. As a basketball player too, he also got an offer from the head coach of Michigan’s men’s basketball team, Dusty May, while on campus. But Russell’s not just wowed by facilities and hashtags. It’s all about the vibe, and it was real. If Bryce Underwood is the spark, Michigan may just be the flame.

Still, don’t count out Fran Brown. Syracuse might be the dark horse, but they’re running at full speed. Come July 5, somebody’s getting a game-changer. For now, Calvin Russell is just enjoying the chaos.