Top Ranked Florida Defensive Lineman Includes Michigan in Final Four

Four-star class of 2027 recruit Jamar Thompson has the Wolverines in his top schools.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 12:19am

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Michigan football continues to make progress on the recruiting trail under new head coach Kyle Whittingham. Four-star defensive lineman Jamar Thompson, ranked as the top player at his position in Florida for the class of 2027, has included the Wolverines in his final four schools he is considering.

Why it matters

Landing top defensive line talent is crucial for Michigan as they look to rebuild their front seven under Whittingham's leadership. Securing commitments from elite in-state prospects like Thompson would be a major boost for the Wolverines' 2027 recruiting class.

The details

Thompson, a 6'3" 305-pound defensive lineman from West Boca Raton, Florida, announced his final four schools as Michigan, Auburn, Ohio State, and Miami. He first received an offer from Michigan back in September 2025 under former defensive line coach Lou Esposito. Despite Esposito leaving for the NFL, new defensive line coach Larry Black has been able to maintain Michigan's position with Thompson, who is set to take an official visit to Ann Arbor this summer.

  • Thompson received a Michigan offer in September 2025.
  • Esposito left Michigan for the NFL in February 2026.
  • Thompson is set to take an official visit to Michigan this summer.

The players

Jamar Thompson

A four-star defensive lineman from West Boca Raton, Florida, ranked as the top player at his position in the state for the class of 2027.

Kyle Whittingham

The new head coach of the Michigan football team, hired in 2026.

Larry Black

Michigan's new defensive line coach, hired after Lou Esposito left for the NFL.

Lou Esposito

Michigan's former defensive line coach who offered Jamar Thompson a scholarship in 2025 before leaving for the NFL.

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What they’re saying

“Woww!!! Extremely Blessed to receive an offer from UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN!!!! 🔵🟡!!! #allglorytogod”

— Jamar Thompson (Twitter)

What’s next

Thompson is set to take an official visit to Michigan's campus this summer as he continues to evaluate his top four schools.

The takeaway

Michigan's ability to maintain their position with Thompson despite a coaching change on the defensive line speaks to the program's strong communication and vision under new head coach Kyle Whittingham. Securing a commitment from an elite in-state defensive line prospect like Thompson would be a major recruiting win for the Wolverines.