Michigan Football Reportedly Leading in Recruitment of Four-Star Running Back

The Wolverines are making a strong push for a top 2027 running back prospect.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 2:35am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a football player in motion, with their body broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in shades of navy, yellow, and red, conveying the dynamic energy of the sport.Michigan's push to land a top 2027 running back recruit underscores the program's commitment to developing talent at the position.Ann Arbor Today

According to a report from Rivals' Chad Simmons, Michigan football is currently leading in the recruitment of four-star running back Jamal Robinson from Mississippi. Robinson, who is ranked as the No. 154 overall prospect and the seventh-best running back in the class of 2027, has made two recent visits to Ann Arbor and has developed a strong relationship with Wolverines running backs coach Tony Alford.

Why it matters

Michigan has had success recruiting and developing top running back talent under Alford's leadership, with players like Justice Haynes and Jordan Marshall starring for the Wolverines in recent seasons. Landing Robinson, a top-ranked prospect, would continue to bolster Michigan's running game for the future.

The details

Robinson told Rivals that after a great first visit to Ann Arbor, he went back to spend more time with Alford, who he says makes him feel 'like home.' Robinson added that Alford talks to him about more than just football, which he appreciates, and that the coach has told him he is his 'No. 1 priority' in recruitment. As a result of the two visits and his growing relationship with Alford, Robinson said 'Michigan is leading' in his recruitment, though he acknowledged that could change.

  • Robinson made his first visit to Michigan in recent weeks.
  • Robinson made a second visit to Michigan this past weekend.

The players

Jamal Robinson

A four-star running back prospect in the class of 2027, ranked as the No. 154 overall player and the seventh-best running back in the class according to the Rivals Industry Rankings. He is also the No. 5 prospect in the state of Mississippi.

Tony Alford

The running backs coach for the Michigan Wolverines, who has had success recruiting and developing top talent at the position.

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What they’re saying

“'After a great first visit, I went back to spend more time with Coach Alford. He really makes it feel like home.'”

— Jamal Robinson, Recruit

“'Coach Alford is like a father figure that's going to be a hard coach. We talk about a lot of things, not just football. I like that about him. He makes it feel good and like home too. Around him, I feel comfortable, and he tells me I'm his No. 1 priority.'”

— Jamal Robinson, Recruit

“'Michigan is leading. It could always change, but coach Alford is making a big push.'”

— Jamal Robinson, Recruit

What’s next

Robinson plans to continue evaluating his options, but Michigan and coach Alford have made a strong impression and are currently leading in his recruitment.

The takeaway

Michigan's ability to recruit and develop top running back talent under coach Alford has made the Wolverines an early favorite for four-star 2027 prospect Jamal Robinson. If Michigan can land Robinson, it would be another boost to the program's future at the position.