Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore is making waves in the recruiting world, and his latest move proves he’s not backing down from a fight. After a rocky transition into the Wolverines’ top job, Moore is on a mission to reshape Michigan’s roster and establish himself as a dominant force in college football recruiting. His latest target? Justice Fitzpatrick, the highly sought-after younger brother of $74 million NFL star Minkah Fitzpatrick.
With Ohio State, Alabama, and Miami already circling, the competition is fierce. But Moore refuses to be left out of the race. He knows that landing Justice Fitzpatrick wouldn’t just add an elite talent to Michigan’s secondary—it would send a message to the rest of the country that the Wolverines are here to dominate.
Moore’s Redemption Arc: From 8-5 Struggles to a Recruiting Power Move
The 2023 season didn’t end the way Michigan fans had hoped. After winning a national championship under Jim Harbaugh, the Wolverines stumbled to an 8-5 finish under Moore’s leadership. Critics whispered, doubters emerged—but instead of crumbling, Moore is rising like a phoenix.
Determined to reshape the program, he has aggressively attacked the transfer portal, bringing in 14 new players this winter. But he’s not stopping there. Recruiting fresh, elite talent has become his top priority, and Justice Fitzpatrick is the latest name on his radar.
Why Justice Fitzpatrick Is One of the Hottest Recruits in the Nation
Standing at 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, Justice Fitzpatrick isn’t just another promising cornerback—he’s a game-changer. Ranked No. 57 overall and the No. 5 cornerback in the 2025 class by 247 Sports, he has all the tools to dominate at the college level.
His resume speaks for itself:
- 34 tackles, 2 interceptions, 7 pass breakups, and 1 forced fumble last season
- Junior All-American honors
- Led St. Thomas Aquinas to its sixth straight state championship
With a bloodline that includes Pittsburgh Steelers star Minkah Fitzpatrick, Justice already carries an NFL-caliber pedigree. His talent, combined with his elite football IQ, makes him one of the most sought-after defensive players in the country.
The Recruiting War: Can Michigan Steal Fitzpatrick from the Heavyweights?
Justice Fitzpatrick has no shortage of suitors. Ohio State, Alabama, and Miami have been aggressively pursuing him, and for good reason.
- Ohio State’s Ryan Day is prioritizing him for the 2026 recruiting class, looking to add him to a Buckeyes defense that continues to stack elite talent.
- Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer is banking on family ties to lure Justice to Tuscaloosa—his brother, Minkah, was a Crimson Tide legend under Nick Saban. If Justice commits, it would be the first time in Alabama history that two brothers played under two different head coaches.
- Miami has been in the mix as well, with Justice’s mother confirming he will be making spring visits to Miami, Georgia, Clemson, Tennessee, Florida, and Florida State.
So where does Sherrone Moore fit into this battle?
Moore’s Secret Weapon: His Recruiting Magic
If there’s one thing Moore has proven, it’s that he knows how to close big deals. Just ask Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 overall recruit for 2025, who shocked the world by committing to Michigan despite heavy competition.
Now, Moore is applying that same recruiting wizardry to Justice Fitzpatrick. And while Alabama might have family ties, and Ohio State might have a stacked recruiting class, Michigan has momentum.
With 24 signees already in the 2025 class, including top-tier talent from across the country, Moore is proving that Michigan is a destination for elite players. He even went outside the box, landing former MLS goalkeeper Beckham Sunderland as a kicker—a sign that he’s willing to pull talent from anywhere to build a championship team.
The Moment of Truth: Will Justice Fitzpatrick Choose Legacy or New Horizons?
For Justice Fitzpatrick, this decision isn’t just about football—it’s about legacy. Does he follow in his brother’s footsteps and continue the Fitzpatrick name at Alabama? Or does he carve his own path and become a key part of Michigan’s resurgence?
Sherrone Moore has put Michigan in the fight. Now, it’s up to Justice to decide if he’s ready to become a Wolverine.
One thing’s for sure—this recruiting battle is far from over, and Moore isn’t giving up without a fight.
