Lane Kiffin has already landed 5-star tight end Ahmad Hudson and 4-star edge rusher Jaiden Bryant in LSU’s 2027 recruiting class. There was also growing excitement around several other 5-star targets, but the momentum surrounding one of those recruits suddenly changed this week.
How the College Football World Reacted to Joshua Dobson Spurning Lane Kiffin’s LSU for Michigan
Five-star cornerback Joshua Dobson will no longer make an official visit to LSU, according to Rivals. Instead, he is now scheduled to visit Michigan from June 11–13, with the Wolverines joining programs such as Auburn (May 29), Texas A&M (June 5), and South Carolina (June 19) on his visit schedule.
The update comes only days after LSU defensive backs coach Corey Raymond spoke with Dobson.
Reaction quickly followed once the news broke.
“Not 100 percent indicative that five-star Joshua Dobson is coming to Michigan, but this is a 👀👀👀 situation if there ever was one,” Maize n Brew reporter Nick Durand wrote.
“lol is this the 5 star CB they swore was a lock???” Staff Sergeant Lincoln Osiris wrote.
Dobson previously told TheWolverine.com that family atmosphere, player development both on and off the field, and winning would be the biggest factors in his recruitment. According to the 247Sports Composite, he is ranked as the No. 3 cornerback in the 2027 class and the No. 1 overall player in North Carolina.
Rivals’ scouting report described Dobson as a polished cornerback prospect with “rare top-end speed and physical build.” The report also praised his ability to run with any receiver on the field while showcasing explosive athleticism, fluid movement, and elite change-of-direction ability.
A prospect of Dobson’s level would have been a big boost for LSU’s defense, which finished last season ranked No. 20 in the PFSN College Football Defense Impact Metric. That is why Michigan flipping the official visit away from LSU is clearly seen as a big recruiting win.
“According to some, LSU was seen as A&M’s biggest competition in landing Dobson. Obviously Michigan is equally stiff in terms of competition, but an interesting development nonetheless,” Aggie Sports 365 wrote.
“Wolverines on an extended heater right now,” Rivals’ Greg Smith tweeted.
Michigan is enjoying big recruiting momentum, as recent additions for Kyle Whittingham’s squad include 4-star defensive lineman Xavier Muhammad, 4-star wide receiver Quentin Burrell, and 4-star running back Tyson Robinson.
Michigan’s new cornerbacks coach Jernaro Gilford has heavily prioritized Dobson since taking the position. Gilford visited Dobson in January before hosting the 5-star recruit and his grandmother for an unofficial visit last month. A potential commitment from Dobson would be huge for Michigan’s 2027 recruiting class, which currently features 12 commits, including eight blue-chip prospects.
Meanwhile, LSU and Kiffin currently hold five commitments in the Tigers’ 2027 class, which Rivals ranks No. 10 nationally.
