Well, looks like Mario Cristobal just hit the recruiting trail like a shopper on Black Friday. With elbows locked and out, he is seizing every opportunity. After missing the playoffs at 10-3, and a bowl loss to Iowa State, what else can you expect from him except stocking up his team? For now, he’s all over this four-star prospect. But Bill Belichick isn’t stepping aside either. Stacked with NFL experience and a trophy case full of wins, he’s out there making his move, and the race is becoming intensely competitive.
Now that we are officially in the postseason, the recruitment game is raging with fire. And this time the heat is on Javian Mallory, who’s not just an exceptional running back from West Boca Raton but also an elite prospect for the class of 2026. Just imagine this dude already has 50 offers in his pocket despite having plenty of time to decide. And guess what? Bill Belichick is the one who completed his golden jubilee. Even Javian looks quite excited over it as he hits X, saying, “Blessed to receive my 50th offer from the University of North Carolina!!”
Blessed To Receive My 50th Offer From The University of North Carolina!! #AGTG @Belichick_B @ChrisJonesUNC @CoachLPorter @mlombardiuncgm @BlaylockAndrew @Andrew_Ivins @JohnGarcia_Jr @adamgorney @ChadSimmons_ @RivalsFriedman @TomLoy247 @CraigHaubert @CoachDylanPotts @OLCoachTouze pic.twitter.com/q6i1cp9oP6
— Javian Mallory (@mallory_javian3) February 13, 2025
Even though it’s a big milestone for Javian Mallory, if he is really considering the Tar Heels as his future team, things might turn south for Mario Cristobal real quick. As of last month, Mallory only locked in an official visit to Miami for mid-June. Plus, the interesting thing is Miami is currently the only school that Javian scheduled an official visit with. And last year, while narrowing down his top three schools, Javian said, “There are three schools right now that are really standing out amongst those eight: Michigan, Miami, and Notre Dame.”
But let’s be real; that time the fight was between 30 colleges making amends for him. And among them, Javian Mallory picked 8, making three among them his top choices. Now? The situation is quite different, as 50 offers are sitting on his lap, and especially with the kind of depth Bill Belichick brings to the table, it looks like things are pretty sus.
However, can anyone blame Bill Belichick for making a move on Javian Mallory? This guy’s resume speaks for itself. In his freshman year, he made it to the district track meet, qualifying in the 100 and 200-meter races. Plus, Javian has been playing exceptionally well since middle school. In his ninth-grade year at West Boca, he gained 499 rushing yards and six rushing TDs on 91 carries, along with 227 passing yards and four passing TDs. He even played defense, making 14 tackles. Crazy, right? Prior to that, in eighth grade at Westminster Academy, Javian threw for 631 yards and four touchdowns.
The kid’s been a real deal. But wait, Coach Bill and Mario may face another competing school vying for Javian’s commitment.
Another hit for Bill Belichick and Mario Cristobal in Javian Mallory‘s recruitment
Well, if you think Sherrone Moore isn’t gonna fight for Javian, then you are wrong, as Michigan is not going to stand by and watch Javian Mallory be taken by Bill Belichick and Mario Cristobal. The Wolverines have already secured a spot in his top three choices. Michigan has a history of recruiting top talent from other schools, as seen with Bryce Underwood and his NIL deals. If Sherrone Moore is planning something similar, it wouldn’t be surprising if he succeeds.
Moreover, in their 2026 recruiting plan, Michigan is focusing on bolstering their running back lineup. With two commitments already secured, Tony Alford is targeting top-tier backs like Savion Hiter and Javian Osborne. Javian Mallory is also a priority for them, given their successful track record in this position. Michigan shows no signs of slowing down in their recruitment efforts.
Let’s also not forget Michigan’s history with RBs. As in the past two recruiting cycles, they secured commitments from Mr. Ohio Jordan Marshall and four-star Micah Ka’apana. Their recruiting class last year included four-star Donovan Johnson and three-star Jasper Parker. Under Harbaugh, Hassan Haskins, Blake Corum, and Donovan Edwards were their main running backs. Michigan aims to continue its winning streak in 2026. If they pull this off, Miami and UNC might have to kiss their top target goodbye.
The post Bill Belichick Sends Strong Message on Elite Prospect With 50 Offers as UNC’s Poaching Puts Mario Cristobal on Alert appeared first on EssentiallySports.