Sherrone Moore is fortifying Ann Arbor by stacking elite OL to protect superstar QB Bryce Underwood. O-line coach Grant Newsome, the mastermind behind the trenches, is pulling in top talent. And the 2025 cycle? Pure dominance. Michigan has secured 3-star IOL Kaden Strayhorn, 4-star OTs Avery Gach, and Ty Haywood, along with the 5-star Andrew Babalola. Now, could they have cranked it up a notch higher with another explosive 274-pound mauler? Maybe. But here comes the Longhorns – having the inside track on this recruiting battle. Will Moore be able to compete for the best talents?
Felix Ojo — the 274-pound powerhouse from Mansfield Lake Ridge — is one of the hottest names in the 2026 class. And his recruitment is red-hot with his top eight — which is stacked with SEC heavyweights, where five of the eight come from the conference. Right now, although Sherrone Moore is in the battle, there’s a massive, burnt-orange hurdle in his way. Yes, Texas is coming hard. And Ojo? He’s feeling it. The No. 5 OT in the 2026 class has made his stance clear — he’s leaning toward the Longhorns. “What makes Texas a top school is the relationships I built with the whole offensive staff and even Coach Sark,” Ojo said, and as of now, landing him would be a massive win for Texas. For Michigan, it is a tough blow. But knowing Moore, he won’t back down from the fight.
Here comes Sherrone Moore’s next big move, and it’s taking shape fast. In a recent episode of Michigan Sports Talk, a Wolverines insider dropped the scoop on Michigan’s next top target. He stated, “I also wanted to mention that the 2026 four-star offensive tackle Zaden Krempin has set an unofficial visit to Michigan, as he’ll be taking another unofficial visit to Michigan on March 17th through the 19th, according to Brice Marich of 247Sports in The Michigan Insider. It’s one of Michigan’s top offensive line targets in the 2026 class, comes from Prosper, Texas, 6’4″, 270 lbs. He also has an official visit already set with Michigan on June 20th, but before that visit, he will be making an unofficial visit to Michigan in March. So that’s some great news right there.” Well, Michigan just bounced back on a 274-pound loss with a 270-pound star hire.
But while Zaden Krempin’s recruitment is heating up, Michigan isn’t the only program in the mix. The four-star tackle has a busy schedule ahead. He’s locked in an official visit to SMU on June 7. Before that, he’ll take a trip to LSU on the weekend of May 31. Clemson is also in the race, securing a visit for their Elite Retreat on March 8 — right after a strong meeting with OL coach Matt Luke. But when it comes to Moore’s Michigan, Krempin’s excitement is clear. “The coaches, traditions, and culture at Michigan is what fires me up the most.” Safe to say, the Wolverines are making their move and now, it’s all about sealing the deal.
The explanation is crystal clear when you look at the numbers. Krempin isn’t just a talent — he’s a force. This Prosper High School standout from Texas was named the 2024 District 6-6A MVP. “I am honored to have been chosen as the District 6-6A O-Line MVP for 2024. @CoachSteamroll @Coach_Moore5 @Coach_Hill2 @Coach_Hutti #steamrollers @ProsperEaglesFB,” Krempin tweeted. But that’s not all. He’s also a finalist for the 2024 Whataburger Super Team. Krempin’s resume speaks for itself — this guy’s the real deal.
But the plot thickens: Steve Sarkisian’s Texas is now one of the front-runners to land Krempin’s commitment. While Krempin is still early in his recruitment, the signs are clear. After his visit to Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium during Texas’ 31-14 win over Kentucky on November 23, 2024, Sark has his eyes locked on this rising star. As of now, the Longhorns are making a serious push — and Krempin’s next move could be a game-changer with his total 40 offers.
Honored to be selected as the 2024 District 6-6A OLine MVP. #steamrollers @ProsperEaglesFB @CoachSteamroll @Coach_Moore5 @Coach_Hill2 @Dlem59 @CoachHutti @CoachPatty56 @Clintanderson_ @CoachOrtizOL pic.twitter.com/fEWKnQ7NXH
— Zaden Krempin (@zadenkrempin) December 9, 2024
According to On3, Krempin’s commitment is 14.7% likely to be secured by the in-state Longhorns. However, with the commitment of four-star WR Chris Stewart and five-star QB Dia Bell, the Longhorns’ 2026 class already appears bright. Now, Kremin would have the opportunity to play alongside two of the top offensive players in the country if he commits to Texas.
Additionally, Moore might find that landing Krempin helps ease the pain of losing Ojo. Let’s discuss rankings — this isn’t a simple substitute. Krempin is ranked as Texas’ 21st-best player for the 2026 class by On3. That is a high-end business. However, why is losing Felix Ojo viewed as a significant setback? Maybe they think Ojo is undoubtedly a very talented player.
Felix Ojo is “top priority” for Texas Longhorns
Losing Felix Ojo? That’s a tough blow for any program, especially Sherrone Moore’s Michigan. His size, skill, and accolades make him a game-changer. For now, Ojo is feeling the love from Texas. “I’d say the highlight was really just talking with Coach Flood, seeing where I stand with Texas and with him. Not only that, we have some plans for me in the future if I do decide to come to Texas. He says I’m a top priority for Texas, like I’m probably the number one priority for the offensive line group in the class of 2026 cycle,” Ojo said.
And he’s not done. “They made it known early when they offered me back in the summer that they wanted me. I’m just a top priority for them, and they show it,” said the OT. Now, only time will tell if Sherrone Moore can strike back at Sark and secure some top talents from the 2026 class.
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