Michigan tops OSU, MSU, Wisconsin for 4-star OL

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Offensive lineman Avery Gach, a four-star recruit ranked No. 236 in the 247Sports Composite, committed to Michigan on Friday over Michigan State, Ohio State and Wisconsin.

Gach plays at Groves High School in Beverly Hills, Mich., and is the No. 2 prospect in the state for the Class of 2025, behind only five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood, who committed to LSU. As one of the top offensive line prospects in the Midwest, he was heavily recruited by programs in the Big Ten and also had offers from Alabama, Georgia, Notre Dame and Texas A&M.

"They just came off of the national championship, and you see how many NFL players they're producing, especially O-linemen," Gach said during his commitment ceremony. "Their whole staff is amazing. I really love coach (Sherrone) Moore and coach (Grant) Newsome. They treated me right throughout the whole entire process. It feels like home, and I'm going to win a national championship at the University of Michigan."

Gach is Michigan's fifth commitment for 2025, joining defensive lineman Nate Marshall, quarterback Carter Smith, defensive lineman Bobby Kanka and tight end Eli Owens. His commitment provides a boost for a Michigan class that started the day at No. 44 in the composite rankings and No. 12 in the Big Ten.

What Gach's commitment means for Michigan

Michigan built its identity around the offensive line, and that's likely to continue with Sherrone Moore as the head coach. The Wolverines have had a ton of success with players just like Gach: four-star recruits who are tough as nails and play with a physical edge.

Gach is listed at 6-feet-5 and 290 pounds with the frame to play well above 300 in college at guard or tackle. He doesn't stop blocking until the whistle blows or the defender is on the ground — often the latter. He has family ties to Michigan State and got a strong push from Ohio State, but Michigan made him a priority and landed a building block for its future offensive line.

Michigan hasn't had the momentum in recruiting that might be expected from a team that just won a national championship, which isn't totally surprising given the organizational change that's occurred over the past few months. Landing commitments from Gach and Marshall got the ball rolling, and now Michigan needs a few more recruiting wins to bring its 2025 class up to the usual standard.

Required reading

• Michigan football recruiting: 10 prospects to watch in the Class of 2025
• Michigan and the NFL Draft: Who's next for the Wolverines?
• What to know about new Wolverines coaches and how they recruit

(Photo: David Rodriguez Munoz / USA Today Network)