Michigan football is heating up on the recruiting trail, and the 2027 class is starting to take shape. With three major commitments expected in the next week and a half, plus official visits on the horizon, the Wolverines are shifting into high gear. On Wednesday, the maize and blue received another boost of momentum as they made the cut for one of their top defensive targets.

Four-star defensive tackle Seth Tillman, out of Rock Hill (S.C.) South Pointe, announced his top five schools, and Michigan secured a spot alongside Clemson, Kentucky, South Carolina, and Georgia. The 6-foot-2.5, 295-pound lineman is a force in the trenches, and his recruitment is heating up fast. While Clemson currently holds the edge according to Rivals' Recruiting Prediction Machine, no official predictions have been made by analysts just yet—meaning this race is far from over.

247Sports' Andrew Ivins offers a detailed scouting report on Tillman, describing him as a "moldable defensive lineman" who projects best as a one-gap nose tackle. He's got the frame to add more weight—likely carrying 295 pounds once fully developed—and flashes impressive snap anticipation. Tillman's powerful punch and ability to forklift opponents make him a nightmare for offensive lines. He also handles double teams well, anchoring his feet and eating up space. However, Ivins notes that he needs to improve his motor and increase his lateral range to reach his full potential. Still, Tillman projects as a multi-year contributor at the Power Four level who could become a valuable rotational piece after some time in the weight room.

Ranked highest by Rivals, Tillman sits at No. 116 nationally, is the 11th-best defensive lineman in the country, and is the second-ranked player in the state of South Carolina. For Michigan, landing a player of his caliber would be a major statement as they continue to build for the future. With the 2027 class still in its early stages, this is a name Wolverines fans will want to keep an eye on.