Football

Antijuan Wilkes Jr. Cuts College List to 12, Big Ten and SEC Dominate

Michigan and Michigan State emerge as top contenders as the five‑star tackle eyes a future in the NFL

Antijuan Wilkes Jr., a five‑star offensive tackle out of Cass Technical High School in Michigan, has emerged as one of the most coveted linemen in the 2026 recruiting class.

The Offer Landscape

After a rigorous evaluation, he announced that his list of potential collegiate programs has been trimmed to twelve, a mix that leans heavily toward the powerhouses of the Big Ten and the SEC.

The SEC contingent includes traditional contenders such as Georgia, Missouri, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Florida, LSU and Alabama, each offering a blend of academic prestige and national exposure.

On the Big Ten side, Ohio State, Oregon, Michigan and Michigan State round out the field, with the latter two emerging as the leading pursuers according to industry predictions.

Visits have become a key metric, and Michigan has taken the lead with four trips, while Michigan State follows closely with three, underscoring the intensity of the race.

Among the twelve programs, the Miami Hurricanes stand alone as the only non‑Power Five school, highlighting the limited options outside the major conferences.

Alabama’s recent draft history adds another layer of intrigue, as the Crimson Tide have placed two offensive linemen into the NFL in the most recent draft and signed four more, a track record that appeals to top prospects.

Florida, meanwhile, has secured commitments from four four‑star or better linemen in the 2027 class, all ranked within the top 140 of the On3 composite, further enriching the SEC’s depth.

Wilkes still has two years of high school remaining, meaning the recruitment will continue to evolve, but the current landscape already points to a fierce battle for his signature.

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