The 2028 recruiting cycle has turned into a high‑stakes contest for Antijuan Wilkes Jr., a 6‑foot‑5, 300‑pound offensive tackle from Cass Technical High School in Detroit, Michigan. Rated a 96 by Rivals and positioned as the nation’s No. 5 overall prospect, Wilkes Jr. commands attention not only for his on‑field dominance but also for his $413,000 name, image and likeness valuation, a figure that underscores his marketability as a sophomore.
A Recruitment Battle Shaping the Class
Wilkes Jr. has amassed 29 scholarship offers, with 20 coming from Power Five programs. The Michigan Wolverines sit atop the competition at a 37.3% likelihood of securing his verbal commitment, while the Iowa State Cyclones cling to a modest 1.1% chance. Rivals and 247Sports both rank him among the elite at his position, fueling a narrative that his decision could redefine the Cyclones’ historical trajectory.
The recruit’s calendar reflects the intensity of the pursuit. He has visited the University of Michigan four times and made three trips to Michigan State, while also scouting other contenders such as Penn State and Southern Miss. Each visit serves as a data point in a larger statistical model that predicts his eventual destination.
Should Wilkes Jr. elect to join Iowa State, the impact would extend beyond the football field. As the program’s most highly rated recruit to date, his commitment could catalyze future recruiting successes and elevate the Cyclones’ national profile. Head coach Matt Campbell, along with assistants Jimmy Rogers, Jake Thornton and Charles Power, are positioned to leverage this potential breakthrough.