In a significant development for the Michigan Wolverines football program, Elijah Dotson, a highly-touted four-star defensive back from Belleville High School, has flipped his commitment from Pittsburgh to Michigan. The announcement came Wednesday afternoon, sending waves of excitement through the Wolverine nation.
“I’m home, Go Blue man!!” declared Dotson in his first message to Michigan fans, marking a dramatic shift in his recruitment journey, which began with a commitment to Pitt in May.
Standing 6’2″ and 180 pounds, Dotson brings an impressive athletic profile to Ann Arbor. He ranks as the #2 player in Michigan and sits among the top prospects nationally in the 2025 class. What makes him particularly valuable is his versatility on the field.
Michigan’s defensive coaching staff will be getting a Swiss Army knife of a player. Dotson has showcased his talents across multiple positions, including:
- Safety
- Cornerback
- Wide receiver
- Return specialist
- Wildcat quarterback
Respected recruiting analyst Allen Trieu highlights Dotson’s physical style of play: “He’s a violent striker who delivered even more impact as a tackler his senior year.” His track background adds another layer to his athletic abilities, giving him the speed to recover and chase down plays.
The timing of Dotson’s commitment has sparked additional interest because he is teammates with Bryce Underwood, the nation’s top-ranked player in the 2025 class. Underwood, currently committed to LSU, showed support for his teammate’s decision by posting “DOT” on Instagram with crossed fingers emojis.
This development comes at an exciting time in college football. While Michigan maintains its vital program status, LSU under Brian Kelly has faced some challenges, including recent losses and reported team chemistry issues. The situation has led to speculation about whether Underwood might reconsider his commitment.
The Michigan faithful have shown their enthusiasm for both players. In a remarkable display of support, Wolverine fans packed the stands at a recent Belleville High School playoff game, making their presence felt to keep both Dotson and Underwood close to home.
Dotson joins an impressive 2025 Michigan recruiting class, which now has 19 commitments and ranks 11th nationally according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. His commitment strengthens Michigan’s defensive backfield with a player who brings both physical tools and tactical versatility.
Looking ahead, all eyes will be on Michigan Stadium this Saturday for the final home game of the season. The big question is: Will Bryce Underwood be spotted on the sidelines? With Early Signing Day just two weeks away, such a visit could signal another potential shift in this evolving recruitment story.
For now, Michigan fans can celebrate landing a hometown star in Dotson. His commitment marks another victory in the program’s efforts to keep Michigan’s top talent within state borders. As one recruiting expert put it, Dotson has “a great combination of size, ball skills, physicality, and instincts that project him as an impact player in college.”
The Wolverines’ defensive backfield became more robust, and the potential for good news looms. Stay tuned as this recruiting story continues to develop.