Will Michigan Land #1 OT Antijuan Wilkes Jr?

Detroit Cass Technical High School’s Antijuan Wilkes Jr. has emerged as one of the most coveted offensive tackles in the 2028 recruiting cycle. The 6-foot-5 265-pound left tackle combines rare length (reported 35-plus-inch arms), athleticism, and upside that has elevated him into five-star territory nationally. For Michigan fans, the stakes are especially high: Wilkes is an in-state product who has repeatedly expressed affinity for the Wolverines while keeping the door open to other programs.

Overview

Wilkes, nicknamed “Shaq” by coaches and teammates, plays for Cass Tech, one of Michigan’s premier high school programs. He helped lead his program to a 13-1 record in 2025, ultimately losing to undefeated Detroit Catholic Central, just short of a state title.

Cass Tech head coach Marvin Rushing has been effusive in his praise. “His ceiling is through the roof,” Rushing told The Detroit News. “To be a big man like him and be able to run and get down the field on screens and draws, he has a chance to be the most accomplished lineman to come out of Cass, and that says a lot. He has a great work ethic. He’s a team guy over everything.”

Wilkes is a dual-sport athlete who also plays basketball. Off the field, he prioritizes academics and faith. In an April 2026 interview with the Detroit Free Press, he summed up his approach simply: “I like to go by God, books and then ball.”

The Talent

By mid-2026, Wilkes had risen sharply in the national rankings. Rivals ranked him as high as the No. 5 overall prospect and No. 1 offensive tackle in the 2028 class (with a 96 rating). On3’s Charles Power offered this early evaluation: “High-upside offensive tackle prospect who looks like one of the top linemen early on in the 2028 cycle. Has a projectable frame with elite length… A loose, nimble mover. Gets to the second level with ease as a run blocker. Has the reactive quickness and length to project at a high level as a pass blocker. Will need to continue adding good weight and strength to his frame.”

Michigan was among the first Power conference programs to offer Wilkes, extending a scholarship on October 31, 2025. The relationship has only deepened. Wilkes has taken multiple unofficial visits to Ann Arbor, with 4 in total.

What it means for Michigan

In a February 2026 interview with On3’s Ethan McDowell, Wilkes said plainly, “I grew up loving Michigan.” More recently, he has spoken positively about new offensive line coach Jim Harding’s development pitch, noting that Michigan has told him he is a top priority on their board. As of August 2, 2026, Wilkes locked in a game-day visit with the Wolverines.

I personally believe this will be Michigan’s recruitment to lose. Yet another 5-star talent is in Michigan’s back yard, like Dante Moore, CJ Carr, and Bryce Underwood, with a recent history being the Wolverines missing out on top prospects. Perhaps Underwood was the change in direction and Wilkes can be part of a growing trend. Either way, keeping such an elite talent home is essential for the start of the Whittingham era.