Michigan’s 2025 recruiting class is gaining momentum, with Washington (D.C.) Gonzaga four-star safety Kainoa Winston committing to the Wolverines on Friday. Winston follows 2025 Palatine (Ill.) defensive lineman Jaylen Williams, who also committed to Michigan earlier in the week.
Winston recently took an official visit to Michigan to evaluate the football program, academics, and Ann Arbor before making his decision. His visit left a strong impression. Wolverine Digest’s Matthew Lounsberry highlighted the importance of Winston’s recruitment before his visit:
“The Wolverines have produced excellent safeties in recent years and could land another high-potential player. Michigan is a Top 4 finalist for Winston alongside Penn State, Oregon, and North Carolina, each of which Winston will visit over the next four weeks. The 5-foot-10, 185-pounder is considered the No. 88 overall prospect and No. 9 safety in the 2025 cycle. U-M’s new secondary coach LaMar Morgan quickly endeared himself to the Wolverines’ defensive backs and has had success recruiting from the transfer portal. If Morgan can secure a prospect of Winston’s caliber, it would bolster an already impressive start for the assistant coach.”
With Winston committed, Michigan has a top-tier defensive back for its 2025 class. Known for his track and field speed, Winston is expected to bring quick bursts of acceleration to Michigan Stadium in the coming years.
CO〽️〽️ITTED!!! #GoBlue @Hayesfawcett3 pic.twitter.com/vw2hfwZKky
— Kelvin Kainoa Winston (@KainoaWinston) June 14, 2024
Andrew Irvins, 247Sports.com Director of Scouting, provides a detailed analysis of Winston’s playing style:
“A new-age defensive back prospect with the straight-line speed to counter modern passing attacks. He has impressive track times in the 2025 cycle, collecting various medals at respected meets. Though his size hasn’t been third-party verified, he is believed to be under 6-foot and full of muscle. He flies around the field, gets outside the numbers with ease, quickly locates the football, and isn’t afraid to jump a route. He’s shown to be a spirited tackler in run support and often seeks contact. Agile and fluid in the lower half, he can man-up with wide receivers and tight ends, though he hasn’t been asked to press much on Friday nights. Based on his tape, he should be seen as a potential defensive playmaker for a Power Five program, capable of playing over the top, in the box, or even in the slot. He is also likely to add value on special teams at the program of his choice.”
