One of Nation’s Top Defensive Linemen Lists Michigan as Top School

Byron Nelson (Texas) four-star defensive tackle George Toia has trimmed a once-lengthy offer sheet to eight finalists, and Michigan sits squarely among the contenders for the 6-foot-2, 300-pound interior force. Toia, rated the No. 83 overall prospect and the No. 7 defensive tackle in the 2027 Rivals Industry Rankings, announced the Wolverines alongside Texas, Oklahoma, Texas Tech, LSU, Penn State, Oregon and Auburn as the programs still in pursuit.

Toia’s recruitment has drawn national attention for good reason. Rivals national recruiting analyst Greg Biggins projects an “NFL ceiling” for the Texas native, praising his blend of power, quickness and nonstop effort. “He lines up all along the defensive line but his future at the college level and beyond is as a nose guard,” Biggins wrote. “He’s a tremendous interior line presence who can win with power and quickness … a relentless player with a nice edge in his game.”

Michigan’s pitch has remained consistent even through a coaching transition. Toia first secured an offer from the Wolverines’ previous staff, and new head coach Kyle Whittingham—who previously recruited Toia while at Utah—has kept the lineman atop the priority board in Ann Arbor. That continuity has helped Michigan maintain momentum with the Lone Star standout as the program works to assemble a 2027 class that currently checks in 12th nationally with four pledges: offensive linemen Louis Esposito and Tristan Dare, edge rusher Recarder Kitchen and quarterback Peter Bourque.

With more than two years remaining until National Signing Day, Toia’s decision timeline is fluid, but the Wolverines have already positioned themselves as a legitimate destination for one of the country’s most coveted trench talents.