Top-rated 2018 prospect for Michigan Emil Ekiyor flips commitment to Alabama

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One of the many challenges Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh has been tasked with is rebuilding the program and building a foundation. He’s certainly done his part, putting together some of the best recruiting classes in the country since he arrived in Ann Arbor.

However, they reportedly have just lost their top commit from the Class of 2018 as 4-star offensive lineman Emil Ekiyor (Indianapolis, IN) has reportedly flipped his commitment to Alabama.

Ekiyor (6-2, 322 pounds) is rated the No. 1 player in the state of Indiana and No. 2 center in the entire country, per the 247Sports Composite Rankings. He had been committed to the Wolverines since early October of 2016. Since then, Ekiyor has received scholarships from multiple other schools, including Alabama. He has also made multiple visits and attended their Junior Day, all going back to February of this year.

It had been reported on Saturday that Ekiyor had canceled previously scheduled plans to visit Michigan for this weekend. The Wolverines hosted Rutgers on Saturday and defeated the Scarlet Knights, 35-14.

NCAA Football: Michigan at Michigan State
Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh throws the ball before a game against the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Despite the flip to Alabama, the Class of 2018 for Michigan remains a rather potent one for next season. It’s a class that ranks third in the Big Ten, behind only Ohio State and Penn State, two teams they continue to chase down in the Big Ten East Division. Michigan’s class overall ranks No. 14 in the country, according to 247Sports.

With Ekiyor gone, Michigan’s new top-rated prospect for 2018 is 4-star tight end Mustapha Muhammad (Missouri City, TX). As far as pledges from those on the offensive line, they will welcome in a pair of 4-star in-state products next season in tackles Jalen Mayfield (Grand Rapids Catholic Central, and their highest-rated prospect from Michigan; committed 05/23/17) and Ryan Hayes (Traverse City West; committed 05/27/17).