Michigan lands in

Michigan received a commitment from Howell (Mich.) rising junior Bobby Kanka, a 6-foot-5, 260-pound defensive lineman.

Kanka has been to Michigan multiple times throughout his recruitment but visited again on Saturday then Sunday for the BBQ at the Big House. He cancelled planned trips to Michigan State and Penn State choosing to come to Ann Arbor and end his recruitment.

It wasn't just one factor that led him to the decision.

"Everything - from academics, to on field success, to the culture, to the relationships, and to playing on the most well known team in the country," he said, explaining his commitment. "Every one of those aspects that I mentioned just makes Michigan the perfect fit for me."

Kanka is a life-long Michigan native as his father played football at Hillsdale and then had a stint with the Detroit Lions as well as Pittsburgh Steelers. He began his high school career at Pinckney before transferring to Howell last season.

As a result, he has been watching Michigan football for a long time, so to have this opportunity to don the maize and blue is exciting for him.

"I grew up watching Michigan Football," he said. "I remember going home after youth football games and turning on the TV with my Dad and watching the Michigan Wolverines. So it’s going to be a dream come true to run out of that tunnel just knowing all the history behind the winged helmet and all the memories I have from a kid."

The Wolverine staff had multiple coaches build a relationship with Kanka, but recently, it has been defensive line coach Mike Elston who has been giving him a breakdown of how he fits into what they do.

"I still have a lot of growing to do, but as of right now, they see me as an athletic 300-pound defensive tackle in their defense -- very similar to what Kris Jenkins plays," he said.

247Sports has Kanka rated an 89 and a high three-star prospect. He is the No. 30 defensive lineman in the 2025 class and the No. 4 rising junior in the state of Michigan.

He had additional offers from Penn State, Michigan State, Minnesota, Louisville, Kansas and more. He comes from a background that has also included tight end and offensive line.

Kanka is also an excellent student who carries a 3.97 GPA.

He made First-Team All Conference, First-Team All Detroit North, First-Team All-County and was an honorable mention All-State selection as a sophomore.