Why Michigan is a top school for Top 100 OL Keenyi Pepe
Michigan has a glaring need for a premier offensive tackle. The position will be a major focus for new offensive line coach Grant Newsome in the 2026 recruiting class.
Newsome swung by national powerhouse Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy during the spring evaluation period and put an offer on the table for Top 100 prospect Keenyi Pepe.
“It was an exciting moment,” Pepe said. “Coach Newsome came to see me, so it was a great feeling. I know that he’s the new offensive line coach and that they have a new head coach (Sherrone Moore), so I’ve liked hearing more about what they are doing up there.”
Newsome has been keeping in frequent contact since extending the scholarship, and the two are building a strong relationship.
“Coach Newsome is a real dude,” Pepe said. “I love his way of teaching. He’s always reaching out to me and seeing how I’m doing. I’m building a really good relationship with him. I’m excited to see him again soon.”
Newsome is also getting a boost from 2025 Michigan offensive line commit Kaden Strayhorn, who plays with Pepe at IMG Academy.
“He’s always telling me to slide to Michigan,” Pepe said. “So yeah, he’s recruiting me (laughs). Kaden is a dawg. He plays with so much aggression. It’s great to play with him here at IMG.”
Pepe, who is originally from Los Angeles, recently released his Top 16 schools. Michigan made the cut along with programs like Alabama, Florida State, Georgia, Miami, Ohio State, Oregon, Texas and USC.
A big reason the Wolverines are still in the mix is their recent offensive line production.
“What they have done with the offensive line has really been amazing,” Pepe said. “It’s a blessing that they are recruiting me. Production is a big thing for me. I like that they are putting players in the league.”
The next step for Pepe is making his first-ever visit to Michigan, which he hopes will take place at some point in the near future.
“I want to make a visit sometime this fall or in the spring,” Pepe said. “I want to see the environment and all the facilities. I want to meet all of the coaches.”
At 6-foot-6, 275 pounds, Pepe is ranked as the No. 6 offensive tackle and No. 37 overall recruit nationally, per the On3 Industry Ranking. He is also ranked as the No. 5 overall prospect in the state of Florida for next cycle.
The post Why Michigan is a top school for Top 100 OL Keenyi Pepe appeared first on On3.
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