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Recruiting: Michigan Football makes top 5 for rising TE prospect

Originally posted on Michigan Wolverines on SI
By Trent Knoop | Last updated Feb 22, 2025 7:28 PM ET

The tight end position has been a staple in the Michigan football offense since Jim Harbaugh took over as the head coach back in 2015. Although the Wolverines have had some elite wide receivers through the years, you wouldn't recognize a Michigan offense if you didn't see at least one tight end on the field. This past season, Colston Loveland was the main target and he led the Wolverines with 56 receptions for 582 yards and five touchdowns.

Michigan recruited just one tight end in the 2025 class and that was three-star Eli Owens who is more likely to become Max Bredeson's replacement when he leaves after next year. Michigan is hoping to bring in a couple of tight ends in the 2026 cycle. One of those could be Mason Bonner who put Michigan in his top five. The Wolverines will battle Miami, Minnesota, Texas Tech, and Nebraska.

I am blessed and grateful for all of the opportunities that have been presented to me to play D1 football. Thank you to all the coaches that believed in me. @BrandonHuffman @_MullenFootball @jrbennet @sedbonner_one3 @shaunfred11 pic.twitter.com/FFgC7TTokU
— Mason Bonner (@MasonBonner13) February 22, 2025

The Denver (CO) Mullen prospect is not ranked by the Composite. According to 247Sports' rankings, Bonner is a three-star prospect and the No. 28 tight end in the '26 class. He is also listed as the third-best prospect in Colorado. Bonner has ideal size standing at 6-6 and weighing 200 pounds.

Michigan will roll with Marlin Klein and Hogan Hansen as the top two tight ends in 2025. The Wolverines will also likely use guys like Zach Marshall and Brady Prieskorn within the offense. Chip Lindsey will take over as the offensive coordinator, and the chances of the Wolverines using the tight end as in years past is pretty high.

Thank you to @Coach_SMoore, @Coach_Casula, @SeanMagee04, @CoachTonyAlford, for stopping by, it was great to learn more about the Michigan football program. @jrbennet @sedbonner_one3 pic.twitter.com/3ZbcRKzACr
— Mason Bonner (@MasonBonner13) January 29, 2025