Michigan tight end signee Eli Owens caps off high school career with fourth football state title

The Michigan Wolverines 2025 class finished strong with the signings of all committed players, except for four-star tight end Andrew Olesh. Despite Olesh's flip to Penn State this week, Michigan's 2025 cycle features another explosive tight end in Eli Owens.

The three-star TE from Alcoa High School (Tennessee) led the program to its 10th consecutive Class 3A BlueCross Bowl state championship, capping the 2024 TSSAA football playoffs with a 40-21 victory over Westview on Friday. This win marks his fourth football state title, complementing two basketball state championships earned during his high school career.

Alcoa is now preparing to move to Class 4A next season, and Owens sees the transition as an opportunity for growth.

"I think it's cool that (Alcoa) will get to face some of the Knoxville area teams," Owens told Knox News. "At the end of the day, it's about Alcoa getting better. If this gets us better, then I'm all for it."

Eli Owens is the No. 600 prospect in the nation, the No. 33 tight end in the 2025 class and the No. 21 recruit in Tennessee.

He served as the goalkeeper for Alcoa’s soccer team and dedicated his time to the Lost Vets Association.

Eli Owens opens up his recruitment effort for Michigan's 2025 class

Eli Owens picked Michigan over offers from Alabama, Ohio State, Tennessee, Virginia Tech and Wisconsin, among others, in January. Besides staying true to his commitment, he also tried to recruit players for the Wolverines, which earned him the tag "The Vice President."

In a recent interview with On3's EJ Holland, Owens shared insights into his recruiting efforts and his passion for Michigan, saying:

"Well, you know, I've just been trying to allow people to understand that there's no, there's no place like Michigan, man. Yeah, it's, it's really unbelievable. Just the things, you know, the things we do and how we do them and how we are able to help, you know, people get and how people shine in our program. It's truly exceptional."

Owens also spoke about the early opportunity in Michigan's room, saying:

"You can go through every single position, all 22 positions, all position groups, and we have a stud in that room. And there's not a doubt in my mind that everybody coming in isn't going to be the next stud in that room, you know, whatever that room may be.

"And then, you know, throw in the things that Michigan can do for you. I mean, the alumni base at Michigan is unreal. There. I mean, I live in."

Eli Owens' commitment became official when he signed with Michigan on Wednesday.