Top 3 landing spots for four-star CB Jayden Sanders ft. Michigan

Four-star cornerback Jayden Sanders is one of the most highly-touted prospects in the 2025 recruiting class. The Kilgore High School standout has already received offers from Vanderbilt, Oklahoma State, SMU, Texas Tech, Baylor, Michigan State, TCU, Kansas and Northwestern, among others.

Sanders is considered the No. 203 overall prospect, No. 21 cornerback and No. 33 player in Texas, according to On3. 247Sports ranks the 6-foot-2, 180-pound CB as the No. 215 overall prospect, No. 24 cornerback and No. 30 player in the state.

Let's see which three programs have the potential to earn Sanders' pledge.

Top 3 programs vying for Jayden Sanders commitment

#3 SMU

Despite not making Jayden Sanders' final list of Michigan, Baylor, TCU, Oklahoma State and Vanderbilt, SMU remains an intriguing option. The Mustangs' recent move to the ACC offers a big advantage, presenting the safety with the opportunity to compete at a higher level against prominent programs.

Sanders' visit to SMU for Junior Day provided him with insights into the team's facilities and coaching staff. He bonded with special teams coordinator/safeties coach Kyle Cooper as well as defensive coordinator Scott Symons and had high praises for the program following the visit.

“The facility, of course, and all the coaching,” Sanders told On3. “They say us building our class up. I feel like they’re going to help me get to where I need to go.”

Though the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine gives SMU less than a 1% chance to land Sanders, unexpected commitments like Taz Williams Jr. to Baylor show that surprises can happen in recruiting.

#2 Baylor

Baylor remains a strong contender for Jayden Sanders, with a 2.7% chance of securing his commitment. He visited Baylor on June 7, experiencing firsthand what the Bears have to offer.

The Bears' 2025 class is already phenomenal, with 16 commitments placing them 34th in the nation and third in the Big 12, according to 247Sports team rankings. This strong recruiting effort proves Baylor's dedication to building a competitive team, which could be a significant factor in Sanders' decision.

#1 Michigan

Michigan has emerged as the frontrunner in the race for Jayden Sanders' commitment, boasting a 93.8% chance of securing his pledge. He took an unofficial visit to the program in June and was thoroughly impressed by what he saw.

"I came in not knowing what to expect, but they definitely passed my standards," Sanders told On3. "I definitely liked the weight room. I didn’t know it was that big. I liked building relationships with the staff.”

Sanders plans to return to Michigan later this month for the BBQ at the Big House, with a clear agenda in mind.

“Just getting back up there and getting to talk to the players more while learning more about Ann Arbor,” he told On3.

Michigan's secondary coach, LaMar Morgan, has quickly established himself as a top recruiter. His ability to connect with recruits and develop talent has earned praise from Sanders.

“I got to see how he coaches. He treats you like one of his own players. I really liked it. I feel like he can develop me. He was calm and collected. He’s a chill dude. He’s laid back but knows when to be serious,” he said.

Jayden Sanders also had the opportunity to meet with new Michigan coach Sherrone Moore during the visit. The program is currently ranked No. 11 nationally and No. 4 in the Big Ten.