OFFICIAL: 3⭐️ TE Eli Owens has signed with Michigan! Owens is poised to bring toughness, versatility, and high potential to the Wolverines’ offense
The Michigan Wolverines have officially welcomed a new weapon to their offense, as three-star tight end Eli Owens has put pen to paper and signed with the program. Owens, a standout from Alcoa High School in Tennessee, solidified his commitment on National Signing Day, marking a key addition to Michigan’s 2025 recruiting class.
Owens, who had previously announced his verbal commitment earlier in the recruiting cycle, made it official with his signature — and Michigan fans have every reason to be excited. Known for his physicality, dependable hands, and football IQ, Owens is seen as a high-upside prospect with the tools to thrive in the Wolverines’ pro-style offense.
“Signing with Michigan is a dream come true,” Owens said during his signing ceremony at Alcoa High. “From the moment I visited Ann Arbor, I knew this was the place where I could grow as a player and a person. The coaches believe in me, and I’m ready to work.”
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing around 235 pounds, Owens isn’t just a pass catcher — he’s a well-rounded tight end who can block in-line, contribute in the red zone, and line up in different formations. His junior and senior seasons at Alcoa were filled with standout performances, helping his team to multiple deep playoff runs while racking up over 1,000 receiving yards and double-digit touchdowns across two seasons.
Though he’s listed as a three-star prospect by major recruiting services, many insiders believe Owens has the potential to outperform his ranking. His work ethic, football instincts, and versatility make him an ideal fit for the Wolverines’ offensive scheme, which has a history of developing tight ends into NFL-caliber talent.
Michigan tight ends coach Grant Newsome played a pivotal role in Owens’ recruitment. His ability to build trust with recruits and show a clear development path was instrumental in bringing Owens to Ann Arbor.
“Coach Newsome and Coach Moore made me feel like family from day one,” Owens shared. “They have a plan for me, and I know I’m going to get better under their guidance.”
The Wolverines continue to emphasize the tight end position as a key part of their offensive identity, and Owens’ signing underscores that commitment. With players like Colston Loveland already thriving in Michigan’s system, the future looks bright for a new wave of talent entering the program.
Owens joins a class filled with promise and potential, and while he may need time to adjust to the college level, he brings the kind of drive and mindset that Michigan values.
“Now that the recruiting part is behind me, it’s time to get to work,” Owens said. “I want to come in, learn, and contribute however I can. I’m ready to be a Wolverine.”
