Elite Running Back Torn Between Notre Dame and Michigan Opens Up About Wolverines’ Spring Game Experience

The recruitment battle for one of the top running backs in the 2025 class is intensifying, and it’s shaping up to be a classic Midwest showdown. Four-star tailback Jayden McCoy, a powerful and elusive runner out of St. Louis, Missouri, is at the center of a heated tug-of-war between Notre Dame and Michigan — two traditional powerhouses with deep history and passionate fanbases.

This past weekend, McCoy made the trip to Ann Arbor for Michigan’s annual Spring Game at the Big House, and he left with plenty to think about. In an exclusive conversation following his visit, McCoy spoke candidly about his experience, his impressions of the Wolverines’ program under new head coach Sherrone Moore, and how this visit stacks up against his growing relationship with Marcus Freeman’s Fighting Irish.

“I’ve been to a lot of schools, seen a lot of great things,” McCoy said. “But Michigan was definitely different this time around. There’s a new energy with Coach Moore taking over, and you can feel it across the whole program.”

A Game Day Atmosphere in April

Though technically a scrimmage, Michigan’s Spring Game is designed to showcase more than just football. It’s a recruiting tool, an alumni gathering, and a fan appreciation event rolled into one. For McCoy, it was his first time seeing the Wolverines in action at the Big House, and the environment made an impression.

“It didn’t feel like a scrimmage. The crowd was into it, the players were hyped, and it had that big-game feel,” McCoy said. “That kind of atmosphere tells me that people care here. I pay attention to that.”

McCoy wasn’t alone on his visit. Michigan hosted a slew of top recruits, including several offensive linemen already committed to the 2025 class. That detail wasn’t lost on the running back, who noted how important it is to have a strong front when envisioning his future at the next level.

“I talked to some of the o-line guys, and they’re legit,” he said. “Knowing that I’d be running behind dudes like that — that’s a huge deal. A back is only as good as the guys up front.”

Meeting Sherrone Moore

One of the pivotal moments of the visit was McCoy’s one-on-one meeting with Coach Moore, who is entering his first full season as Michigan’s head coach following Jim Harbaugh’s departure to the NFL. Moore, a former offensive lineman and coordinator, emphasized Michigan’s commitment to a balanced offense that still features the running game as its foundation.

“Coach Moore was real with me,” McCoy said. “He broke it down — how they’d use me, what I’d be walking into, how he sees me fitting in their system. It wasn’t just talk either; he had film, he showed me schemes, compared it to what I do in high school.”

Moore’s approach, built on physicality and execution, aligns well with McCoy’s playing style. At 6 feet, 205 pounds, McCoy combines downhill power with elite vision and deceptive breakaway speed. He has drawn comparisons to former Michigan back Hassan Haskins for his toughness and to Blake Corum for his agility in tight spaces — both traits Michigan fans have come to expect from their backs.

Recruiting Pitch Hits Close to Home

What resonated most with McCoy, however, was Michigan’s emphasis on development — not just in football, but in life.

“Coach Moore and the staff talked a lot about building men,” he said. “They want to get you to the league, of course, but they also want you to grow up the right way. That means a lot to me, and especially to my mom. She’s big on that.”

Family plays a central role in McCoy’s recruitment, and Michigan made sure to include them in every aspect of the visit. From sit-downs with the academic staff to campus tours tailored to parents, McCoy said the Wolverines went “above and beyond” to make them feel comfortable.

Still, even with such a successful visit, McCoy isn’t ready to make a decision just yet.

The Notre Dame Factor

Standing firmly on the other side of the fence is Notre Dame, a program that has built significant momentum with McCoy over the last several months. The Irish have hosted him twice already, with a third visit planned for early summer. McCoy said Notre Dame’s consistent communication, emphasis on academics, and the relationship he’s built with running backs coach Deland McCullough have kept them firmly in the running.

“Coach McCullough is one of the best to ever do it when it comes to coaching backs,” McCoy said. “He’s developed guys for the league, and he really believes in me. That’s not something you take lightly.”

Notre Dame’s pitch has focused heavily on McCoy being a featured back in their offense early in his career, with a chance to compete for playing time as a true freshman. The Irish have also emphasized their tight-knit team culture and the unique identity of the university.

“They’re different in a good way,” McCoy said. “There’s something about Notre Dame — the tradition, the campus, the way the players carry themselves. It’s special.”

What Comes Next

With the spring evaluation period underway and official visits on the horizon, McCoy said he plans to narrow down his list to three finalists by mid-May. While Michigan and Notre Dame appear locked into those top spots, he’s still considering several SEC programs, including Tennessee and Missouri, the latter being his in-state school.

“I’m not rushing it, but I also don’t want to drag it out just to drag it out,” he said. “My plan is to commit before my senior season starts so I can just focus on ball and being a leader for my team.”

When asked what will ultimately make the difference in his decision, McCoy pointed to relationships and fit over flash.

“Everybody’s got nice facilities, everybody’s got cool jerseys. But for me, it’s about where I feel most wanted, where I believe I can be the best version of myself — on and off the field.”

As the battle between Notre Dame and Michigan continues to unfold, both programs will likely roll out the red carpet in hopes of landing the talented back. Whether it’s the tradition of South Bend or the passion of Ann Arbor, McCoy’s decision is shaping up to be one of the most closely-watched of the 2025 cycle.

In an era where recruiting can often feel transactional, Jayden McCoy brings an old-school perspective. He’s not chasing hype or following trends. He’s seeking substance, connection, and a place that feels like home. That mindset makes him not only one of the most gifted running backs in the country but also one of the most grounded.

Whether it’s running through the tunnel at Notre Dame Stadium or touching the banner at the Big House, McCoy’s next move will have ripple effects across college football. For now, both fanbases wait — hopeful, anxious, and fully aware that landing a player like Jayden McCoy could be a program-defining moment.

And as McCoy weighs his options, one thing is clear: wherever he lands, he’s going to make a major impact.