Michigan-based universities have solidified their dominance in the world of college hockey by securing top-tier recruiting classes for 2025, according to recent rankings.
Before the era of NIL deals and the transfer portal reshaped college athletics, programs primarily built their rosters through traditional recruiting, competing for top-tier talent drawn to universities for a variety of reasons. In that landscape, Michigan-based schools consistently led the way.
The University of Michigan stands at the forefront of college hockey history with a record nine national championships, contributing to the state's impressive total of 16 titles (three each from Michigan State and Michigan Tech, and one apiece from Northern Michigan and Western Michigan). With NIL opportunities and the advantage of being two of the largest institutions in the state, both Michigan and Michigan State remain premier destinations for elite junior players aiming to take the next step in their development.
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In Puck Prep's recently released 2025 recruiting rankings, the Michigan Wolverines topped the list, boasting a class that includes four five-star prospects, three four-star players, and three three-stars. Not far behind, the Michigan State Spartans claimed a spot in the top three with three five-stars, four four-stars, and one three-star recruit.
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The Wolverines are looking to bounce back after going 18-15-3 with their season ending on back-to-back losses in the Big Ten Quarterfinals to Penn State. They look to get back to the Frozen Four after making it three straight years from 2022 to 2024. Besides their incoming recruits, Michigan added some big name transfers out of the Canadian Hockey League in top prospects Malcolm Spence and Jack Ivankovic.
The Spartans also landed some big name transfers in top draft picks Porter Martone and Cayden Lindstrom with the hope being they help build up their incoming recruiting class. State is coming off a stellar season, where they went 26-7-4 but lost in the first round of the NCAA tournament to Cornell. They will look to make their first Frozen Four appearance since 2007.
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