Brandon Naurato and the University of Michigan lead the nation with the top-ranked 2025 recruiting class. The Wolverines’ class includes four five-stars, three four-stars, and three three-star recruits, representing five U.S. states and three Canadian provinces. This talented group will look to help Michigan reach the Frozen Four for the third time in four seasons. Here's a closer look at the ten incoming players.

Cole McKinney | NTDP U18 | 5-Star Forward
Cole McKinney is a dynamic forward with a high motor and an excellent shot. Standing 6-foot-0 and weighing 201 pounds, he brings an aggressive and assertive presence to the ice. He recorded 42 goals and 45 assists last season with the NTDP U18s and added three goals and five points during Team USA’s gold-medal run at the 2025 World Juniors. Beyond his scoring ability, McKinney is a versatile two-way center who can kill penalties and win key faceoffs for the Wolverines.

Henry Mews | Sudbury Wolves | 5-Star Defenseman
Henry Mews is a right-shot defenseman who brings significant offensive upside from the blue line. At 6-foot-1 and 183 pounds, he has a good combination of both size with mobility. Last season, he tallied 14 goals and 68 assists while splitting time between the Ottawa 67’s and Sudbury Wolves. Mews is a true difference-maker in the offensive zone, capable of driving play and creating scoring chances with his feet. While his defensive game is still a work in progress, his playmaking ability makes him a high-impact addition to Michigan’s blue line.

Asher Barnett | NTDP U18 | 5-Star Defenseman
Asher Barnett is a steady, two-way defenseman who quietly put together a solid season with the NTDP U18s. He recorded 11 goals and 17 assists from the blue line. At 6-foot-0 and 200 pounds, he brings a physical edge to his game, especially as an off-puck defender. Barnett has a good shot and excels as a puck distributor, moving the play efficiently out of the defensive zone. While his numbers were modest, I think there's more offense in his game that he can discover in Ann Arbor.

Drew Schock | NTDP U18 | 5-Star Defenseman
As a dynamic left-shot defenseman, Drew Schock's skating is the first thing that jumps out when you watch him play. Constantly in motion, he brings energy and fluidity to both ends of the ice. Last season with the NTDP U18s, he tallied 14 goals and 40 assists, showcasing his offensive upside. He also had a strong performance at the U18 World Championships, recording two goals and seven points in seven games. At 6-foot-0 and 180 pounds, Schock figures to be a valuable asset on Michigan’s power play with his mobility and playmaking ability from the back end.

Malcolm Spence | Erie Otters | 4.5-Star Forward
Malcolm Spence is a playmaking forward with good size and an aggressive style, standing at 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds. He excels in transition and has a real knack for finding the soft spots in the offensive zone to create scoring chances. Last season with the Erie Otters, he put up an impressive 32 goals and 41 assists. Spence brings a noticeable swagger to his game that adds intensity and flair to his play. That edge should make rivalry matchups against Michigan State and Ohio State really fun to watch.

Aidan Park | Green Bay Gamblers | 4.5-Star Forward
Aidan Park plays with a nonstop motor and relentless work ethic that drives his game. With the Green Bay Gamblers last season, he proved himself as both a scorer and a passer, recording an even 33 goals and 33 assists. At 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, he has the size to be a physical presence and compete level to win puck battles. He’s a constant threat around the net, using his quick hands with the puck on his stick or on redirects on shots from the point.

Matthew Mania | Flint Firebirds | 4-Star Defenseman
Matthew Mania is a highly creative defenseman who brings significant upside from the back end. The 6-foot-1 and 190-pound blueliner recorded seven goals and 38 assists with the Flint Firebirds last season, showing his ability as a puck distributor from the point. Mania excels at finding seams, changing angles, and setting up teammates in the offensive zone. As he continues to develop and earns more minutes at Michigan, he has the potential to add more layers to his offensive game.

Gabriel Eliasson | Barrie Colts | 3.5-Star Defenseman
Gabriel Eliasson plays a mean and nasty brand of hockey that makes him a nightmare to play against. Standing at 6-foot-7 and 220 pounds, he brings a massive, intimidating presence to the ice. Despite his size, he moves decently well for a player his stature. He embraces physical play and welcomes contact, racking up 116 penalty minutes in 63 games with the Barrie Colts last season. While he provided three goals and four assists, his true impact comes from the physicality he brings every shift.

Teddy Spitznagel | Muskegon Lumberjacks | 3.5-Star Forward
Teddy Spitznagel brings a big presence and relentless motor to the ice. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 190 pounds, he uses his size effectively to win battles and establish net-front positioning. He tallied 10 goals and 18 points during the regular season with the Muskegon Lumberjacks and chipped in five more points during their Clark Cup playoff run. His style of play makes him well-suited for the college level. I see him making a smooth transition and carving out a role as a bottom-six forward.

Justin Larose | Drummondville Voltigeurs | 3-Star Forward
While he may be slightly undersized at 5-foot-9 and 175 pounds, Justin Larose consistently finds ways to make an impact. Despite his smaller frame, he has produced at every level, most recently putting up 26 goals and 35 assists between Victoriaville and Drummondville in the QMJHL. He thrives around the net, showing good anticipation to follow scoring chances. Larose's knack for being around the puck makes him a persistent offensive threat.

Jack Ivankovic | Brampton Steelheads | N/A

Jack Ivankovic, though undersized at 6-foot-0 and 175 pounds, has consistently delivered strong performances at every stop. He posted a 3.06 GAA and a .903 SV% with a pair of shutouts in 43 games for Brampton (OHL) last season. He also brings a wealth of international experience to Michigan, including a standout performance for Team Canada at the U18 World Championship, where he recorded a 1.05 GAA and .961 save percentage over six games. He makes his way to Ann Arbor as a second-round pick of the Nashville Predators in the 2025 NHL Draft.

*recruiting class includes incoming freshmen only