2025 Four-Star EDGE Julius Holly Commits to Michigan

Julius Holly is a talented 2025 four-star weakside defensive end from Alpharetta, Ga.

About Julius Holly

Holly has been making a name for himself in the football world with his impressive skills on the field. He chose the University of Michigan over Ohio State, Clemson and Georgia. His star rankings are:

• On3 Sports: four-star

• 247Sports: three-star

• ESPN: four-star

• Rivals: four-star

Holly is a talented all-around athlete. In addition to his prowess on the gridiron, he is a highly regarded basketball player at the prep level.

Impact for Michigan

With Holly’s commitment, the Wolverines now have 13 recruits in their 2025 recruiting class, including three at the defensive end position. Holly becomes the first true EDGE in the 2025 cycle to pledge with Michigan. Elsewhere along the defensive front, Holly joins versatile four-stars Nathaniel Marshall of Oak Park (Ill.) and Jaylen Williams of Palentine (Ill.) as Blue and Maize commitments this cycle. According to On3 Sports, Michigan’s recruiting class is ranked No. 14 nationally and No. 4 in the Big Ten Conference.

As a four-star EDGE prospect, Holly has the potential to be a dominant pass rusher in the Big Ten. He could help the Wolverines improve their pass defense and create more opportunities for sacks and turnovers. With the departure of some key defensive linemen following the 2024 season, the Wolverines could use an injection of talent and depth on the defensive line.

Holly Looks to Contribute Quickly

To determine how quickly Holly can contribute to Sherrone Moore's Wolverines, it is necessary to analyze the team’s depth chart and transfer portal activity. According to OurLads, Michigan’s depth chart at defensive end includes senior starters and some backup underclassmen. Checking the On3 transfer portal, Michigan has had some defensive linemen leave but also acquired incoming transfers.

Given Holly’s talent and the current team dynamics, he has a realistic chance to compete for significant playing time as a freshman. While he might begin by serving as a key reserve, his impact could grow rapidly if he adjusts well at the college level.

Holly’s addition could spark the team’s pass rush and create positive competition for playing time in the Wolverines' defensive line room. Video footage of his performance during his junior year in high school reveals promising flashes of athleticism.

Scouting Holly

Holly is a talented athlete with impressive speed, agility and strength, making him a formidable opponent on the defensive end. His pass-rushing ability is evident from his 8 sacks in his junior season, showing his knack for getting to the quarterback and disrupting the offense. Holly also has a strong tackling record, bringing down 57 opponents in his junior season. However, Holly needs to work on maintaining a consistent level of performance throughout the game. While he has impressive pass-rushing skills, he needs to improve in run-stopping and plugging holes in the defensive line. Holly is developing his skills and has the potential to become a dominant defensive force.