Why five-star commit Isaiah Todd has not signed with Michigan

Isaiah Todd is the crown jewel to this point of Michigan basketball’s 2020 class under Juwan Howard, but some fans were concerned that he had not signed and sent in his letter of intent as the early signing period began on Wednesday. It does not appear that he will be doing that at all over the next seven days while the period to sign is open.

According to Jason Jordan of USA Today, Todd is not planning on signing during the period, which runs through Nov. 20. Instead, he will wait things out and sign in the spring. He still says that he intends to play at Michigan.

“Todd is the highest ranked (No. 8 in the Chosen 25) committed recruit that does not plan to sign during the Early Period,” Jordan wrote on Wednesday. “Todd, a forward at Word of God Christian Academy (Raleigh, North Carolina), said he ‘can’t wait’ to play at Michigan next season, but isn’t ready to sign.”

Todd committed to Michigan on Oct. 17 and gave Howard his first major win on the recruiting trail since becoming head coach in June. He is a five-star prospect and the 12th-ranked player in the 2020 class, according to 247Sports.

Currently, he and guard Zeb Jackson are the only two players committed to the 2020 class with as many as three spots potentially remaining. Jackson sent in his letter of intent to the Wolverines as the early signing period opened on Wednesday.

As far as Todd goes, there had been whispers during his recruitment that he may elect to instead go pro overseas, but he maintains that he will be coming to Michigan next season. With his recruitment coming together quickly and a first-year head coach that he committed to, perhaps he is waiting to see what the Wolverines do this year or simply wants to keep his options open over the next six months.

That will not stop Michigan fans from waiting for the other shoe to drop for bad news, but for now, we take his word for it and see what happens.