BREAKING NEWS: NFL and Michigan insider reveals Jim Harbaugh aiming to land former five-star USC cornerback transfer portal.

The rivalry between the Michigan Wolverines and the Alabama Crimson Tide extends beyond the College Football Playoff. According to the most recent Michigan rumors, Jim Harbaugh and Nick Saban are both interested in former five-star USC cornerback Domani Jackson. According to On3.com’s Pete Nakos, the two favorites to land Jackson in the transfer portal are Michigan and Alabama.

“One of the top cornerbacks still on the board in the portal, Domani Jackson officially entered the transfer portal on Monday night,” Nakos wrote in an article published on December 21, titled, “Transfer Portal Intel: Latest on Evan Stewart, Walter Nolen, KJ Jefferson and more.”

“While he is open to landing anywhere,” a source told On3, “a few days into his portal recruitment, Michigan and Alabama are clearly in the lead.” When he was a Five-Star Plus+ recruit in the 2022 cycle, both were the top challengers to USC.”

Either Alabama or Michigan would benefit greatly from this addition. On3.com ranked Jackson as the No. 5 overall player in the 2022 class and the top cornerback in the country heading into USC.

Jackson is the most recent USC player to leave the program. After two seasons with the Trojans, the former five-star is still looking for his first interception.

Jackson had 33 tackles and three pass deflections in 11 games for USC last season. Jackson would most likely benefit from playing on a more intimidating defense, as the unit has been one of the Trojans’ biggest weaknesses under head coach Lincoln Riley.

Michigan and Alabama were among the teams that offered Jackson as a top high school recruit in 2022. Clemson, Florida State, and Georgia were among the top teams vying for the corner. After a standout high school career at California’s legendary Mater Dei, 247Sports’ Greg Biggins compared Jackson to former NFL cornerback Xavier Rhodes.

“Long, well-built corner with an NFL body right now,” Biggins wrote in an evaluation dated May 26, 2021. “Is 6-1, 190 pounds, has long arms, and plays a physical game.” Has incredible straight line speed and has run in the 10.5-100m range. Performs well in press coverage and can intimidate opposing receivers at the line of scrimmage. Has the speed to turn and run with any receiver but needs to work on his ball awareness and tracking.

“…Can be a little grabby at times and needs to work on not being too physical in coverage down the field.” Has improved his ball skills and could be a factor in college as a kick or punt returner.”

According to the On3 rankings, Alabama had the No. 2 ranked recruiting class for 2024, while Michigan was ranked 17th. In the Rose Bowl, the Wolverines are 1.5-point favorites over the Crimson Tide.

According to FanDuel, Michigan is the slight favorite to win the national championship heading into the College Football Playoff, with odds of +200. Alabama comes in second with +220 odds.