After leaving Michigan, Ahmir Mitchell ‘appears headed to Rutgers’

Ahmir Mitchell may have left Michigan, but he may not end up leaving the Big Ten after all.

Citing a source with knowledge of the situation, Todderick Hunt of nj.com is reporting that Rutgers is the likely destination for Mitchell. Later on in the story, Hunt writes that Mitchell “appears to be headed to Rutgers.”

Maryland and Temple have also been considered potential landing spots. It’s expected Mitchell will make a decision next week.

As for his eligibility now and in the future at whichever school he selects? Hunt explains:

Per Big Ten transfer rules, Mitchell will have to sit out the 2016 season, and will lose an additional year of eligibility, in order to transfer home. But Mitchell is expected to appeal the rule, and potentially even fight for a hardship waver, which although unlikely, could get him on the field as early as this year.

Mitchell’s departure from Ann Arbor was certainly an odd one, cloaked in uncertainty and secrecy.

Jim Harbaugh had confirmed earlier this month that two of the three Michigan football players not present for a team photo — Mitchell, running back Kareem Walker and defensive lineman Shelton Johnson — had been suspended, although he declined to specify which two. A couple of weeks later, Mitchell announced that he had decided to reopen his recruitment even as UM would’ve allowed him to return if he paid his own way this semester.

A four-star 2016 recruit, Mitchell was rated as the No. 5 player at any position in the state of New Jersey and the No. 167 player overall on 247sports.com‘s composite board. He was an early enrollee who participated in spring practice.,