California 2026 QB Michael Mitchell Jr. goes in-depth on commitment to Vanderbilt

San Francisco (Calif.) Archbishop Riordan 2026 quarterback Michael Mitchell Jr. tells On3 he has committed to Vanderbilt.

The 6-foot, 180-pound Mitchell chose the Commodores over scholarships from the likes of California, Ole Miss, Arkansas, UNLV and Washington State.

Tim Beck led the charge in recruiting Mitchell to Nashville.

“I’ve built a great relationship with Coach Beck who has been able to have success everywhere he has been at,” Mitchell told On3. “I look forward to playing for a Coach who is a competitor like me and will help me develop as a QB and leader.”

Vanderbilt’s 2026 class is off and running

Mitchell is the first commitment for Vanderbilt in the 2026 class.

“Coach Lea is building something special on offense bringing in Coach Beck and (Jerry) Kill and I am a good fit for what they want to do offensively.”

Mitchell is a 4.0 student and says Vanderbilt has everything he’s looking for.

“Vanderbilt is a really good academic institution as well. It’s a blessing being able to play in the best conference in all of college football and get a great education at the same time!”

Commodores getting a prolific passer

As a sophomore Mitchell complete over 65 percent of his passes for nearly 3,000 yards and 31 touchdowns to just six interceptions. In his first two games as a junior he’s thrown for 680 yards and seven scores.

Private quarterback coach Danny Hernandez has raved about Mitchell in the past.

““An absolute general,” Hernandez said. “I don’t like to make a lot of comparisons to Bryce Young. I feel everybody that has a quarterback in the 5-10 range likes to make Bryce Young comparisons. Working with Bryce in the fifth grade, working with Mike since the sixth grade, I see a ton of comparisons. The way they carry themselves, extremely accurate, knowing how to create space. The other thing that is impressive with Mike, you look at his offensive line, I don’t think he has an offensive lineman under 6-4. He’s playing with a Power Five o-line. He’s understanding of finding lanes and creating space at his age is really impressive.”

Vanderbilt offered Mitchell in June.

“Vandy is building something special with everything they’re doing and I feel like I will be a great addition!” he said. “They’re putting a lot of resources into the football program and I believe they will be a top contender in the SEC soon. I’m really excited about the future and the opportunity to play high level football.”