Michigan lands a commitment from coveted edge rusher Julian Walker adding to Top 10 class

Michigan coach Sherrone Moore and the Wolverines landed another top target on Tuesday.

The latest to join the fold, Columbia (SC) Dutch Fork four-star edge rusher Julian Walker, adding to a class previously ranked No. 10 nationally.

Walker announced his pledge to the Wolverines on Tuesday, choosing to play for the Maize and Blue over North Carolina, South Carolina and many others.

The 6-foot-6, 240-pound Walker becomes commit No. 20 for Michigan in the class-of-2026. He keeps the hot streak going, with his pledge coming during a run that also includes blue-chip defensive linemen Carter Meadows and Titan Davis, along with coveted offensive tackle Malakai Lee.

Walker was tabbed by On3 as the nation’s No. 20 edge and No. 136 prospect overall. The industry combined slots him at No. 24 and No. 180.

Official visit to Michigan was the difference for Walker

Walker took his official visit to Michigan the weekend of June 20. Michigan checked all the boxes.

“It was a great visit to Ann Arbor,” Walker said. “I got some really good time with the defensive staff and Coach Moore. Definitely another elite visit, where they continue to show me how they see me playing across the line. They really like my ability to play any position up front and want to use me on the inside and outside. I love that they want to use my versatility on the field. 

“But more than anything it just feels like it goes so far beyond football. They aren’t trying to develop you for life after football. (The program is) developing those guys to be great in life now. They really show you how they are going to get you better and develop you.  They have so many resources and people around the program that want to support them. I honestly didn’t think there was anymore they could show me after their spring visit, but they did it again. You leave there with no words every time. I left there knowing it’s a place that I could go and develop as a person and player.”

Moving forward, Michigan is in great shape for several other top targets. That group includes five-star running back Savion Hiter, touted cornerback Davon Benjamin, four-star receiver Travis Johnson and four-star cornerback Dorian Barney.

The Wolverines are making a run at a top five class, Walker the latest to join the fold.