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EDGE Julian Walker's rise highlights latest Rivals 2026 recruiting rankings update for Michigan commits

IMG_7141by: Josh Henschke11/17/25JoshHenschke

Rivals released its updated 2026 recruiting rankings on Monday as the calendar is quickly turning to the early signing period, with Michigan seeing its current group of commits rising and falling on the rankings.

As of this writing, the Wolverines sit at No. 12 in the Rivals’ industry team rankings and have a handful of targets remaining on the board to fill out the remainder of the class.

Let’s take a look at the highlights of the rankings update.

Julian Walker is approaching five-star status

It was a big day for EDGE prospect Julian Walker, as he was listed as one of the biggest risers in the country from Rivals’ rankings update.

The four-star prospect is now a fringe five-star, as he jumped from No. 81 to No. 26 in the updated rankings. For reference, to be a five-star, you must be ranked within the top 25 recruits in the country.

Offensive linemen make big moves

Offensive line commit Marky Wallbridge continues his rise up the Rivals300 rankings with another big jump in the latest update.

Wallbridge, a four-star prospect, saw his ranking rise from No. 256 to No. 211.

Elsewhere on the line, long-time offensive line commit Malakai Lee also saw a big bump in his rankings as he pushes to be one of the nation’s best.

Lee saw a significant bump in his ranking, going from No. 89 to No. 55, and has cracked the top 10 offensive linemen in the country as the No. 9 OL prospect.

Michigan holds strong with two Top-10 prospects

The Wolverines are still holding strong to two top 10 prospects as Carter Meadows and Savion Hiter remain amongst the nation’s best.

Meadows fell slightly and is no longer the top EDGE player in the class, as he falls to No. 2 behind USC commit Luke Wafle. Meadows went from the No. 3 prospect to No. 6.

Savion Hiter remains at No. 8 and is still listed as the No. 1 running back in the class.

Quick Hitters

  • Out of Michigan’s recent commits, quarterback Tommy Carr and linebacker Kaden Catchings saw ratings bumps in the new update as they received 88 and 89 grades, respectively.
  • EDGE prospect McHale Blade is no longer in the Rivals300.
  • Tight end Matt Ludwig’s ranking fell sharply, going from No. 130 to No. 199.