Michigan Football Recruiting: Signing Day Hub 2025
The early signing period for the 2026 recruiting class is here, and the Michigan football program will announce the newest additions to the program on Wednesday.
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With the class assembled and flip targets accounted for, the expectation is that it should be a quiet day for the program, but never say never when it comes to unexpected fireworks.
Below is a running updates feed of all signees the Wolverines officially announce throughout the day.
Live Updates
OL Marky Walbridge signs with Michigan
12/03/2025 05:39:38 PMName: Marky Walbridge
Rivals Industry Ranking: ☆☆☆☆ (No. 241)
Link to Recruiting Profile: https://www.on3.com/rivals/marky-walbridge-152323/
Recruiting Story: A recruit who keeps quiet and doesn’t participate in the camp circuit, Marky Wallbridge was a name who flew under the radar for quite some time until a visit to campus during the spring sparked talk about him ending up in the class. The talk culminated in a pledge to the Wolverines in June.
Quotable: “Mauling run-blocker with fluid athleticism and projectable length. Versatile across the offensive line, having taken snaps at both guard and tackle, but performs best at tackle. Explosive first step and excels as a puller or lead blocker, consistently paving clear paths for chain-moving rushes. Plays with a mean streak and relentless effort, often driving defenders into the dirt even when the ball is away from his side or after the whistle. Needs to add significant bulk to be physically ready for the Power Five level. Footwork remains limited, and he doesn’t consistently lock on to opposing edge rushers. Overall, pass-blocking technique still requires considerable development.” – M&BR’s Aidan Sen
Path to Playing Time: Marky Walbridge enters a Michigan offensive line room stacked with young tackles and veterans returning from injury, making immediate snaps unlikely but giving him a valuable developmental runway. His frame, motor, and ability to play multiple spots make him an ideal long-term swing lineman, but he’ll need time in the weight room and significant technical refinement before he can hold up against Big Ten edge talent. A redshirt year is the most realistic path as he builds bulk and cleans up his footwork and pass-protection consistency under Grant Newsome. Early in his career, his best opportunity for playing time may come as a backup guard or extra tackle in jumbo packages, where his power and aggression can shine without requiring full-field pass sets. By year two or three, Walbridge has the upside to push into the two-deep and eventually become a dependable, mauling contributor wherever Michigan needs him most.
DB Andre Clarke signs with Michigan
12/03/2025 04:29:17 PMName: Andre Clarke
Position: Defensive Back
Rivals Industry Ranking: ☆☆☆☆ (No. 229)
Link to Recruiting Profile: https://www.on3.com/rivals/andre-clarke-154572/
Recruiting Story: After a year of consistent relationship building with the program, momentum for Andre Clarke to wind up in Ann Arbor picked up significantly after a visit to campus during the summer. In a matter of weeks after the visit, Clarke announced his commitment to the Wolverines in late June.
Quotable: “The official visit [to Michigan] changed things for me. I knew that was where I wanted to be during that visit. Being around the players and the coaches showed me a lot and I just felt at home. When I left the visit, I knew. The coaches are real, I felt good around the people and my decision was made.”
Path to Playing Time: Andre Clarke joins a youthful Michigan secondary where opportunity exists, but adding strength and refining technique will be essential before he can handle significant defensive snaps. His length, fluidity, and ability to mirror make him a strong long-term candidate at corner. He’s played some safety, so he will get run at nickel like we’ve seen Morgan do with young players before. Early on, Clarke will likely make his biggest impact on special teams while competing for rotational work at field corner, especially against speed-based offenses. As one of the youngest players in the class, a redshirt year is possible, but his physical upside gives him a chance to accelerate the timeline if he adapts quickly to the college game. Once his frame fills out, Clarke projects as a high-ceiling defensive back with the tools to become a multi-year starter.
Michigan fends off late push from Virginia Tech as WR Travis Johnson signs
12/03/2025 03:14:14 PMName: Travis Johnson
Position: Wide Receiver
Rivals Industry Ranking: ☆☆☆☆ (No. 112)
Link to Recruiting Profile: https://www.on3.com/rivals/travis-johnson-158655/
Recruiting Story: U-M had a busy summer of visits and commitments, as Travis Johnson was one of those recruits the Wolverines impressed during their June 13 visit weekend. The Wolverines held momentum for Johnson coming out of the visit and he wrapped his recruitment process up with a commitment on July 4.
Quotable: “Travis chose Michigan because he truly felt it was the perfect fit on every level. The coaches took the time to show us in detail how they plan to use him on the field,” he said. “They highlighted how his skills and versatility would fit into their system right away. They also emphasized how they will support him academically, making sure he succeeds in the classroom just as much as on the field.” – Tory Johnson Jr., father of Travis, via M&BR’s Aidan Sen.
Path to Playing Time: Travis Johnson arrives as the most polished, college-ready receiver in Michigan’s 2026 class, giving him a clear chance to see the field early in a wideout room searching for dependable options. With Andrew Marsh as the only proven returner and Jamar Browder still developing as a true X, Johnson’s versatility — the ability to line up inside or outside — makes him an immediate candidate for rotational snaps. Michigan will be active in the portal at WR, so that will reshape the depth chart. His fluid route running and RAC instincts should translate quickly, especially in Michigan’s quick-game concepts designed to keep Bryce Underwood in rhythm. The biggest key to expanding his role will be improving his hands and physicality at the catch point, areas that could separate him from portal additions or other young receivers. If he adapts quickly to the college game, Johnson has a real shot to emerge as one of Underwood’s most reliable targets by midseason.
RB Jonathan Brown signs with Michigan
12/03/2025 03:13:47 PMName: Jonathan Brown
Position: Running Back
Rivals Industry Ranking: ☆☆☆ (No. 747)
Link to Recruiting Profile: https://www.on3.com/rivals/jonathan-brown-251047/
Recruiting Story: A recruit who would be considered a sleeper prospect, Jonathan Brown camped with the football program over the summer and also privately worked out for running backs coach Tony Alford, where his offer from the program didn’t receive much publicity. Brown wasted no time and committed to the Wolverines shortly after receiving his offer.
Quotable: “Brown’s tape highlights a dynamic, high-ceiling Power 5 running back. He regularly flashes explosive traits, both in his cuts and long speed, consistently turning small openings into big gains. His ability to stop and start on a dime, combined with his field vision, makes him a threat to score whenever he touches the ball. He also shows promise as a receiver, catching the ball naturally out of the backfield and turning upfield quickly to make defenders miss in space. That dual-threat ability will be valuable at the next level, particularly in Michigan’s evolving offensive system.” – M&BR’s Aidan Sen.
Path to Playing Time: Jonathan Brown enters a loaded Michigan backfield where immediate snaps will be hard to come by, but his athletic profile gives him a real chance to carve out a role sooner than most three-star freshmen. With Justice Haynes potentially back and Jordan Marshall, Savion Hiter, and Jasper Parker all likely ahead of him early, Brown’s quickest path to the field will be on special teams. His ability as a natural pass catcher could also help him earn third-down or motion roles if he picks up the playbook quickly. To push for steady carries, Brown will need to refine his pad level and lateral agility to complement his big-play burst, but the tools are there for him to rise in the rotation over time. Long term, he profiles as a change-of-pace back with upside to become a reliable contributor once the top of the depth chart turns over.
DB Jamarion Vincent signs with Michigan
12/03/2025 03:01:35 PMName: Jamarion Vincent
Position: Defensive Back
Rivals Industry Ranking: ☆☆☆☆ (No. 161)
Link to Recruiting Profile: https://www.on3.com/rivals/jamarion-vincent-176933/
Recruiting Story: One of the later adds to the class, Michigan had been hovering around Jamarion Vincent for months despite being committed to Baylor. Lamar Morgan’s constant communication and patience with Vincent was crucial throughout his process as a visit to campus in October got the ball rolling in favor of the Wolverines. After another visit to campus during the Ohio State game, Vincent announced shortly after his visit wrapped up that he had flipped his commitment to the Wolverines.
Quotable: “It was a great experience. What stood out for me is how the defense bounced back after the first drive. All the connections they have on and off the field, I got a lot different ways on being a better person on and off the field.” – Vincent after a visit to Ann Arbor in October.
Path to Playing Time: Jamarion Vincent brings high-end length and athletic juice to a Michigan secondary that will be young but layered with competition in 2026. His versatility — the ability to play corner, nickel, or even rotate at safety — gives him multiple paths onto the field, but adding mass and refining his technique will be crucial before he can handle Big Ten matchups consistently. Michigan has recruited the defensive backfield heavily the past two cycles, and while most of those players saw limited snaps this season, they will have a head start in the race for rotational roles. Vincent’s speed and instincts could earn him early run on special teams and select sub-packages, especially if his coverage footwork clicks quickly. As his frame fills out, he projects as someone who could push for meaningful defensive snaps by midseason and develop into a long-term starter with significant upside.
LB Markel Dabney signs with Michigan.
12/03/2025 02:31:42 PMName: Markel Dabney
Rivals Industry Ranking: ☆☆☆
Link to Recruiting Profile: https://www.on3.com/rivals/markel-dabney-151914/
Recruiting Story: U-M had a knack for flipping prospects from Texas-area schools this cycle, as the Wolverines flipped Markel Dabney from SMU in June. After taking an official visit to Ann Arbor that flew under the radar, Dabney would end up back on campus a few days after his official visit, sealing the deal with the Wolverines.
Quotable: “The opportunity itself, I couldn’t pass up on it! The platform and the brand Michigan has is like no one else, I see myself fitting in pretty easily! I can’t wait to get to work.”
Path to Playing Time: Markel Dabney arrives as one of the most versatile, high-activity defensive prospects in Michigan’s class, but that same versatility means he’ll need time to settle into a true positional home. The staff sees him fitting a hybrid LB/S role similar to Mason Curtis, which gives him early pathways onto special teams and into specific sub-packages built around speed and range. Physically, he’ll need to add weight and adjust to playing full-time in the box against veteran Big Ten linemen, which likely pushes him into a developmental trajectory early on. Still, his instincts, explosiveness, and ability to impact the game in multiple ways make him a strong candidate to rise quickly once the mental side of the position clicks. By year two, Dabney could be firmly in the rotation at linebacker, with long-term upside as a matchup defender who never leaves the field.
DL Allister Vallejo signs with Michigan
12/03/2025 01:52:41 PMName: Allister Vallejo
Position: Defensive Line
Rivals Industry Ranking: ☆☆☆☆ (No. 171)
Link to Recruiting Profile: https://www.on3.com/rivals/alister-vallejo-244154/
Recruiting Story: A visit to Ann Arbor in April was enough for the Wolverines to capture momentum in Allister Vallejo’s recruitment, as he left his visit with an offer in hand and a lot of love for the program. Vallejo shut his recruitment process down in June and committed to U-M, as the Wolverines fought off a fierce battle with Notre Dame and Kansas to earn his pledge.
Quotable: “The energy, the fans, it was really cool to experience. My favorite thing is the people it always comes back to that. They are continually just consistent, good and real people.”
Path to Playing Time: Allister Vallejo arrives with the kind of frame, burst, and interior disruption potential that Michigan covets, and the Mason Graham comparisons aren’t just fluff — he flashes real forward power and finishing ability. With Benny, Williams, and Payne moving on, the defensive tackle room has openings, but players like Trey Pierce, Enow Etta, and several recent signees will still make it tough for a true freshman to carve out more than situational snaps early. Vallejo’s best chance to play immediately is as a penetrating interior piece on passing downs, where his linear explosiveness and knack for slipping blocks can translate quickly. Improving his balance, body control, and consistency will determine how much more he can take on during year one. Long term, Vallejo has starter-level upside and could be in the two-deep by the end of his freshman season if his technique and conditioning progress on schedule.
LB Aden Reeder signs with Michigan
12/03/2025 01:38:36 PMName: Aden Reeder
Position: Linebacker
Rivals Industry Ranking: ☆☆☆ (No. 616)
Link to Recruiting Profile: https://www.on3.com/rivals/aden-reeder-242570/
Recruiting Story: A late add to the class, Brian Jean-Mary offered Reeder in late October as the program was trying to round out its linebacker position in the 2026 class. Committed to Wisconsin at the time, Reeder made a trip to campus for the Purdue game with the Wolverines holding the momentum in his process. Reeder would end up decommitting from the Badgers and would commit to the Wolverines days after the visit wrapped up.
Quotable: “The staff and the way they develop players just made it a dream opportunity. It was a dream from the get-go. I feel like I can develop there and I can make my mark there. I’m definitely looking forward to trying to find a role in the program. Everybody’s gonna go in there and try to find a role, but I want to cement myself in a role. Oh, and definitely building connections because connections, that’s what gets you everywhere.”
Path to Playing Time: Aden Reeder is a long-term projection at linebacker, and his early path to the field will almost certainly run through special teams while he physically develops and learns the nuances of the position. With Michigan returning multiple young linebackers and often relying on experienced veterans in the middle, Reeder will need time in the weight room to add the mass necessary to hold up in the Big Ten. His burst, length, and intelligence give him the tools to eventually earn rotational reps, particularly in coverage-forward packages where his background as a safety can shine. The biggest key for him will be improving his read-and-react consistency and block-shedding technique — areas that will take patience but could unlock real upside by year two or three. If the developmental trajectory matches his natural instincts, Reeder has the long-term ceiling to become a productive Big Ten starter, even if the early impact is modest.
WR Jaylen Pile signs with Michigan
12/03/2025 11:43:38 AMName: Jaylen Pile
Position: Wide Receiver
Rivals Industry Ranking: ☆☆☆ (No. 1172)
Link to Recruiting Profile: https://www.on3.com/rivals/jaylen-pile-153744/
Recruiting Story: Jaylen Pile is one of the few modern-day high school football recruits who truly understands what being committed to a college program means. The 6-0, 178 lbs wide receiver out of Parish Episcopal School in Dallas, TX, announced his pledge to Michigan in October of last year over offers from SEC powerhouses like Oklahoma, and hasn’t looked back. Pile has not publicly visited any other schools since committing and has played a significant role in building up what is now the nation’s No. 12 overall class.
Quotable: “Pile is a high-floor receiver who projects as a multi-year contributor for the Wolverines from the slot. His route-running ability stands out, showcasing polished technique that has likely been sharpened through his work with renowned wide receiver trainer Margin Hooks. He accelerates off the line of scrimmage and holds his own in contested catch situations, even against bigger defensive backs. That said, he doesn’t consistently create separation when facing man or press coverage. His work against zone, however, is far more advanced. He regularly finds open pockets with apparent ease. That ability to uncover will be crucial in his push for early playing time in the Maize and Blue. As was evident last season, having dependable slot options who can serve as safety valves for the quarterback is an essential part of any productive offense.” – M&BR’s Aidan Sen
Path to Playing Time: Jaylen Pile arrives with one of the cleaner skill sets in Michigan’s 2026 receiver class, and although he isn’t the most physically imposing prospect, his polish gives him a real chance to carve out a niche early. With the Wolverines still searching for depth and reliability at slot receiver, Pile’s ability to uncover against zone and serve as a quarterback-friendly target could earn him snaps sooner than expected. His early path will likely be tied to third-down and situational passing packages, where his route IQ and consistency can shine without requiring him to win repeatedly against press-man corners. Adding strength and refining his release package will be key to expanding his role and becoming an every-down option. Long term, Pile projects as a multi-year contributor who could settle into a steady slot role once he adjusts to Big Ten physicality.
DB Jordan Deck signs with Michigan
12/03/2025 11:34:38 AMName: Jordan Deck
Position:
Rivals Industry Ranking: ☆☆☆☆ (No. 357)
Link to Recruiting Profile: https://www.on3.com/rivals/jordan-deck-237962/
Recruiting Story: In a twisting and turning recruitment process, Jordan Deck officially visited Ann Arbor in June and the initial returns suggested that the momentum was squarely on the Wolverines’ side coming out the visit. In a surprise turn, Deck would go on to visit Baylor and ultimately commit to the program coming out of a visit to campus the following week. His commitment to the Bears didn’t last long, though, as U-M stayed consistent and would end up flipping him in July.
Quotable: “Deck brings significant upside to Michigan’s defense as an athletic, big-framed safety who has the potential to contribute from Day 1. Over two years of varsity play at Lone Star, the 6-foot-3, 180-pounder has shown impressive versatility and some of the most consistent tackling ability in the 2026 class. While his interception total dropped from five as a sophomore to zero as a junior, his playmaking ability remains clear. He regularly halts chain-moving plays with physical hits and shows strong downhill striking ability.” – M&BR’s Aidan Sen
Path to Playing Time: Jordan Deck enters a Michigan safety room that values physicality, versatility, and downhill aggression — all traits he already brings at a high level. His size and striking ability make him a natural fit for early special teams work, where his straight-line speed and willingness to hit should translate immediately. Defensively, Deck’s quickest path to snaps could come in Michigan’s big-nickel or box safety packages, especially on early downs or blitz looks where his alley-running and tackling shine. He’ll need to tighten up his coverage technique and rebuild his ball-production instincts to earn consistent back-end reps, but the tools are there for him to rise quickly. As he adds strength and refines his reads, Deck projects as a physical rotational safety in year one with the upside to grow into a multi-role defender by year two.
OL Malakai Lee signs with Michigan
12/03/2025 11:33:57 AMName: Malakai Lee
Position: Offensive Line
Rivals Industry Ranking: ☆☆☆☆ (No. 128)
Link to Recruiting Profile: https://www.on3.com/rivals/malakai-lee-155412/
Recruiting Story: A long-time target for Sherrone Moore and Grant Newsome, Malakai Lee was considered one of the top offensive line targets for the Wolverines and did everything it could to make him feel prioritized during his recruitment process, whether that was flying to Hawaii to visit him in-person or making him feel welcomed during his campus visits. After it felt like the Wolverines held the edge for months, Lee committed to the program in June.
Quotable: “Sherrone Moore was an o-line coach so his eye is always going to be on the o-line. Newsome is an ex-Michigan player, super smart and young. That’s what we discussed, too. People always say this guy has so much more experience, this guy doesn’t have experience and so I told my son, why not Grant? He’s a good guy. We watched him in practice communicate with the boys and he seemed like a great o-line coach.” – Keloa Lee, Malakai’s father.
Path to Playing Time: Malakai Lee brings rare length and athletic traits to Michigan’s offensive line room, but he enters a depth chart that is both young and stocked with former blue-chip tackles. With Evan Link, Blake Frazier, Andrew Sprague, and a returning Andrew Babalola all competing for starting roles — plus Ty Haywood pushing for snaps — Lee is likely to spend his freshman season developing physically and adapting to college technique. His size and mobility make him an ideal long-term tackle, but the staff will expect him to improve his play strength and nastiness in the run game before he’s ready for Big Ten fronts. A redshirt year is the most realistic path, giving him time to work with Grant Newsome and refine his footwork and leverage. By year two, Lee should be firmly in the conversation to crack the two-deep and begin positioning himself as a future starter on either edge.
TE Mason Bonner signs with Michigan
12/03/2025 09:50:33 AMName: Mason Bonner
Position: Tight End
Rivals Industry Ranking: ☆☆☆ (No. 511)
Link to Recruiting Profile: https://www.on3.com/rivals/mason-bonner-240353/
Recruiting Story: The Wolverines didn’t waste any time addressing the tight end room in the 2026 class as Mason Bonner committed to the program just days after fellow tight end Matt Ludwig made his pledge to the program. A spring visit to campus was more than enough momentum for the Wolverines to get it over the finish line, as Bonner committed to the program in late May.
Quotable: “Bonner is a long, athletic, natural pass catcher with the potential to grow into a high-level flex tight end at the P4 level. His basketball background is evident through above-the-rim contested catch making, body control, and spatial awareness when competing against defensive backs. Demonstrates smooth route running and appears quite comfortable executing both in- and out-breaking routes. While currently utilized primarily as a wide receiver, he shows a willing attitude as a run blocker, but adding significant weight will be crucial to effectively compete at the collegiate level.” – M&BR’s Aidan Sen
Path to Playing Time: Mason Bonner is a long-term projection piece with tremendous upside, and his early path to the field will largely depend on how quickly he can add the necessary weight and strength to compete as a true tight end. Arriving in the summer puts him slightly behind from a development standpoint, but his natural ball skills and long frame could still earn him early looks in Michigan’s flex-tight-end packages once he settles into the offense. Realistically, his freshman year will be focused on the weight room, learning the run-game demands of the position, and refining his technique as both a blocker and route runner. Special teams could provide the first avenue for snaps, especially given his length and fluidity in space. By year two, if he fills out physically, Bonner has the potential to climb quickly and position himself as Michigan’s next mismatch-creating tight end.
LB Kaden Catchings signs with Michigan
12/03/2025 09:39:57 AMName: Kaden Catchings
Position: ATH
Rivals Industry Ranking: ☆☆☆ (No. 985)
Link to Recruiting Profile: https://www.on3.com/rivals/kaden-catchings-242746/
Recruiting Story: Michigan’s approach for Kaden Catchings came at a time when linebacker recruiting was very much in flux for the program. Having missed out on higher-ranked targets, such as Brayden Rouse, Nick Abrams II, and Kenneth Goodwin, Brian Jean-Mary turned his attention to Catchings, a high-upside athlete committed to Conference USA powerhouse Liberty. The Mississippi native made an off-season visit to Ann Arbor in June, and whilst contact would cool down over the following months, the staff began to heat up contact towards the middle part of the CFB season and would eventually secure a flip in mid-November.
Quotable: “It was great. I had fun this weekend. I just love their program. Its a great program with great resources and people around it.”
Path to Playing Time: Kaden Catchings enters Ann Arbor as a developmental athlete whose positional home will likely be linebacker, but whose timeline depends heavily on how quickly he adjusts to the physical and mental demands of the spot. His natural explosiveness and multi-tool athletic profile give him a chance to carve out early special teams snaps while he learns the finer points of run fits, block deconstruction, and coverage discipline. Michigan’s linebacker room will remain competitive after strong back-to-back recruiting cycles, so Catchings will need to add weight and refine his instincts before pushing veterans for meaningful defensive reps. If he embraces the strength program and settles cleanly into the position, his range and physicality could help him crack the two-deep by his second season. Long term, Catchings has the profile of a versatile, hybrid-style defender who could become a valuable chess piece once the developmental curve smooths out.
QB Brady Smigiel signs with Michigan
12/03/2025 09:24:26 AMName: Brady Smigiel
Position: Quarterback
Rivals Industry Ranking: ☆☆☆☆ (No. 400)
Link to Recruiting Profile: https://www.on3.com/rivals/brady-smigiel-157524/
Recruiting Story: Smigiel’s path to Ann Arbor took a number of twists and turns. Originally heavily recruited by the Wolverines, things faded quickly and Smigiel would eventually commit to Florida State in 2024. With the hiring of Chip Lindsey, talks between the Wolverines and Smigiel picked up, which ended up seeing Smigiel commit to the Wolverines in 2025.
Quotable: “Michigan was the answer for my family and I because there’s a lot of things that go into it. I think Coach Lindsey, the relationship that I’ve built with him, it’s over two years now, when he was at North Carolina. So him coming out, I think he’s come out to see me three or four times now. So him just putting effort and showing that he believes in me and he wants to coach me. That was a huge part of it.”
Path to Playing Time: With Bryce Underwood expected to lead the offense for the next two seasons, Smigiel’s path to playing time will likely begin upon Underwood’s departure, assuming Underwood leaves for the NFL Draft after his junior season. Depending on additions to the quarterback room through recruiting or the portal, Smigiel will have a handful of years of development under his belt to be one of the top competitors for the starting quarterback job.
DL Tariq Boney signs with Michigan
12/03/2025 08:38:17 AMName: Tariq Boney
Rivals Industry Ranking: ☆☆☆ (No. 666)
Link to Recruiting Profile: https://www.on3.com/rivals/tariq-boney-175315/
Recruiting Story: A recruitment process spearheaded by Lou Esposito, U-M had been in an excellent position for his pledge thanks to the relationship Tariq Boney built with Esposito. Just weeks after his first visit to campus, Boney shut his recruitment process down and committed to the Wolverines in April.
Quotable: “From the alumni to the education, Michgian is a place you want to be. People talk about it a lot, it’s a big stage. You get a chance to compete every day.”
Path to Playing Time: Tariq Boney arrives as a developmental EDGE who will almost certainly need time to adjust physically and technically before he can factor into Michigan’s rotation. His twitch, leverage, and motor fit what Lou Esposito values in compact pass rushers, but the Wolverines have stacked the position with bigger, longer-bodied players in recent cycles, making a freshman role unlikely. Early snaps should come on special teams while he adds weight, improves his play strength, and sharpens his pass-rush toolkit. If his speed and bend translate against college tackles, he could work his way into a situational third-down role by year two, similar to the path Josaiah Stewart followed. Boney’s long-term impact will depend on how fully he develops his explosiveness and counters, giving him a chance to emerge as a productive rotational EDGE by his upperclassman seasons.
LS Colton Dermer signs with Michigan
12/03/2025 08:28:36 AMThe long snapper signee is a three-star recruit according to Rivals.
TE Matt Ludwig signs with Michigan
12/03/2025 08:14:50 AMName: Matt Ludwig
Position: Tight End
Rivals Industry Ranking: ☆☆☆☆ (No. 200)
Link to Recruiting Profile: https://www.on3.com/rivals/matt-ludwig-240833/
Recruiting Story: The top-ranked recruit from the state of Montana, Matt Ludwig resonated with Colston Loveland’s path to Michigan (despite Loveland being from Idaho). That, coupled with his relationship with Steve Casula, paced the Wolverines throughout his process, as it always seemed like Ludwig was destined to wind up in Ann Arbor. A spring visit to Ann Arbor where he spent time with Loveland put the bow on things for the Wolverines, as he announced his commitment in May.
Quotable: “It really came down to the personal feel at Michigan. When I was on campus, I knew it was home. It was all about just listening to God, and he told me Michigan was the place for me. That’s what it really came down to.”
Path to Playing Time: Matt Ludwig joins a tight end room that should be a central piece of Michigan’s offensive identity, giving him a real shot to see the field early despite the position’s depth. His combination of size, movement skills, and natural hands immediately puts him in the conversation for snaps as an H-back, flex tight end, or even inline depending on the package. While the Wolverines have returning contributors, Ludwig’s versatility and receiving upside — reminiscent of a young Colson Loveland — could earn him early passing-down opportunities as a true freshman. The biggest factor separating him from a larger role will be how quickly he adapts to college-level blocking technique and strength demands. If that comes together, Ludwig has the talent to be one of Michigan’s earliest contributors in the 2026 class and a potential future star in the offense.
DL Titan Davis signs with Michigan
12/03/2025 08:03:18 AMName: Titan Davis
Position: DL
Rivals Industry Ranking: ☆☆☆☆ (No. 108)
Link to Recruiting Profile: https://www.on3.com/rivals/titan-davis-238507/
Recruiting Story: The Wolverines were able to secure the commitment of Titan Davis after a neck-and-neck battle with Alabama, the other finalist for his services. After multiple visits on campus, a late-June official visit to Ann Arbor was enough for the program to get things over the finish line, as he committed to the Wolverines a few days after.
Quotable: “I would probably say the main thing between Alabama and Michigan would probably be that the people at Alabama are great people. The people at Michigan are great people. Just had to choose what was best for me at the end of the day, so I honestly thought and prayed about it. I honestly want to say my gut just told me that I needed to be at Michigan.”
Path to Playing Time: Titan Davis enters a defensive line room that has immediate opportunity but also plenty of competition, making his development curve critical to early playing time. With veterans Rayshaun Benny, Tre Williams and Damon Payne gone, Michigan will lean on Trey Pierce and Enow Etta while sorting through a crowded group of younger linemen who saw limited action this season. Davis’ versatility — the ability to play on the edge or grow into an interior role — gives him multiple paths to crack the rotation, especially on passing downs where his get-off and bull-rush can flash. His freshman snaps will likely hinge on how quickly he improves pad level and consistency, traits the staff emphasizes heavily for interior defenders. While Michigan may add a portal piece, Davis should have a realistic chance to play as a rookie and position himself for a bigger role by year two as the line’s next wave solidifies.
EDGE McHale Blade signs with Michigan
12/03/2025 08:03:07 AMName: McHale Blade
Position: EDGE
Rivals Industry Ranking: ☆☆☆☆ (No. 342)
Link to Recruiting Profile: https://www.on3.com/rivals/mchale-blade-239512/
Recruiting Story: After a year-long recruitment by Lou Esposito, McHale Blade had the Wolverines high on his list of candidates, thanks to Esposito’s presence despite being pursued heavily by the likes of Purdue and Wisconsin. Blade took an official visit to campus in June and would go public with his commitment to the Wolverines days after his visit wrapped up.
Quotable: “I have known Michigan for a while. It was always them and Notre Dame on top of my list. When I got on campus this weekend, around the people, I knew where I wanted to be. When I was on the visit, I kind of knew. When I left, I told coach Espo and coach Moore how I was feeling. From day one, Michigan has been a top school. They have the best of both worlds with the academic piece and the NFL development. The Chicago to Michigan pipeline is real. I know guys there and I want to keep that pipeline going. Michigan is where I want to be.”
Path to Playing Time: McHale Blade enters a deep but wide-open EDGE room, giving him a chance to climb the depth chart quickly. With Carter Meadows projected to play early and young returners like Dom Nichols and Nate Marshall still developing, Michigan will need additional rotational pieces, and Blade’s versatility — the ability to stand up or play with his hand down — fits multiple packages. His freshman year will likely focus on regaining full explosiveness, adding functional strength, and refining his technique after missing his junior season. Still, his frame and motor make him a strong candidate for midseason snaps, especially in heavy fronts or early-down situations. As his health stabilizes and his pass-rush repertoire expands, Blade profiles as someone who could emerge as a multi-year starter and a key piece of Michigan’s future EDGE rotation.
OL Adrian Hamilton signs with Michigan
12/03/2025 07:36:34 AMName: Adrian Hamilton
Position: Offensive Line
Rivals Industry Ranking: ☆☆☆ (No. 576)
Link to Recruiting Profile: https://www.on3.com/rivals/adrian-hamilton-177453/
Recruiting Story: Another late identification and offer from the Wolverines, Adrian Hamilton had been committed to Virginia Tech since July and wasn’t shy about wanting to receive an offer from the Wolverines. After being offered by the Wolverines in October, Hamilton made his official visit to campus for the Ohio State game and announced he had flipped to the Wolverines the day before signing day.
Quotable: “It is like a dream coming true. Michigan was my dream school. On my official visit, when I was on the field before the game, I just felt it. Then I watched the game, saw what the atmosphere was like, spent time with Coach Newsome after the game and I knew I wanted to be at Michigan.”
Path to Playing Time: Adrian Hamilton enters a Michigan offensive line room that is deep with young, high-upside talent, making his first year more about development than competition for immediate snaps. His athleticism, frame, and motor make him an ideal long-term fit at guard or tackle. Hamilton’s clearest Year 1 impact will likely come on the scout team while he adjusts to the physicality and speed of Big Ten trenches. His intelligence, effort, and coachability give him a strong chance to crack the two-deep by Year 2 once his body matures. Long-term, Hamilton has the tools to become a multi-year starter and a quintessential Michigan developmental success story.
OL Tommy Fraumann signs with Michigan
12/03/2025 07:23:20 AMName: Tommy Fraumann
Position: Offensive Line
Rivals Industry Ranking: ☆☆☆ (No. 852)
Link to Recruiting Profile: https://www.on3.com/rivals/tommy-fraumann-250704/
Recruiting Story: Michigan’s recruitment of Tommy Fraumann was one that progressed late in the cycle. His name first came onto our radar in early October as a potential target, and after a surprising official visit for the Washington game, things evolved within the month, as Fraumann flipped from Miami (OH) at the beginning of November. The Wolverines account for Fraumann’s only Power 4 offer, but Grant Newsome will be hoping to capitalise on his high-upside profile.
Quotable: “A two-time legacy, offensive lineman Tommy Fraumann is another prospect who flew mostly under the radar during his recruitment process. Committed to Miami (Oh.), the Wolverines recently offered Fraumann and hosted him for an official visit, and that was all that was needed to seal the deal. With an intriguing frame, a strong pedigree, and coming from a good high school program, you can see the potential of what Fraumann could possibly be with some development in both the strength and conditioning aspects, as well as development from the coaching staff.” – M&BR’s Josh Henschke
Path to Playing Time: Tommy Fraumann arrives as a developmental offensive line prospect with intriguing upside, but he’ll face a significant climb to early snaps in a room loaded with blue-chip talent and returning starters. Michigan projects him strictly as a long-term interior lineman, and adding strength, mass, and technical refinement will be his primary focus during his first year on campus. With established veterans and recent top-100 recruits occupying the two-deep at guard and center, Fraumann is likely to spend his freshman season redshirting while adjusting to the physicality and speed of Big Ten play. His pathway forward will hinge on how quickly he grows into his frame and absorbs Grant Newsome’s system, with special teams or late-season mop-up duty being the most realistic early opportunities. By year two or three, his combination of pedigree, intelligence, and developmental upside could make him a factor in the interior rotation.
K Micah Drescher signs with Michigan
12/03/2025 07:17:03 AMKicker Micah Drescher is a three-star recruit and the No. 12 kicker in the 2026 class according to the Rivals Industry Rankings.
EDGE Carter Meadows signs with Michigan
12/03/2025 06:42:02 AMName: Carter Meadows
Position: EDGE
Rivals Industry Ranking: ☆☆☆☆☆ (No. 6)
Link to Recruiting Profile: https://www.on3.com/rivals/carter-meadows-180347/
Recruiting Story: One of the crown jewels of the class, the Wolverines made a major splash in the 2026 cycle by landing the No. 6 prospect in the 2026 class after the Wolverines went on a recruiting tear in spring. A long-time commit to the program, U-M fought off competition from the likes of Ohio State, Penn State and other big-time schools to secure his commitment, which never waivered throughout the process.
Quotable: “Rangy EDGE prospect with a rare combination of frame and movement skills. One of the most physically impressive prospects in the 2026 cycle. Measured in at around 6-foot-6, 225 pounds as a junior. Has vines for arms that measure around 35 inches to go with large hands. Could easily be a 280-pounder before it’s all said and done. Pairs the great frame with impressive functional athleticism A fluid, flexible athlete who has excellent bend. Has the natural tools to develop into a dangerous pass rusher down the line. Length pairs with good play strength to result in an effective edge setter. Also shows his athleticism in tracking down plays in pursuit. Doubles as a good high school basketball player while playing top competition on the hardwood. Will need to continue progressing as a pass rusher while upping his production. Pure physical upside is among the highest in the 2026 cycle.” – Charles Power, On3
Path to Playing Time: Carter Meadows arrives in Ann Arbor with a realistic chance to play — and play a lot — from the moment he steps on campus. With Derrick Moore, Jaishawn Barham and TJ Guy all departing, Michigan’s edge room will be talented but inexperienced, giving Meadows a direct path into the top four of the rotation as a true freshman. His elite frame, length and bend fit exactly what the Wolverines ask of their weak-side EDGE spot, and his ability to set the edge could earn him early-down snaps even before his pass-rush toolbox is fully developed. The biggest key to expanding his role will be adding functional strength and mastering Michigan’s technique demands, but the staff sees him as a player who could grow into a starter by midseason if his curve is steep. Given the roster turnover and his rare physical profile, Meadows is one of the 2026 class’s most likely instant-impact defenders.
QB Tommy Carr signs with Michigan
12/03/2025 06:44:17 AMName: Tommy Carr
Position: Quarterback
Rivals Industry Ranking: ☆☆☆ (No. 606)
Link to Recruiting Profile: https://www.on3.com/rivals/tommy-carr-244306/
Recruiting Story: A late add to the program, the Wolverines’ pursuit of Tommy Carr flew under the radar until a mid-November announcement saw him flip his pledge from Miami (OH.) to the Wolverines. Carr is a legacy prospect, as he is the grandson of former U-M legendary head coach Lloyd Carr.
Quotable: “The first thing that jumps out at you on tape is his frame. Standing around 6’3, he certainly has the height and body type to be a D1 quarterback. One of the main areas to address, just like any high school athlete, is to add to his frame to he will be able to withstand the rigors of physical Big Ten football. A filled-out frame will also benefit him, as he is a gifted athlete who is very capable of gouging a defense on the ground with his legs and has the speed and athleticism to back it up. A multi-sport athlete, Carr utilizes his basketball background to add athleticism to his game as he navigates the pocket.” – M&BR’s Josh Henschke
Path to Playing Time: As a developmental quarterback entering a room headlined by Bryce Underwood — who could be a multi-year starter and future NFL Draft pick — Tommy Carr is expected to spend his first season learning the system and adjusting to the physical demands of Big Ten football. His pedigree, processing ability, and natural anticipation give him a strong long-term outlook, but he won’t see the field anytime soon. The key for Carr will be adding weight to his frame and sharpening his timing within Michigan’s pro-spread scheme, which should allow his accuracy and off-script movement skills to shine. He’s positioned to compete for the No. 2 job by year two, depending on portal additions and returning depth. With continued physical development and mastery of the playbook, Carr projects as a future starter candidate who could be Michigan’s next in line once the Underwood era concludes.
OL Bear McWhorter signs with Michigan
12/03/2025 06:47:22 AMName: Bear McWhorter
Position: Offensive Line
Rivals Industry Ranking: ☆☆☆ (No. 604)
Link to Recruiting Profile: https://www.on3.com/rivals/bear-mcwhorter-155351/
Recruiting Story: Bear McWhorter was the Wolverines’ third addition to the 2026 class, as he surprised many by committing to U-M over his childhood dream school, Alabama. He is named after legendary Crimson Tide head coach Bear Bryant. Multiple visits to campus and his relationship with Grant Newsome were enough for him to forgo the Tide and elect to end up in Ann Arbor instead.
Quotable: “I have always liked Michigan. My first time visiting was January of my freshman year, and they had just won the Joe Moore award, so that had my attention. When they really made their move was in the fall when I was there for the Oregon game. The game didn’t go their way, but I talked more with the coaches, I saw more of the culture and things took off from there.”
Path to Playing Time: Bear McWhorter projects squarely as an interior lineman at Michigan, most likely at center, and that developmental path should give him a clear but patient runway to seeing the field. With several young interior players returning and the Wolverines potentially adding depth through the portal, McWhorter is expected to spend his freshman year building strength, refining his footwork, and learning the demands of Michigan’s protection system. His competitiveness and football IQ — traits that stand out on film and come from being a coach’s son — could help him earn early trust in the meeting room even before he’s physically ready to compete for snaps. Special teams or late-game reps are possible, but a redshirt season remains the most realistic outcome. By year two or three, McWhorter should be firmly in the mix at center or guard as he grows into a strong, physical, technically sound option on the interior.
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