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Michigan State signs 2026 four-star North Branch (Mich.) OL Eli Bickel

On3 imageby: Jason Killop16 hours agoKillopOn3

Michigan State signed 2026 Rivals four-star offensive lineman Eli Bickel, of North Branch (Mich.) High School, on Wednesday.

Bickel (6-6, 270) is a longtime Spartan commit. He became one of the first members of the class back in February. Bickel has remained firm in his commitment ever since. He reaffirmed his pledge upon the hiring of head coach Pat Fitzgerald.

“Thank you so much Coach (Jonathan) Smith for believing in me, and for everything you did for the program” Bickel wrote in a statement released to social media this week. “With all that said, I am signing on December third.”

Bickel is the No. 161 recruit in the 2026 class, per the Rivals Rankings. He’s also the No. 11 interior offensive lineman and No. 2 player from Michigan in his class. Bickel chose Michigan State over offers from Cincinnati and Northwestern, among others.

Michigan State also expects to sign offensive tackle Tristan Comer, of Freeland (Mich.) High School, on Wednesday. The Spartans still await word from four-star offensive tackle Collin Campbell, their highest-rated 2026 commit, as he has yet to decide on his future amid the coaching change.

SCOUTING REPORT

Bickel is a multi-sport athlete, as he also participates on North Branch’s basketball, track and wrestling teams. He’s a state-ranked wrestler and recorded a 180’9” discus throw to finish as the state’s Division II runner-up last spring.

Bickel is also versatile on the offensive line. He projects as an offensive guard, but has the length and athleticism to move outside in the future.

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