Meet the commits: Top 100 TE Matt Ludwig kicks off Michigan's busy summer

Michigan secured its sixth commitment of the 2026 class this week when On3 Top 100 tight end Matt Ludwig shut down his recruitment and pledged to the Wolverines. The recruiting cycle is really just getting started for U-M with official visits on the horizon. 

Ludwig is the program’s second-highest-ranked commit behind Top 100 quarterback Brady Smigiel. They will both return to Ann Arbor next month for a Victors Weekend official visits alongside most of their fellow Wolverine pledges, looking to help the staff build upon the nation’s No. 18-ranked class. 

Here’s a look at all of Michigan’s verbal commits. 

Top 100 quarterback Brady Smigiel

Commitment Date: April 26, 2025
Hometown: Newbury Park, California
School: Newbury Park High
Height: 6-4.5
Weight: 215 pounds
Industry Ranking: No. 91 overall, No. 9 quarterback, No. 14 in California
Other Notable Offers: Oregon, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, Florida, Ole Miss, Miami, Georgia

How We Got here: Smigiel strongly considered Michigan last year before Michigan took another 2026 quarterback, and he picked Florida State. Things came full circle for the signal-caller and the Wolverines when Chip Lindsey joined the staff. They already had an existing connection that built quickly after Smigiel reopened his recruitment. Michigan made him the program’s top target and sealed a commitment shortly after a multi-day spring visit. 

Top 100 tight end Matt Ludwig 

Commitment Date: May 20, 2025
Hometown: Billings, Montana 
School: Billings West High
Height: 6-4.5
Weight: 240 pounds
Industry Ranking: No. 175 overall, No. 10 tight end, No. 1 in Montana
Other Notable Offers: Georgia, Tennessee, Notre Dame, Texas A&M, Texas, LSU, Oregon

How We Got here: Ludwig shut down his recruitment before a packed official visit schedule could kick off. Michigan has been the longtime favorite for the talented tight end, and he took a few trips to Ann Arbor leading into this decision. Tight ends coach Steve Casula visited him Sunday, and Ludwig made his commitment public Tuesday. 

On300 cornerback Brody Jennings

Commitment Date: July 28, 2024
Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida
School: Mandarin High
Height: 6-1
Weight: 185
Industry Ranking: No. 287 overall, No. 27 cornerback, No. 40 in Florida
Other Notable Offers: Texas, Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Miami, Florida, Kentucky, Texas A&M

How We Got here: Jennings was one of Michigan’s earliest commits and is now the longest-standing pledge in the class. The Wolverines identified and prioritized him early. Now, his recruitment has blown up to include a ton of SEC programs that have his interest. He recently took an OV to Auburn and has trips planned to Miami, Florida and Georgia before spending Victors Weekend in Ann Arbor. 

Three-star offensive lineman Bear McWhorter

Commitment Date: February 28, 2025
Hometown: Cartersville, Georgia
School: Cass High
Height: 6-3
Weight: 308 pounds
Industry Ranking: No. 547 overall, No. 48 interior offensive lineman, No. 59 in Georgia
Other Notable Offers: Miami, Texas, Auburn, Georgia, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Florida, South Carolina

How We Got here: McWhorter shocked many when he picked Michigan over Alabama early this year. He’s named after Bear Bryant and grew up a fan of the Crimson Tide, but no one recruited the offensive lineman harder than Michigan offensive line coach Grant Newsome. After taking a January trip to U-M, the Wolverines established themselves as the favorite for the coveted three-star prospect. 

Three-star wide receiver Jaylen Pile

Commitment Date: October 17, 2024
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
School: Parish Episcopal School
Height: 6-0
Weight: 178
Industry Ranking: No. 803 overall, No. 126 wide receiver, No. 122 in Texas
Other Notable Offers: Oklahoma, Penn State, Notre Dame, Oregon, Tennessee, Florida State, Auburn

How We Got here: Pile is one of the foundational members of this class. He committed last fall and remains locked in with the program. The receiver stopped by Ann Arbor for the Texas Game before making his commitment later in the fall. Pile is probably the most vocal recruiter in the class. 

Three-star edge rusher Tariq Boney

Commitment Date: April 26, 2025
Hometown: Washington, D.C.
School: St. John’s 
Height: 6-1
Weight: 230
Industry Ranking: No. 819 overall, No. 75 edge rusher, No. 4 in D.C.
Other Notable Offers: Tennessee, Texas A&M, Washington, Penn State, Wisconsin, Georgia, Marlyland

How We Got here: Boney picked Michigan over Cincinnati, Tulane and West Virginia. Defensive line coach Lou Esposito prioritized him this spring, and the explosive edge rusher visited in April before pledging to the program.