Priority TE Mason Bonner commits to Michigan

Michigan secured its 2026 tight end class by landing its second top priority prospect of the week in Mason Bonner. The three-star standout from Denver (Co.) Mullen High picked the Wolverines over Minnesota, Miami and many others.

When Michigan offered Bonner late last year, the program quickly emerged as a contender in his recruitment. His offer list blew up in January to include Penn State, Washington and Missouri, but the 6-6, 200-pound pass catcher eventually narrowed things down to the Wolverines and the Gophers.

He visited Ann Arbor in the spring and locked in a June 6 official visit, but that first trip to campus showed him enough to shut things down and pledge to U-M. Bonner has a strong connection with both tight ends coach Steve Casula and head coach Sherrone Moore. Casula was his primary recruiter and made a quick trip out to Colorado to meet with the tight end this week.

“I love hanging out with them,” Bonner said earlier this spring. “They just made me feel like family. It’s really what they want to do with that program—’team over me’ is what they say—and I just loved my trip up there. It was awesome.”

In just over a week, Bonner planned on taking his first official visit to Minnesota. Instead, he wrapped up his recruitment.

“I like how Michigan isn’t flashy,” Bonner said after his spring visit. “You may think that they are flashy because they are Michigan. But they are a team that is ready to go all of the time.”

Bonner is the second tight end commit of the week, joining Top 100 prospect Matt Ludwig, who fits more of a traditional in-line tight end role. The Mullen High star has receiver skills in a tight end’s frame and will bring dynamic pass catching ability to the Wolverine offense.

On3 considers Bonner the No. 21 tight end in the country. He’s a three-star prospect with an 89 rating and checks in as the No. 2 recruit in Colorado. The On3 Industry ranking ranks him as the No. 639 overall prospect in the 2026 class. During his junior season, Bonner caught 33 passes for 617 yards, averaging 18.7 yards per reception. He also hauled in 8 touchdowns and recorded 20 tackles defensively.

Michigan’s class now holds seven commitments and solidified a spot in the Top 20 nationally. The Wolverines are starting to build momentum on the recruiting trail after missing most of the spring evaluation period due to reported self-imposed recruiting restrictions.