
Michigan football makes big climb in ESPN 2026 recruiting rankings with elite commitments
The last time that ESPN updated its 2026 college football recruiting rankings, Michigan football had just made its debut, coming in at No. 17 overall. After a torrid month of June, the Wolverines are moving up even more.
Last week, ESPN updated its rankings, and though it doesn't include the commitment of wide receiver Travis Johnson or cornerback Dorian Barney -- or the flip of cornerback Brody Jennings to Miami -- the Wolverines have moved up 10 spots and are now just outside of the top five at No. 7 overall.
The Wolverines signed the No. 1 QB for the 2025 cycle in Bryce Underwood and he carries high expectations, but they continue to add talent to the position and landed ESPN 300 signal-caller Brady Smigiel. The onetime Florida State commit is not only an accurate passer, but he also plays with the confidence and swagger that will be needed battling with five-star Underwood.
After losing two DLs in the first round of the NFL draft, Michigan added several DLs to this class, including ESPN 300 DEs Titan Davis and McHale Blade. Four-star DE Tariq Boney is a player to keep an eye on. He lacks ideal length but can be a well-rounded technician and a quick contributor. In addition to pulling Boney out of the nation's capital, Michigan also landed Carter Meadows, a rangy edge defender who can bend well.
As noted, at No. 44 overall, Smigiel continues to be the highest-rated commitment for the Wolverines in this class, according to ESPN. Wide receiver target Calvin Russell, who committed to Syracuse in a surprise pledge on Saturday, would have been the top offensive player at No. 28. Meadows, the highest-rated defensive commitment, is No. 88 according to ESPN's rankings.
Here is where each of the current commits ranks in the ESPN300:
With 10 included in the ranking and 12 overall now, the Wolverines are in a good spot to continue moving up. Of the remaining top targets in the 2026 class, Mineral (Va.) Louisa County running back Savion Hiter is No. 24, Ogden (Utah) Fremont athlete Salesi Moa is No. 35, Suwanee (Ga.) Collins Hill defensive tackle Deuce Geralds is No. 40, Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy linebacker DQ Forkpa is No. 41, Westlake Village (Calif.) Oaks Christian cornerback Davon Benjamin is No. 63, and Marietta (Ga.) Kell linebacker Brayden Rouse is No. 153.

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