Wolverines Just Got Scarier: 5-Star QB Commits to Michigan as top weapons for Michigan

 

Michigan Picks Up Recruiting Momentum with Key Commitments

After a slow start, Michigan is finally gaining traction on the recruiting trail thanks to recent commitments from four-star quarterback Brady Smigiel and three-star edge rusher Tariq Boney. The Wolverines had been struggling, but these pledges give them a much-needed boost heading into a critical stretch of spring and summer visits.

QB Commit Smigiel Already Recruiting Top Targets

Smigiel, who just committed over the weekend, is already making an impact off the field. As reported by The Michigan Insider’s Sam Webb, Smigiel has reached out to several key Michigan targets.

“I’ve been talking to Moose (four-star tight end Matt Ludwig) a lot,” said Smigiel. “We have mutual family connections. I told him I committed and I’m working to get him on board too.”

Smigiel is also actively recruiting four-star wide receiver Calvin Russell.

“Calvin’s really interested in Michigan. We’re with the same agency, so we already had that connection. I’ve just started talking with him, and he gets what Michigan brings to the table. It’s not a hard sell—once you see it, you understand.”

Ludwig is a top tight end target for Michigan in this class, and while Michigan’s standing with Russell—ranked in the top 50 nationally—is still uncertain, Smigiel’s efforts are a positive sign.

Top WR Target Schedules Official Visit

Michigan has been pursuing 2026 four-star wideout Christian Ward, and their persistence is paying off. According to On3’s Ethan McDowell, Ward will take an official visit to Ann Arbor the weekend of May 30.

The 6’3″, 185-pound receiver from Georgia has been recruited heavily by Michigan assistant Ron Bellamy, who made a strong impression on Ward and his family during a recent visit.

“My family really likes him as a coach,” Ward said. “He’s real, very cool, and the way he coaches stands out. He came to visit me at school when he didn’t have to, and that showed his commitment. He was the only coach to come down.”

Ward has previously said Michigan is his top choice, and going into the official visit season, that remains unchanged. Michigan is competing with schools like UNLV and Kansas State for his commitment.

Quick Recruiting Notes

• 2026 tight end Brayden Fogle will take his official visit to Michigan the weekend of June 13–15, per The Michigan Insider’s Brice Marich.
• 2026 three-star wide receiver Jerquaden Guilford, a former Penn State commit, plans to visit Michigan this summer according to 247Sports’ Allen Trieu. He will also visit Ohio State, Tennessee, and Indiana.