ESPN pegs Michigan football just outside top 10 after chaotic cycle
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Wednesday marks national signing day proper, but given the prevalence of early signing day in December, there's quite little fanfare.
Michigan football signed two prospects in the 2026 class on Wednesday, including kicker Jacob Baggett and edge rusher Ndi Etta, and now that the rankings are being finalized, the Wolverines are finishing outside the top 10, but not too far out of it.
ESPN revealed its final rankings, and the Wolverines came in at No. 11 — a pretty good finish given that there was a full-scale scandal and coaching change that took place in December.
Previous ranking: 11
SC Next 300 commits: 10Top offensive prospect: RB Savion HiterTop defensive prospect: DE Carter Meadows
Though 2025 No. 1 QB Bryce Underwood remains on board, the Wolverines have added more talent at the position in SC Next 300 signal-caller Brady Smigiel. The onetime Florida State commit is not only an accurate passer, but he also plays with confidence and swagger. Michigan further bolstered its backfield by landing five-star RB Savion Hiter, a runner with a nice blend of size (6 feet, 200 pounds), power and speed who also can catch the ball well.
New coach Kyle Whittingham was able to pull from Utah's class a versatile player in Salesi Moa, who projects to WR, but is a competitive, physical target who also could play in the secondary if needed.
After losing two DLs in the first round of the NFL draft, Michigan added several DLs to this class, including four-stars Titan Davis, McHale Blade and 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 five-star Carter Meadows, a rangy edge defender who can bend well.
Rivals has Michigan as the No. 11 team, and 247Sports has the Wolverines at No. 12.
The maize and blue did lose some top prospects after the Sherrone Moore fiasco, including wide receiver Brady Marchese, tight end Matt Ludwig, offensive lineman Bear McWhorter, and both special teams specialists in Colton Dermer and Micah Drescher.
This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: ESPN final rankings slot Michigan football No. 11 in 2026 class
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