National Signing Day: TE Matt Ludwig signs with Michigan Football
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
The Wolverines have officially secured their top-rated tight end in the 2026 class, as four-star tight end Matt Ludwig has signed with Michigan Football.
The basics
- Height: 6-foot-4
- Weight: 240 pounds
- Hometown: Billings, Montana
- Ranking (247 composite): No. 242 overall, No. 12 TE, No. 1 Montana
Recruiting Journey
Ludwig appeared on the national recruiting scene just as Colston Loveland did before him. Despite Billings being the largest city in Montana, itâs a far cry from the high school football scenes found in other parts of the country. As the top rated player in Montana, Ludwigâs name got out there about as much as someone from Montanaâs could. He was offered by nearly every national power, including Georgia, Tennessee, Oregon and Texas A&M.
He took unofficial visits to Georgia, Tennessee and Michigan in June 2024, and then unofficially visited Tennessee (again) and Notre Dame this past spring. He was set to take his official visits in the summer, but committed to Michigan on May 20.
Scouting Report
Ludwig was a multi-sport athlete in high school, playing football, basketball, wrestling and track and field. Scouts rave about his athleticism and physicality in all facets of the game. He has an excellent frame for the position and will look to refine his technique as he focuses on football only in college.
Greg Biggins of 247Sports describes Ludwig as âarguably the best prospect to come out of the Big Sky State in the last decade if not longer.â Thatâs quite the complement. Below is the remainder of Bigginsâ scouting report:
Heâs a productive player who can dominate as an in-line blocker or as a pass catching receiver down the field. He has the physical traits that translate well to the next level to go with the on-field production. Heâs a well built 6-4, 230 pounds with an 80â+ wing span with huge hands and can run. Heâs natural with his hands, catches the ball well through contact and has the bounce to jump over linebackers and defensive backs. He has the positional versatility to line up all over the field including as an h-back and shows off the kind of all around game that should allow him to be a real difference maker. He projects as a high Power 4 prospect and someone with a definite NFL ceiling to him.
Overall, it appears Ludwig will come into Ann Arbor a bit unrefined, but oozing with potential. He could be next in a long line of great tight ends at Michigan.
Expectations
Assuming Marlin Klein returns to Michigan next season, Ludwig will join a crowded tight end room with him, Deakon Tonielli, Zack Marshall, Hogan Hansen and Brady Prieskorn, alongside fellow incoming freshman Mason Bonner. A redshirt would likely beckon for Ludwig before contributing in 2027 and beyond. Michigan didnât land any true tight ends in the 2025 class, so Ludwig will look to be the leader in the clubhouse in 2028 and 2029.
The Film
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos