Ann Arbor, MI, September 16, 2025

News Summary

Recent Rivals rankings have significantly impacted Michigan football’s 2026 recruiting class. Five-star EDGE Carter Meadows has soared to the third position nationally, while running back Savion Hiter rose to eighth. Other notable commitments also saw improvements, reflecting Michigan’s ability to attract top talent. Conversely, some recruits experienced declines in their rankings, yet the overall assessment positions Michigan firmly in the national spotlight. As the Wolverines maintain their recruiting momentum, it’s clear they are building a promising future in college football.

Michigan Football’s 2026 Recruiting Class Sees Significant Changes in Latest Rivals Rankings

Ann Arbor, MI – The latest updates to the Rivals rankings for the 2026 recruiting class have brought significant changes for Michigan football. Released on Monday afternoon by On3 and Rivals, these updates highlight the rising prospects within Michigan’s program as the Wolverines continue to build a promising future.

One of the standout performers in the rankings is five-star EDGE Carter Meadows from Washington (D.C.) Gonzaga, who has jumped two spots to secure the No. 3 overall position nationally. He is now recognized as the No. 1 ranked EDGE following his commitment to Michigan over strong competition from Ohio State and other programs. Such high rankings indicate not only an individual’s talent but also elevate the recruiting profile of the Michigan program.

Another key player gaining attention is five-star running back Savion Hiter from Mineral (Va.) Louisa County. Hiter has significantly improved his position by climbing four spots to No. 8 overall and maintains his status as the top running back in the nation. Despite facing a challenging season due to an ankle injury that held him out for the offseason and the first game of the season, Hiter returned with impressive stats, including over 300 yards and three touchdowns in just one game.

Several other Michigan commits have also made notable moves in the rankings. Julian Walker, an EDGE from Irmo (S.C.) Dutch Fork, surged from No. 127 to No. 80, while Malakai Lee, an offensive tackle from Honolulu (Hawaii) Kamehameha, moved up five spots from No. 92 to No. 87. Additionally, Jordan Deck, a defensive back from Frisco (Texas) Lone Star, experienced a rise from outside the Rivals300 to No. 280 overall, having recently flipped his commitment from Baylor to Michigan.

However, not all news is encouraging; Brady Smigiel, a quarterback from Newberry Park (Calif.) High, saw a significant drop in his ranking, falling from No. 292 overall to a three-star rating. Moreover, five other Michigan commits experienced declines: Titan Davis (dropped from No. 110 to No. 125), Matt Ludwig (from No. 91 to No. 128), Travis Johnson (from No. 130 to No. 149), McHale Blade (from No. 193 to No. 219), and Marky Walbridge (from No. 235 to No. 254). Another player, Alister Vallejo, remained unchanged at No. 269.

Currently, Michigan is ranked No. 10 nationally in the 2026 recruiting class according to the On3 Industry team rankings. This ranking reflects the Wolverines’ upward trajectory within college football recruiting, spotlighting their ability to attract and secure top-tier talent.

With a total of 23 verbal commits, 11 have made it into the latest Rivals300, indicating a robust and competitive recruiting class for Michigan. Following a summer where several high-profile prospects committed to the program, these recent changes further demonstrate Michigan’s potential for success on the recruiting trail. Rivals noted that if Carter Meadows continues to perform well, he could vie for the top overall player position in the 2026 class.

Overview of Key Changes in Michigan’s 2026 Recruiting Class

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University of Michigan Football Program Secures Travis Johnson’s Commitment
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Dutch Fork High School Football Team Prepares for New Season
Top High School Football Teams Gear Up for Upcoming Season
Michigan’s 2026 Recruiting Class Sees Key Rankings Changes

Additional Resources

• Wolverines Wire
• MLive
• Maize n Brew
• Wikipedia: Michigan Wolverines football
• Google Search: Michigan football recruiting

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