The Michigan football team recently picked up its best commitment of the 2026 class so far as four-star quarterback Brady Smigiel announced that he will play for the Wolverines. The California native was down to Michigan, UCLA, Washington and South Carolina ahead of his decision. There were a lot of things that went into Smigiel's thought process, and one of the biggest things that drew him to Michigan was academics.

“There’s so much good going on at Michigan,” Brady Smigiel said in an interview with the L.A. Times. “The first thing that attracted me was the degree that you get and the alumni that they have there. I think it’s so impressive what they have going on there.”

Smigiel liked what he saw from the Michigan football team throughout his recruitment. The Wolverines have a thorough process when it comes to selecting the individuals that they want to represent the Block M.

“I also really love the people they recruit,” he added. “They don’t recruit any guy that’s just running a 4.3 40-yard dash. They’re going to recruit really good men. They’re going to turn you into men. I think that was just something that my family and I were really attracted to.”

Article Continues Below
Related Michigan Football News
Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Fredrick Moore (3) catches a pass for a touchdown against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the first quarter during the ReliaQuest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium.
Michigan football joined by Ohio State in 4-star WR’s top 7Scotty White ·
Michigan tight ends coach Steve Casula, left, talks to quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) at warm up before the spring game at Michigan Stadium
Big Ten coach reveals biggest Bryce Underwood concernScotty White ·
Team Blue Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) tries to run after recovering his fumble during the second half of the spring game at Michigan Stadium
Bryce Underwood makes history with EA CFB 26 coverScotty White ·
Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore watches warmups before the game between Ohio State and Michigan at Ohio Stadium
Full Michigan football game-by-game predictions for 2025 seasonScotty White ·
Michigan Wolverines offensive lines coach Sherrone Moore leads the team onto the field before a game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium.
Michigan football battling 3 SEC powers for 4-star OTScotty White ·
Indiana Hoosiers running back Ty Son Lawton (17) runs with the ball while Michigan Wolverines linebacker Ernest Hausmann (15) defends in the second half at Memorial Stadium.
Michigan football joined by Oregon, Georgia in 4-star LB’s top-5Scotty White ·

Lastly, new Michigan offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey had a big role in this commitment. Lindsey helped Drake Maye develop into an NFL QB when he was at North Carolina, and Smigiel believes that he can do the same with him.

“I think the offense just fits my skill set really well,” Smigiel continued. “Coach Chip Lindsey was at North Carolina two years ago with Drake Maye, so just being able to see him develop him, and I would say I have the same play style as him, so just being able to see what he’s able to do with guys with my skillset.”

The Michigan football team is getting a good one in Brady Smigiel. It will be exciting to see what accomplishes in the Maize and Blue.