2024 four-star edge Lugard Edokpayi commits to Michigan

Landing a four-star edge this late in the cycle is huge for the Wolverines.

You can never have too many talented edge rushers in college football, and the Michigan Wolverines just picked up another one just in time for signing day, as 2024 four-star Lugard Edokpayi just announced his commitment.

Michigan, which made a late push for Edokpayi, beat out two Big Ten opponents in Rutgers and Maryland in pursuing him. Florida State also targeted him up until his official visit to Michigan earlier this month.

The Wolverines extended an offer to Edokpayi in November , and after his official visit, he told The Wolverine’s EJ Holland ($) that Michigan was an excellent option when it comes to developing talent on the defensive line.

“It’s appealing,” Edokpayi said. “They’ve produced Aidan Hutchinson so many good defensive ends. I was really impressed with what they did on defense this year. It was really good to watch.”

Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, defensive line coach Mike Elston and staffer Dylan Roney made an in-home visit to see Edokpayi last week. That visit may have made the difference in his recruitment.

“It was good,” Edokpayi said. “It was great to meet them in person, and my parents got to ask all the questions they needed to ask. They talked about their academic program, how they are the top public school in the country and how they are basically an Ivy League when it comes to academics. With the football piece, it was more about the culture and how they are a blue blood program. They talked about the defense and how their defense works.”

Edokpayi is the No. 222 overall player in his class on the 247Sports composite, as well as the No. 18 edge and No. 7 player from Maryland. He’s the third edge to commit to the Wolverines’ 2024 class, along with fellow Maryland natives in four-star Dexon Baxter and three-star Dominic Nichols .

Landing a borderline top-200 edge this late in the 2024 cycle is a huge win. Like many Michigan fans, we’re excited to watch him at the next level. If the coaching staff can develop him like they have with some of their other recent edge players, he’ll be a damn good one for the Wolverines.

Check out some of his high school highlights below.