BOOOOOOM! Michigan just landed a commitment from 2026 four-star OL Bear McWhorter. The Wolverines beat Alabama in a recruitment for a kid named after Bear Bryant. MORE:
The Michigan Wolverines haven’t added a commitment in their 2026 recruiting class since October, but that all changed on Friday afternoon as the Maize and Blue picked up four-star offensive lineman Bear McWhorter . He announced the news at a ceremony at Cass High School in White, Georgia.
The 6-foot-3.5, 293-pounder — notably — is named after Alabama Crimson Tide legendary head coach Bear Bryant, so for Michigan to win this recruitment is pretty remarkable. It’s even more of a surprise considering the Tide had predictions from recruiting experts to land McWhorter about 24 hours prior to his announcement.
Michigan offered McWhorter a scholarship last July shortly after he decommitted from Arkansas. He took an unofficial visit to Ann Arbor last month and also visited last summer for the BBQ at the Big House.
“My parents love all the relationships we have them. It’s one place that’s further away that they’re comfortable sending me off to,” McWhorter previously told 247Sports what he likes most about Michigan. “Genuine people. And it’s a great offensive line culture. They are going to run the ball and be tough and do the right stuff in the weight room.”
McWhorter is Michigan’s third commitment in the 2026 class, as he joins four-star cornerback Brody Jennings and three-star wide receiver Jaylen Pile.
In addition to Michigan and Alabama, McWhorter also held offers from Georgia, Texas, Ole Miss, Clemson, Florida, Oklahoma, South Carolina, LSU, Florida State, Wisconsin, North Carolina and more.
McWhorter is ranked No. 45 in the state of Georgia, the No. 32 interior offensive lineman and the No. 385 overall prospect in the 2026 class, according to 247Sports’ composite. Check out his best junior year highlights below.