2026 three-star OL Marky Walbridge has tremendous athleticism and loves to punish defenders. Here is what his film taught us:
Before Sherrone Moore was in charge of the entire Michigan football team, he was guiding the offensive line to back-to-back Joe Moore Awards (2021, 2022) as the top unit in college football.
Heading into 2025, it looks like Moore has his favorite position group back on track. Beyond what should be an improved unit in 2025, the Wolverines have a stellar freshman class with Andrew Babalola, Ty Haywood, Avery Gach and Kaden Strayhorn.
The year below them is impressive, too, with Malakai Lee, Bear McWhorter and now Marky Walbridge leading the way. Today, we evaluate Walbridge’s game and what he will bring to the table in 2026.
The Breakdown
A true tackle at 6-foot-6 and 280 pounds, Walbridge has a long, sturdy frame and should fill out nicely once he gets to Ann Arbor. The Needham, Massachusetts native and St. Sebastian’s School product may not be as highly touted as his classmates — listed as a three-star prospect in the class — but there is plenty to like about his game.
Walbridge also took visits to Penn State, Alabama and Boston College, and even though he will likely have a tough time breaking through this deep and talented depth chart, Michigan is still where offensive linemen go to be great.
The Film
Walbridge moves surprisingly fluidly for someone his size, highlighted by an incredibly explosive first step. Whether it’s laterally as a puller, upfield as a lead blocker or simply bursting out of his stance, he does a great job positioning himself and beating his man to a spot.
He looks particularly dominant as a lead run blocker. Walbridge also has great vision, which is important not only to displace the defensive linemen but to manhandle linebackers and defensive backs. He does not create rushing lanes so much as aisles; shopping carts could move behind him.
His footwork, particularly in pass pro, does need some refinement, but Walbridge still looks more like a blocking tight end than an offensive lineman. He is smooth, has sharp reactions and his anticipatory skills are spot on.
Walbridge could engage with edge rushers off the snap better, but that’s even with the fact that he didn’t allow any sacks on pass blocks in 2024. Perhaps we are nitpicking a bit and that technique does not need that much help.
When matched up 1-on-1, Walbridge keeps his poise and has the athleticism to handle speed rushes, while simultaneously having the power to obliterate inside moves. The best part about his game is his relentlessness — he can win that first matchup, and then he will search out another defender to impose his will. That never-give-up, play through the whistle mentality will shine in Ann Arbor.
Even when Walbridge and his man are dozens of yards from the ball, he will still pile-drive them into the dirt. There are certainly technical elements he needs help with, but you can not teach anger and attitude.
Walbridge still looks like a collegiate tackle, but he moves well and could theoretically see time as a guard, especially as a puller. Expect him to blossom into a nice depth piece with starting potential down the line.