Recruiting Roundup: Four-star TE explains why he committed to Michigan

Michigan landed 2026 four-star TE Matt Ludwig’s commitment yesterday, and now he’s explaining his decision to side with the Wolverines. We break it all down in today’s Recruiting Roundup:

Michigan is looking to pick up some sorely needed momentum on the recruiting trail. The staff is about to hit a dead period where no contact is permitted, so they are hard at work looking to make impressions and gain commitments before the fall.

Newest commitment explains why he chose Michigan U-M

Michigan has been working to land 2026 four-star tight end Matt “Moose” Ludwig for over a year, and that work paid off yesterday. He announced his commitment to Michigan over Notre Dame, Oregon and others following a recent in-home visit by position coach Steve Casula.

At 6-foot-4 and nearly 250 pounds, the Billings, Montana native has excellent size and athleticism for the position. The Wolverines have found recent success in recruiting players from that part of the country, most notably when they Colston Loveland from Idaho in the 2022 class.

“I didn’t want to drag it out,” Ludwig told On3’s Steve Wiltfong ($). “I knew that was the place for me and wanted to be honest and upfront with the other coaches and not carry on the recruiting process when I knew Michigan was my home.

“I love the culture there at Michigan and the hardworking mentality that goes into that place every day. I love the relationship I have with all the players and coaches and how special it is to be a Michigan football player. I love all the staff and everyone that builds that football program there.”

Given how prominent the tight end position is in Michigan’s offense, this is a huge commitment for the Wolverines. While Michigan still has a lot of work to do in filling out the class, Ludwig is now the sixth prospect to commit to Michigan and the second-highest ranked in the class behind quarterback Brady Smigiel.

U-M in the mix for five-star edge

Michigan is looking to gain a foothold in the state of Virginia, and that attempt is continuing with its pursuit of 2027 five-star edge rusher Chris Whitehead . Although still very young, Whitehead already has imposing height at 6-foot-5 with a frame that is very projectable.

The Michigan Insider recently spoke with Whitehead, and he talked positively about his relationship with defensive line coach Lou Esposito.

“I mean, he’s a very open guy,” Abrams said of Esposito. “He’s very funny to me. I feel like knowing, hopefully if I do him going to Michigan, knowing he could potentially be my coach, I should have stayed in for Michigan to be at the top of my list.”

Whitehead also revealed how his initial recruitment by the Wolverines began.

“Yeah, it’s funny — that trip wasn’t really planned,” Abrams said. “So we were supposed to go to Notre Dame and Ohio State, but we just had called up the (Michigan) coach. I said he were in town and stuff, so we just went there, toured the facility and stuff, got in the car, toured the campus. After that, he offered me, man, it was a good experience because that’s my dad’s second favorite team.”

Whitehead is currently ranked as the No. 1 player in Virginia and No. 11 overall.

Four-star LB outlines what he enjoys about Michigan

2026 four-star Nick Abrams linebacker has narrowed his list down to Michigan, Alabama, Oregon and Georgia. According to 247Sports’ Brian Dohn ($), Abrams plans to take an official visit to all four of his finalists, with Michigan’s occurring from June 6-8.

“There is a lot of tradition, a lot of old with the new,” Abrams said of Michigan. “They have a certain way and you have to follow it. Coach Sherrone Moore, coach BJ (linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary), they are more about life then ball second. Asking about how your life is going, how you’re doing not only on the field but in the classroom. It’s that kind of stuff and looking after you and growing as a man and a football player.”

Abrams also had good things to say about defensive coordinator Wink Martindale and his scheme, saying that “all those linebackers and the Ravens’ defense, it is intriguing to see how I could fit in that system as well.”

Abrams is set to announce his college choice July 16.

Quick Hitters

• 2026 four-star cornerback Havon Finney Jr. is committed to LSU , but plans to speak with Michigan staff today, per On3’s Ethan McDowell ($).
• Four-star safety Chace Calicut has trimmed his list down to Michigan, Georgia and Texas. He plans to take official visits to all three, with Michigan’s taking place from June 13-15.

• Four-star quarterback commit Brady Smigiel locked in his official visit for the weekend of June 20.