2026 four-star QB Brady Smigiel marks the latest high-end quarterback prospect to commit to the Michigan Wolverines. Let’s look at how this news affects the program now and in the future:
Now that the Michigan Wolverines have their 2026 quarterback in four-star Brady Smigiel, let’s take a look at how the position has developed over the years and what his commitment signals for the future.
Smigiel Significance
The 6-foot-5, 205-pounder from Newbury Park, California is the No. 7 quarterback in his class and No. 80 player in the nation, according to 247Sports’ composite. He is a marquee quarterback for the class and will join four-star cornerback Brody Jennings, three-star edge rusher Tariq Boney, three-star offensive lineman Bear McWhorter and three-star wide receiver Jaylen Pile in Ann Arbor.
Smigiel excels as a pocket passer and he marks the first of what is hopefully a long line of quarterbacks recruited by offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey at Michigan. His commitment not only reaffirms faith in Lindsey, as well as head coach Sherrone Moore, but in the program’s forward-thinking offensive approach.
We all know about the Wolverines’ emphasis on the run game, but adding high quality passers like Smigiel can help balance the offense. Having Smigiel and Bryce Underwood recruit elite wide receivers should be the next step for Michigan.
Recent Trends
While Smigiel is likely to take a back seat to Underwood, he marks a rare, continuous streak of top quarterbacks committed to Michigan. The early Jim Harbaugh days were plagued by subpar passing games, and it was not until J.J. McCarthy in 2022 that the program’s offense took off.
Sure, there was Cade McNamara, a four-star in his own right, but that 2021 team was all about running the ball and playing stout defense. Once McCarthy took over, the Wolverines had the aerial attack to match their rushing prowess and, of course, ended up winning a national championship.
With Underwood as the likely quarterback for the foreseeable future, Smigiel’s worst case scenario is a Jadyn Davis-like situation. Davis, a 2024 four-star, was highly touted as a prospect and was expected to compete for the starting gig last fall. However, he has slipped through the cracks and now faces an uphill battle against Underwood and transfer Mikey Keene.
Regardless of Davis’ outlook, the signs are pointing up for Michigan quarterbacks. This is a program already ingrained in the trenches and on the defensive side of the ball, and Moore will only solidify himself as a top coach with more dynamic offenses.
Final Thoughts
It’s unclear when we will see Smigiel take legitimate reps for this team, and that day may not come until after Underwood is gone. Smigiel knows he has a murky path to playing time and could have chosen a smaller school with less competition at the position.
However, he chose Michigan, he chose Moore and Lindsey, and he chose the opportunity to cement his legacy in this program’s improving quarterback lineage.
Perhaps McCarthy’s high NFL Draft selection proved to high schoolers this school is not just about running backs, offensive linemen and defensive linemen. Perhaps Moore has an easier time selling recruits considering his success with protecting them and aiding them with elite running games.
Whatever the case may be, it’s reassuring to see the Wolverines be able to recruit very good quarterback recruits three years in a row, and hopefully that streak continues with Moore and Lindsey leading the charge.