Brady Smigiel Commits to Michigan Wolverines as Quarterback of the Future

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Four-star quarterback Brady Smigiel, ranked as ESPN‘s No. 4 pocket passer in the 2026 class, has committed to the Michigan Wolverines, sources told ESPN on Saturday.

The 6-foot-5, 210-pound prospect from Newbury Park, California, is currently the No. 45 overall recruit in the 2026 ESPN 300. His decision marks him as the highest-ranked member of coach Sherrone Moore’s recruiting class.

Smigiel visited Michigan during the program’s spring game on April 19. “We just thought it was time to make the decision, and when I went out to Michigan, I knew it was the spot for me,” Smigiel told ESPN. He praised the strength staff and the discipline within the program as key factors in his decision.

Another significant influence was his connection with Michigan’s first-year offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey, who had previously recruited him at Florida State. “It was all really impressive,” he added.

Smigiel’s commitment comes ahead of several previously scheduled official visits, including trips to Florida State and others later this spring. With two ESPN 300 commitments for 2026, Smigiel joins a class that already includes a four-star offensive guard.

In addition to his prior commitment to Florida State, Smigiel had garnered attention from schools like Auburn, Ohio State, and Washington. He resumed his recruitment earlier this year after Florida State’s struggles last season raised doubts about his fit with the program. The coaching staff changes and scheme adjustments played a significant role in his decision to decommit.

“I just didn’t feel like Florida State was that spot for me anymore,” Smigiel said. “I committed to coach (Mike) Norvell calling the plays, and now that he’s not, it’s a completely different situation.”

As a three-year starter, Smigiel has impressive statistics, including over 11,200 passing yards and 147 touchdowns to his name. He led Newbury Park to a division title during his junior season, throwing for 3,521 yards and 49 touchdowns.

With this commitment, only five of the 18 quarterbacks ranked inside the ESPN 300 remain uncommitted. Prospects like Curtis, rated the No. 1 overall quarterback, are expected to make decisions soon.

Brady Smigiel’s rising profile as a strong-armed passer with elite accuracy positions him as an exciting addition to Michigan’s future quarterback line-up.