Michigan Wolverines news: 4-star EDGE has Michigan football in top 6, a rivalry win, and more

In our latest Michigan Wolverines news roundup, a rivalry win for the baseball team, a four-star puts Michigan football in his top six, and more.

The Michigan football team has been trending heavily for the commitment of four-star defensive lineman Jerod Smith in the 2024 class.

It started when EJ Holland and Zach Libby (of The Wolverine) projected Smith to land with the Michigan Wolverines. Then a bunch of recruiting experts followed at 247 Sports as four crystal ball projections have now come in for Smith to commit to Michigan football.

What’s interesting is that Smith has a brother that’s also in the 2024 class. He’s a four-star EDGE and another highly-touted player. Both were viewed as Notre Dame leans not that long ago, but Michigan football is making a push for Jacob Smith too and made his top six on Friday.

Nebraska is another team that’s strongly in the mix for Jacob Smith. But if the brothers want to play together, Michigan football might be the best option. The Wolverines are also known for sending D-linemen to the NFL draft, so I feel good about U-M’s chances to get both.

Michigan Wolverines take game one of baseball series vs Michigan State

Jonathan Kim notched an RBI triple in the first inning for Michigan baseball, which scored four runs in the first two innings to knock off Michigan State by a score of 5-3.

In the first game of a three-game set, Trey Burton was huge for the Michigan Wolverines. Cody Jefferis singled home two runs in the second inning before Burton also brought home a run. A few innings later, Burton went yard for the 25th time in his Michigan career to extend the lead.

Jimmy Obertop returned from injury and notched a single for the Michigan Wolverines. Mitch Voit was also able to come on in the end and preserve the win. Noah Rennard got the win after surrendering three runs in 5 2/3 innings pitched. He gave up eight hits and struck out two.

Michigan will take on Michigan State for game two on Saturday at 2 PM EST on BTN+. The Wolverines are 9-5 in the Big Ten. Indiana is in first at 9-3, while Nebraska is second at 7-3. Michigan is tied for third based on winning percentage.

Michigan softball rally falls short

The Michigan Wolverines were hoping to make up ground in the Big Ten softball standings with a win over Big Ten leader Northwestern.

However, after rallying to send the game into extra innings, the Wildcats were able to hold on for a 4-3 win in 11 innings. Audrey LeClair tied the game in the bottom of the eighth but Northwestern was able to plate a run in the 11th to get the win.

Keke Tholl also had a double, two hits, and two RBI in the loss. Michigan and Northwestern will meet again on Saturday at 2 PM EST.