Michigan Wolverines news: Another 4-star EDGE commitment, Kobe Bufkin hits a game-winner, and more

Michigan football landed yet another four-star EDGE commitment in the 2024 class plus more in our Michigan Wolverines news roundup. 

I’ll admit that I was a little worried about four-star EDGE Jacob Smith when he decided to delay his commitment announcement. Michigan football was the heavy favorite and delays never seem to be good for the favorite.

In the end, though, Smith didn’t actually delay his decision at all. He announced it on Thursday after all and as we all expected, it was a commitment to the Michigan Wolverines over Nebraska, Alabama, and some others.

While it’s been expected, really since the commitment of his twin brother Jerod Smith, a four-star defensive lineman, you have to give Michigan football credit. The Michigan Wolverines didn’t take his pledge for granted and held off a strong push from Nebraska.

In terms of the grand view of things, Smith gives Michigan football its fourth four-star edge commitment (via the 247 Sports composite rankings). All four guys are in the 6-foot-4, or 6-foot-5 range and are just oozing with potential.

Mike Elston has to feel like a kid on Christmas. At least that’s how Michigan football fans should feel because U-M is an EDGE factory and these guys all have the tools to be good.

Jim Harbaugh on Dodd preseason watch list

There’s no doubt that Michigan football head coach Jim Harbaugh is one of the best in the business. He’s recently won AP Coach of the Year, Big Ten Coach of the Year, and with two straight wins over Ohio State, he’s answered just about every question.

Harbaugh is still out for that first playoff win and a national title. But he’s already proven he’s an elite head coach and the Michigan Wolverines head man is once again on the preseason watch list for the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Award.

Harbaugh was one of 20 coaches or so to make the list. However, he’s one of the few serious contenders with a shot to win it.

Kobe Bufkin hits a game-winner

We’ve been following former Michigan Wolverines in the NBA Summer League and on Thursday, Kobe Bufkin had his best moment yet.

Bufkin finished with 14 points and seven assists in the Hawks win over the 76ers. Most importantly, he scored the game-winning bucket with 12 seconds to go.

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Atlanta trailed 98-97 when Bufkin got the ball near the top of the key. The former Michigan. Wolverines standout attacked the bucket and scored, giving the Hawks the lead, and eventually the win in the Summer League game.

Not only did Bufkin score the winning bucket, but he also had his most efficient day from the field making 5-of-11 shots in 24 minutes.