A delayed commitment is good for Michigan, plus an All-American recruit

Michigan football has done most of the work it has needed to in the 2026 recruiting class, but the Wolverines still have some objectives to achieve, and one of them is landing a blue chip or two at linebacker.

It felt like Michigan football was fading with four-star linebacker Nick Abrams. However, a recent update from insiders has the Wolverines now among the favorites.

Abrams is probably the top target at the position for Michigan, which already has three-star athlete Markel Dabney committed. The No. 249 overall prospect is announcing a commitment this week.

If Michigan wins, it might be finished at linebacker. But if not, Duyon Forkpa Jr., is another name to know after he delayed his decision until the fall earlier this week, according to John Garcia Jr of Rivals/On3.

Forkpa, a 6-foot-2, 220-pound linebacker from IMG Academy, is ranked No. 240, according to the 247 Sports composite rankings. Florida was expected to land his commitment. Sam Webb of The Michigan Insider even projected him to Florida.

Yet, the delay was a surprise. Michigan has been rising as a contender. Florida State is in the mix, too. Forkpa told Garcia that he would take some visits in the fall before committing.

It will be interesting to see how hard Michigan pushes for Forkpa if it gets Abrams. But if the Wolverines happen to miss, they can push for Forkpa and still get a four-star linebacker they want.

An All-American Recruit

Michigan has had some of the best kickers in college football the past few seasons, and will once again in 2025 with Dominic Zvada.

Down the road, three-star Micah Drescher should be another stellar kicker. He was named to the roster of the Navy All-American Bowl, a sign that Michigan football will continue to have one of the best kickers in college football on their roster after landing another elite placekicker in the 2026 class.