Michigan football was the hottest team in college football recruiting in June, and the Wolverines have carried that momentum over to July, landing a four-star commitment on the first day of the month from SEC territory.
Julian Walker, a 6-foot-6, 252-pound EDGE, who is ranked No. 197 overall in the 2026 class, according to the 247 Sports rankings, committed to the Michigan Wolverines on Tuesday, beating out South Carolina and a bevy of contenders for one of the best defensive linemen in the class.
What makes this recruiting win even more impressive for Michigan is the fact that Walker's dad is the strength and conditioning coach for South Carolina. Here's his scouting report from Clint Brewster of 247 Sports:
"Walker possesses great overall size and length that correlates well to the next level as a 3-4 defensive lineman. He has fluid movements to get past the offensive tackle from both inside and outside rushes. Chases the ball with a great motor and can turn and flatten down the line of scrimmage. Plays with reactive quickness and has a counter move. Walker has the strength and toughness to be disruptive against the run and make plays as a true 3-down player. Depending on body type and how he develops, Walker could potentially move inside on passing downs."
Michigan is building a championship foundation
The Wolverines now have eight commitments ranked in the top 200 of the 247 Sports composite rankings for the 2026 class, and four of them are defensive linemen. Alister Vallejo is also a four-star, and when you watch his tape, it's hard not to see Mason Graham.
Lou Esposito is ranked in the top five among recruiters in college football. This was another big win, but it's clear that Sherrone Moore made a home run hire on the defensive line. This D-line haul has been epic. It's also exactly what you need to compete for national championships.
The Wolverines also signed two offensive tackles, and another defensive lineman in 2025 who were ranked in the top 75 overall. You also have Malakai Lee in 2026, and the Wolverines signed Andrew Sprague in 2024, who was a top-150 overall prospect.
So Michigan has done elite work in the trenches on both sides of the ball. It has the quarterback it needs, and if the Wolverines can land some receivers such as Calvin Russell and a back like Savion Hiter, the future will be so bright it's blinding.
Sherrone Moore is building a national championship contender, and it's a beautiful thing to watch.