Julian Walker has strong ties to South Carolina. His dad is an assistant strength coach for the Gamecocks. However, that didn't stop Michigan football from landing his commitment this summer.
Since then, Walker has moved up in the rankings to the point that he's ranked in the top 100 overall, according to the 247 Sports composite rankings.
The 6-foot-5.5, 250-pound EDGE is ranked 96th overall in the 2026 class. He's top 10 at his position, and that was coming off an 11-sack season in 2024 as a junior. Walker visited South Carolina multiple times during the fall. Nebraska and North Carolina have also shown interest.
Michigan football successfully guarded against a flip
The Gamecocks have been the most serious threat. Walker's dad is on the staff. South Carolina is also where he's from. Yet, Walker's mother visited with him for the Michigan-Ohio State game this past weekend, and coming out of that visit, she has he's ready to sign with the Wolverines, according to Steve Wilftong of Rivals.
Michigan football is also expected to sign five-star EDGE Carter Meadows this week. Both Meadows and Savion Hiter are ranked in the top 10 overall of the 2026 composite rankings.
The news that Walker is expected to sign this week is another positive on the recruiting trail after Michigan football flipped four-star cornerback Jamarion Vincent from Baylor on Sunday. He's ranked No. 168 overall in the 2026 class at 6-foot-2, 165 pounds out of Texas.
Recarder Kitchen, a 6-foot-6, 240-pound EDGE in 2027, also committed on Sunday. He's ranked second in the state of Michigan and 110th overall in the 2027 class.