Wolverine Digest

Michigan football misses out on another '26 target to the same Big Ten foe

Trent Knoop

Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

Not too long ago, one of the top 2026 prospects spurned both Michigan and Ohio State and committed to Illinois. Victor Singleton, an Ohio native, might have started a trend for Ohio recruits to go play for the Illini. On Thursday, that trend continued.

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2026 linebacker Cam Thomas committed to Illinois over Michigan and others. The West Chester (OH) Lakota West prospect was once thought to be a Wolverine lean, but as time moved on, predictions began rolling in for the Illini to get the four-star recruit. Per 247Sports' Composite, Thomas is ranked as the 290th-best recruit in the '26 cycle and the 24th-ranked linebacker.

While the loss of Thomas is a disappointment, Michigan's recruiting efforts remain strong. The program's reputation for developing NFL-caliber players and its recent successes on the field continue to make it an attractive destination for top recruits.

Michigan landed a top linebacker in the '25 class when IMG Academy's Nathaniel Owuso-Boatend chose the Wolverines on Early Signing Day over Colorado, Ohio State, and others. The Wolverines also added three-star linebacker Chase Taylor. The Wolverines currently do not have a linebacker in the '26 cycle, but Michigan does have four-star cornerback Brody Jennings and wide receiver Jaylen Pile.

The Wolverines currently have the No. 41 class in the '26 cycle with two commitments.

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More Michigan News:

Michigan Football regarded as 'biggest winner' of the 2025 recruiting cycle

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Analyst likes Michigan's chances in 2025: 'I think Bryce Underwood is going to be that dude'

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Trent Knoop
TRENT KNOOP

Trent began writing and covering Michigan athletics back in 2020. He became a credentialed member of the media in 2021. Trent began writing with Sports Illustrated in 2023 and became the Senior Writer for Michigan Wolverines On SI for the 2024 football season. Trent’s love of sports and being able to tell stories to fans is what made him get into writing.

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