Social media explodes following massive 4-star OT Malakai Lee committing to Michigan

The Wolverines added a mega piece to the 2026 class.
Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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Michigan football landed one of its biggest targets on the 2026 recruiting trail on Friday night. Four-star offensive tackle Malakai Lee picked the Wolverines over Alabama, Texas, and Georgia.

The Hawaii native checks in at 6-foot-6, 318-pounds and is physically ready to play at the collegiate level with one season of high school football remaining. According to the Composite, Lee is ranked as the 137th-best player in the nation and the No. 10 OT in the 2026 cycle.

Lee, Michigan's 17th commitment, joins four-star Bear McWhorter and four-star Marky Walbridge as the Wolverines' three offensive line commits.

Once Lee committed to Michigan, coaches, fans, media, and players all reacted to the news. Here are some of the best reactions we could find.

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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 Managing Editor for Michigan Wolverines On SI during the 2025 football season. Trent also serves as the Publisher of Baylor Bears on SI. His other bylines have appeared on Maryland on SI, Wisconsin on SI, and across the USA TODAY Sports network. Trent’s love of sports and being able to tell stories to fans is what made him get into writing.

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