Michigan football gains 3-star LB Markel Dabney from SMU after secret visit for 2026 class
BREAKING: Class of 2026 LB Markel Dabney has Flipped his Commitment from SMU to Michigan, he tells me for @on3recruitsThe 6'1 210 LB from Richmond, VA had been Committed to the Mustangs since May 13'We just getting started, let's work #GoBlue'https://t.co/fWnvyhtBC3 pic.twitter.com/Qf8evOjqnw
Recruiting is really in full swing for Michigan football now that we're getting to the end of the late spring cycle. While it took a while for the maize and blue to start garnering commitments, the class is starting to build and its getting bigger by the day.
One place that the Wolverines have sought talent, somewhat fruitlessly (at least in terms of garnering commitments) is the linebacker position. There are several key players still left on the board, but Michigan quietly coveted one linebacker committed to another school who secretly made an official visit last week.
The maize and blue were in the thick of it for 2026 Richmond (Va.) Huguenot three-star Markel Dabney, but Dabney made an unexpected pledge to SMU back in May. Brian Jean-Mary and the staff didn't give up however, getting him back on campus with the official visit. However, Pitt also got to be in contention for the three-star, so he opted to update his recruitment, noting he'd have a June 21 decision.
That decision never came, as Dabney went on a cruise, per On3's EJ Holland. Once he returned, Dabney made his decision, and he ended up committing to Michigan football, making him the 15th pledge of the class.
Here is the updated commitment list for the maize and blue:
Dabney is rated a three-star across the board, but Michigan football has made him a priority target, much like it had eventual signee Chase Taylor a year ago.
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