LOOK: Top 2026 recruits try on Michigan uniforms during Victors Weekend visits
The maize and blue tend to start slow, with the onus of getting pledges coming with official visits, and the top weekend is the final one before the dead period, where the bulk of the already-committed Wolverines also make it to campus, along with top targets that Michigan has been seeking after. Now that the visits are coming to a close, many of the top names who made it to Ann Arbor posted to social media pictures of themselves enjoying the scenery. At this juncture, a few haven't (offensive line targets Kelvin Obot and Malakai Lee), but we'll update should they post down the road.
Here are some of the pictures of top recruits wearing the winged helmet.
Miami (Fla.) Northwestern five-star WR Calvin Russell
Russell made a post on his Instagram story, which was captured by The Wolverine. Here he is walking out of the Lloyd Carr Tunnel at Michigan Stadium.
X user @sawmillnate also screencapped his Instagram story, showing him walking out of the tunnel with Bryce Underwood.
QB commit Brady Smigiel and WR Calvin Russell with Bryce Underwood
Not to be outdone, Newbury Park (Calif.) four-star quarterback commit Brady Smigiel took to X himself to post quite the trio.
WR commit Jaylen Pile
The second-longest tenured commit in the 2026 class, Dallas (Tx.) Parish Episcopal three-star wide receiver Jaylen Pile was on hand with his family.
Prosper (Tx.) four-star OT Zaden Krempin
The often Korn t-shirt-clad Krempin was in Ann Arbor and posted some pictures of his visit.
As it's his birthday, Michigan IOL commit Bear McWhorter posted a picture of the duo with offensive line coach Grant Newsome asking fans to with Krempin a happy birthday.
Irmo (S.C.) Dutch Fork four-star EDGE Julian Walker
Not as highly publicized of a visit, given that it appeared he was leaning elsewhere, Walker was quite active posting pictures and comments of his visit.
But the coup de grâce came in a later post of his.
Michigan's dream line?
The Wolverines have already hosted several big defensive line commits and prospects, but Victors Weekend had the cream of the crop. Walker posted a series of pictures with himself (wearing No. 8), Titan Davis (No. 97), Carter Meadows (No. 11), and commit Tariq Boney (No. 44).
Atlanta (Ga.) Woodward Academy four-star ATH Blake Stewart
Another visitor who hasn't been discussed as much lately is Blake Stewart. The Wolverine screencapped his Instagram story.
Liberty commit Kaden Catchings
A recent offer, Flowood (Miss.) Hartfield Academy three-star linebacker Kaden Catchings visited, despite having committed to the Flames last week.
EDGE commit McHale Blade with legendary DE Brandon Graham
Blade actually took his official visit weeks ago but came back to campus to help recruit. But he also had a pretty nice run in with recently retired Philadelphia Eagles and former Michigan star Brandon Graham.
Tight end duo
Michigan got its two tight ends committed before the official visit cycle started, and Billings (Mont.) West four-star TE Matt Ludwig posted pictures of himself, along with fellow commit, Mason Bonner, in Ann Arbor together.
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