National Signing Day is right around the corner for football players in the 2026 class, as the early signing period begins on Wednesday, Dec. 3 and runs through Friday, Dec. 5. These days, most recruits
end up signing in December, and that is expected to be the case with the Michigan Wolverines’ class members as well.
Michigan currently has the No. 11 overall class in the country, but one of its top commitments has a big final decision to make in the near future. Four-star edge rusher Julian Walker announced his verbal pledge to the Wolverines over the summer, but it was always going to be a tough battle to keep him in the class since his father is on the strength and conditioning staff at South Carolina.
The Gamecocks have hosted Walker for a few game day visits this fall, and he hasn’t been back in Ann Arbor since his official visit in June. Nonetheless, he will be back in Michigan for The Game later this month, and that trip very well could determine whether he sticks in the class or flips to his hometown school.
Ahead of his Michigan visit, 247Sports’ Anna Adams made some predictions for recruits in her coverage area, and she believes the Wolverines will be able to retain Walker’s commitment. Here’s what she had to say:
“Prediction: Michigan. The Wolverines getting the last visit should help get the Wolverines over the finish line less than a week later when the early signing period begins.”
Being able to keep him in the class would be massive. Walker (No. 138 overall on the 247Sports composite) and five-star Carter Meadows (No. 13 overall) are one of the top edge rusher duos in the entire 2026 class. Along with four-stars Titan Davis (interior), Alister Vallejo (interior) and McHale Blade (flex), as well as three-star Tariq Boney (edge), defensive line coach Lou Esposito has put together one of the best hauls at any position in the entire country in this cycle.
Again, this upcoming trip to Ann Arbor for the Ohio State game will be massive for Walker and his family. His mother was unable to make it to Michigan for his official visit, so this will be her first time on campus. Sherrone Moore and company will need to do all they can to impress her and reassure her that her son made the right decision to commit to the Wolverines.
Do you think Walker will flip to South Carolina or stay with the Wolverines? Let me know what you think will happen down in the comments section.
