Five-star QB looking to return to U-M; impressed by JJ’s development

TMI has the latest on one of the Wolverines’ targets

One of the top signal-callers in the 2026 class is Newbury Park (Calif.) five-star quarterback Brady Smigiel.

The elite 6-foot-5, 205-pounder has emerged as one of the top players in his class and his offer-list backs it up with over 30 scholarship offers in his recruitment.

Jayden Denegal might be the most improved player on the entire roster. Great accuracy and a huge future for him. Then you throw in Davis Warren, he went through some injuries this year, but his footwork. Cleaning up some of that stuff and he’s playing on time and playing as confident and fast as you can.

“So summarizing that all, it would be the confidence of the group. Understanding pre-snap what we’re going to probably get post-snap and be able to execute once that ball is snapped.”

Among the options currently on the roster, many have speculated that Orji could be the frontrunner for Michigan heading into spring ball due to his dual-threat ability. He was a four-star recruit and the No. 391 prospect in the country in the 2022 recruiting class, per the On3 Industry Ranking.

Orji has one career passing attempt, a five-yard completion last year against UConn. This season, he rushed 15 times for 86 yards and one touchdown in six games. Despite the Wolverines using him mostly as a gadget player in his career, Campbell said the traits he needs to play quarterback effectively have developed nicely.

Michigan in some capacity next season as either a player or coach.

In any configuration, he is seen as an asset.

“He’s seen a lot of football,” Campbell said. “He’s been in three programs, seeing what has worked, what has not worked. I think that’s been valuable for our room. Then he’s mature. He’s so mature. It’s just great for the other guys to see and build off of.”