Linebacker Remains a Key Need for Michigan Football in 2026 Class, with Nick Abrams as a Top Target
Linebacker remains one of the biggest remaining needs for Michigan football in the 2026 recruiting cycle, and one of the top names still on the board is four-star prospect Nick Abrams.
Abrams, out of Owings Mills, Maryland, is ranked No. 249 overall in the 247Sports Composite and checks in at 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds. He’s a versatile, dynamic athlete and projects well as an inside linebacker in Michigan’s defensive system. While he could fill multiple roles in a 4-3 alignment, Abrams looks most natural on the inside, thanks to his sideline-to-sideline range and ability to blitz effectively—drawing some comparisons to Jaishawn Barham.
With only three-star linebacker Markel Dabney currently committed in the 2026 class, Abrams has become a priority target. Michigan has started to gain some momentum in his recruitment in recent weeks. However, on Monday, Steve Wiltfong of On3.com submitted a prediction for Abrams to commit to Georgia—a potentially major development ahead of his scheduled commitment announcement on Wednesday, July 16.
No 247Sports Crystal Ball projections or On3/Rivals RPM picks have been logged yet, making Wiltfong’s forecast even more noteworthy. Known for his accuracy in recruiting predictions—he correctly forecasted Calvin Russell’s surprise decision to Syracuse over Michigan—Wiltfong’s insight could indicate where things are headed.
Georgia isn’t the only contender. Oregon and Alabama remain in the mix as well, and with two days left before his decision, plenty could still shift.
If Michigan Misses on Abrams
If Michigan can’t land Abrams, it would mark another setback at linebacker for the 2026 class. However, Duyon Forkpa remains a viable option. Forkpa, ranked No. 240 overall, has a similar build to Abrams at 6-foot-2, 220 pounds and is currently leaning toward Florida.
The good news: Forkpa recently announced he’s postponing his commitment until the fall, giving Michigan more time to make a push. If Abrams chooses Georgia or another program, landing Forkpa could become a crucial next step in solidifying the linebacker group.
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