Michigan’s football program has lost a second class of 2026 blue-chip recruit in a span of an hour.
Irmo (S.C.) Dutch Fork four-star edge Julian Walker, who has been committed to the Wolverines since July, flipped to South Carolina on Thursday, announcing his decision during a ceremony at his high school.
Unlike four-star receiver pledge Zion Robinson, who flipped from Michigan to Stanford earlier Thursday, Walker’s decision isn’t as surprising. His father is a strength coach on the Gamecocks’ staff, and he was a frequent visitor to Columbia this fall.
Nevertheless, his loss stings for the Wolverines. He is the No. 96 overall player in the country, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings, and has the potential to be an early contributor at the college level.
The 6-foot, 5 ½-inch, 252-pounder originally committed to Michigan since summer but his mother had not visited campus until last weekend for the Ohio State game. He is a Navy All-American Bowl invitee and will play for a state championship on Saturday with Dutch Fork. By choosing South Carolina, Walker is able to stay closer to home and play for his father.
“Long and active edge defender that can cause plenty of issues up front given how he covers turf with his stride and energy,” 247Sports director of scouting Andrew Ivins writes in his scouting report. “Gets around offensive tackles by angling inside or outside as he’s frequently the superior athlete. Can also win with his snap anticipation and an adequate first step.”
Despite losing Walker, Michigan still landed two other edge prospects this cycle, including five-star and top-10 overall recruit Carter Meadows. The Wolverines are down to 26 recruits in the 2026 class. Their class entered the day ranked 11th nationally.
(Highlights embedded with permission from Hudl)
