It has been a circuitous route for the quarterback to reach Michigan. Michigan offered Smigiel last year but then took a commitment from four-star Brady Hart. Smigiel then committed to Florida State. But Hart flipped to Texas A&M and Smigiel reopened his recruitment in January.

Michigan football was interested in five-star quarterback Brady Smigiel the first time around, but Smigiel committed to Florida State, which precipitated Brady Hart's pledge to the Wolverines. But then,

Four-star quarterback Brady Smigiel, ESPN's No. 4 pocket passer in the 2026 class, has committed to Michigan, sources told ESPN on Saturday.

The hometown kid will have every opportunity to prove he belongs and to add a new chapter to the Lions’ emerging story.

The Detroit Lions traded up for the second time on Day 2 of the NFL Draft, moving up in the third round to draft Hudsonville, Mich., native and Arkansas wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa with the 70th pick on Friday night.