One of the top 2026 quarterbacks, a composer orchestrating a symphony—precise, commanding, and always in control—Brady Smigiel has launched his top 4 schools. At 6’4”, the Newbury Park High School standout has been a force since he first stepped under center, carving up defenses with a high football IQ and a cannon for an arm. He helped lead the Panthers to a dominant 14-1 record and a CIFSS Division II Championship in his junior season, adding another chapter to an already impressive resume. Smigiel has never been one to shy away from the big stage, and now, as one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the class of 2026, he’s stepping into the spotlight once again with a career-defining decision on the horizon.
Brady Smigiel, rated as the No. 7 quarterback and the No. 67 overall recruit in the nation per 247Sports composite, initially committed to Florida State Seminoles in June last year. It seemed like a perfect fit—Mike Norvell’s offense, the chance to lead a powerhouse program. But recruiting is a living, breathing thing, and commitments are never set in stone. On January 26, Smigiel backed off his pledge, reopening his recruitment to find the right fit. Now, after months of weighing his options, he’s down to a final four, featuring 3 B1G programs.
Michigan Wolverines, Washington Huskies, UCLA, and South Carolina Gamecocks. Noticeably absent? FSU. The Seminoles were left out of the picture entirely, a testament to just how quickly things can change in college football’s relentless recruiting wars. For Sherrone Moore, Smigiel represents an opportunity—and perhaps a necessity. The Wolverines once had a firm grip on their quarterback plans for 2026, but the chessboard shifted. With five-star phenom Bryce Underwood committing in 2025, Michigan’s previous 2026 quarterback, Brady Hart, opted to reclassify and flipped to Texas A&M.
That left the Wolverines scrambling to avoid a gap in their future depth chart, and Smigiel suddenly became a priority. UM isn’t the only school fighting for his commitment, though. Each program has a unique pitch, but only one will ultimately win out. The appeal is obvious. Smigiel isn’t just a stat-sheet warrior; he’s built for the next level.
247Sports’ scouting report raves about his “big, strong-armed pocket passer” style and his natural football instincts. “Very high football IQ, dad is his coach, so he has been around the game and has a good natural feel for playing the position.” It’s that combination of raw talent and polished mechanics that has programs salivating.
He’s not a burner on the ground, but he can extend plays, step outside the pocket when needed, and deliver strikes at all levels of the field. The modern game is shifting towards quarterbacks who can create when things break down, and Smigiel has just enough mobility to complement his elite passing ability.
The decision ahead won’t be easy. Each of his four finalists offers something different—but for Smigiel, it all comes down to fit. Where can he develop into an NFL-ready quarterback? Where can he lead a team to championships? Those are the questions that will define his next move.
Rolling out the red carpet: who’s leading the race for Brady Smigiel?
The battle for 2026 quarterback Brady Smigiel is officially underway, and Michigan seems to be in a great position early. The highly touted prospect took part in Washington’s junior day camp on March 8 but already has one official visit locked in—a June 6 trip to Ann Arbor. That’s a major win for head coach Sherrone Moore and the Wolverines as they look to land their future QB.
Meanwhile, UCLA remains a bit of an outlier in the race for Smigiel. The Bruins’ transition from Chip Kelly to DeShaun Foster has led to some recruiting struggles, and it showed in their last cycle when they finished with the No. 46 class—well behind Washington (No. 23) and South Carolina (No. 18). U-Mich, on the other hand, dominated the group, coming in at No. 6 nationally.
Of course, this recruitment is far from over. Smigiel will likely schedule more official visits in the coming months, and plenty of programs will try to make their case.
The post 5-Star Brady Smigiel Makes Big Announcement on His Next Career Move With Three B1G Programs on Final-4 List appeared first on EssentiallySports.