CFB is the only place where high school teenagers are suddenly turned into the centerpieces of billion-dollar programs, and a swarm of reporters and analysts track their every move like stockbrokers following Wall Street trends. And when that teenager is a 6-foot-5, cannon-armed quarterback with a highlight reel that looks like it was made in a video game, the stakes get even higher. That’s the case with Brady Smigiel, the highly touted four-star signal-caller from Newbury Park, California, whose recruitment just took a dramatic turn—and not in favor of Michigan Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore.
For months, Sherrone Moore and his staff had been pushing hard to land Brady Smigiel. What else do you want? He even has the last name of the U-Mich and the game’s GOAT itself (you know who), built in the mold of an NFL pocket-passer who has been torching defenses since his freshman season. But now, Michigan’s pursuit is looking increasingly precarious, thanks to a late surge from a program out west.
On March 17th, Smigiel narrowed his options down to four schools, and On3’s recruiting insider Steve Wiltfong made his stance clear: “My On3 RPM is on Washington right now for Brady Smigiel. He was on the Huskies’ campus two weekends ago for a massive Junior Day. He feels really connected to Jedd Fisch, Coach Dougherty, and that staff. I do think that Washington is doing some things from an infrastructure standpoint to make things exciting for their top recruits. As well, he is feeling connected to a lot of guys that they’re recruiting and sees an offense that he could really flourish in.” In other words, Washington Huskies are coming for Moore’s prized target, and they may already have the upper hand.
That’s not to say it’s over just yet. South Carolina and UCLA are still in the mix, with Smigiel set to visit both programs this spring. “South Carolina, he’s going to visit them later this month. He’s going to be at Michigan’s spring game,” Wiltfong added. “So those are two opportunities for those programs to make a move. And then UCLA, the local program—he’s been over to UCLA a couple times. Deshaun Foster and that staff have some exciting things going. The opportunity to stay home is there.” Even with no set commitment timeline, Smigiel’s growing connection with Washington is a major shift in this race. And for Michigan, it’s a punch to the gut, especially after losing him once before when he initially committed to Florida State Seminoles.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 04: Michigan Wolverines Offensive Line/Co-Offensive Coordinator Sherrone Moore and Quarterbacks Coach Matt Weiss look on during the Big Ten Championship Game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Michigan Wolverines on December 04, 2021, at Lucas Oil Stadium, in Indianapolis, IL. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
It’s a game of probability now. Sherrone Moore finds himself in an uncomfortable position. The Wolverines are still fighting for Smigiel, but after already losing out to FSU once—before the Seminoles’ coaching shakeup of hiring OC, Gus Malzahn—led to his decommitment. They are now dealing with an even bigger obstacle in the 2023 CFP runners-up, Jedd Fisch. This wasn’t supposed to be how the script played out. Moore’s vision for a quarterback-driven system with 2025’s No. 1 QB Bryce Underwood made, Smigiel the perfect long-term piece. Losing out on him would be another setback in an offseason already filled with adjustments.
Each school is expected to host him for an official visit this summer, but for Smigiel, however, this decision goes beyond X’s and O’s. “Relationships, I would say, is probably my No. 1,” he said on On3’s Inside Scoop. “Obviously, you want the offense to fit. You want to love the city and the university. But I would say the biggest thing is relationships. Just being able to go somewhere where I’m going to grow as a human being, religiously, as a student.” That kind of maturity is rare in a young recruit, but it also means Michigan can’t rely purely on their offensive system or player development pitch to win him over. It’s going to take something more personal.
At the end of the day, Smigiel has been through this process before. He knows what it’s like to commit early and walk away. He’s seen how coaching changes and offensive philosophies can shift a player’s trajectory overnight.
Sherrone Moore could lose the ‘next Jones’ or even Brady
Landing a spot in a quarterback’s final four is always a big deal, and for Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore, it’s a huge win. But securing Brady Smigiel, one of the top quarterbacks in the 2026 class, is far from a done deal.
Recruiting guru Greg Biggins of 247 Sports evaluated Smigiel’s game last year and came up with a comparison that might raise some eyebrows—Daniel Jones, the current Indianapolis Colts QB. Biggins broke down what makes Smigiel special, saying: “He’s very accurate down the field, knows how to change speeds and throws with really nice touch but can put plenty of heat on his throws when he needs to. He’s a tough kid, will stand in and take a shot and not flinch. Great natural leader, locker room guy and teammate. 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. Has decent pocket mobility, not a great runner but can buy time and is good making throws outside the pocket. Projects as a high major Power 4 prospect with Sunday potential.”
A high IQ, natural leadership, and NFL potential? Michigan would love to add that to their quarterback room. But the bigger question remains—is he the next Daniel Jones… or could he be something even bigger, like Michigan’s next Tom Brady?
The post Recruiting Insider Makes Bold Prediction for 5-Star Brady Smigiel’s College Football Future to Upset Sherrone Moore and Co. appeared first on EssentiallySports.