Michigan lands 2026 four-star DB recruit

The Michigan Wolverines have landed another commitment from a four-star recruit for the 2026 class, this one coming from defensive back Andre Clarke Jr.

Clarke hails from Richmond, Virginia and attends Hermitage High School. The young DB is ranked as the 136th player in the country, 11th-best safety, and 4th-best player in Virginia by 247Sports. He is also ranked 185th overall, 16th safety, and 6th in Virginia by On3's Industry Rating.

Other power four schools were interested in Clarke. He had also received offers from Maryland, Miami, Minnesota, NC State, Florida State, Virginia Tech, Ole Miss, SMU, and others.  

Clarke is now the 11th four-star recruit in Michigan's 2026 class, which is currently ranked 8th in the nation (3rd in the Big Ten) by the 247Sports Composite Rankings. The other four-stars in the class are edge rusher Carter Meadows, wide receiver Zion Robinson, defensive linemen Titan Davis, Alister Vallejo, and McHale Blade, as well as quarterback Brady Smigiel, offensive tackle Malakai Lee, corner back Brody Jennings, offensive lineman Bear McWhorter, and tight end Matt Ludwig.

Head coach Sherrone Moore and the Wolverines have been cooking on the recruiting trail lately, with Clarke becoming the 8th commitment in as many days. 11 class of 2026 players in total have committed to Michigan this month.

Moore and the Wolverines will look to continue momentum on the recruiting trail this summer and fall while also looking to improve on the field from an 8-5 record last season. They will be led by freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood and transfer running back Justice Haynes, who are two of the key pieces in a new look Wolverine offense under new offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey.