Michigan landed a significant pickup on June 27, 2025, when three-star 2026 linebacker Markel Dabney announced his flip from SMU to the Wolverines . Listed at 6’1″ and roughly 205–210 pounds, the Richmond (VA) product jumped to the Big 10 powerhouse after initially committing to SMU on May 13 .
🧭 The Flip
Dabney’s recruitment took a twist when Michigan imposed a self-enforced no-contact period rooted in NCAA investigations. Feeling unsure, Dabney opted for SMU initially, admitting that if he’d understood the situation earlier, he might not have committed there . Once the no-contact window lifted, Michigan reignited the pitch. Dabney visited officially on June 13, quickly followed by an unofficial return—moves that swayed him .
He was drawn by Michigan’s honesty and straightforward approach, praising the staff and players:
> “They were transparent about everything… Everything was straightforward.”—Dabney
He took to X:
> *“This recruiting journey has been nothing short of a blessing… It’s time to go to work.”*
✨ What Michigan Sees in Dabney
Though he ranks No. 807 nationally and No. 68 at linebacker per On3, Michigan sees tremendous upside . At 215–220 pounds in pads, he blends clean athleticism with versatility, even lining up at WR and surpassing 1,000 receiving yards in high school . On3’s EJ Holland describes him as “fast, athletic and comfortable in space,” a raw prospect ripe for development .
🔢 Michigan’s Position Group
Dabney is Michigan’s first LB commit for the 2026 class and the program’s 16th overall . While not among the class’s most highly rated prospects, his commitment signals Michigan’s faith in building depth and developing talent, especially in a linebacking unit needing versatility against spread offenses .
🏈 What’s Next
Michigan continues to chase several high-level LB targets—Kenneth Goodwin, Nick Abrams, and Brayden Rouse—in hopes of adding elite talent to the position group . Dabney’s addition, though, brings an immediate boost: a versatile, athletic linebacker comfortable in coverage and space, a profile fitting modern defensive schemes.
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Final Take:
Markel Dabney’s flip reflects both Michigan’s recruiting resilience amid adversity and the program’s confidence in identifying under-the-radar athletes with upside. At 6’1″, 210+, Dabney’s coverage ability and hybrid skill set could make him a sleeper impact player. His commitment also underscores Michigan’s strategic blend