Michigan Wolverines football head coach Sherrone Moore joined Big Ten Network for a brief interview to discuss 2026 signing day. Here’s a roundup of what Moore said:

On Michigan’s defensive line and EDGE additions

“A lot of versatility, a lot of guys that can move around different spots. I think our defense starts with the guys up front, and you’ve got a really good defense when you’ve got hard edges and you’re able to stop the run and rush the passer.

“Really wanted to improve there and replace the guys that we’re going to lose. We’re going to lose [senior EDGEs] Derrick Moore, Jaishawn Barham, who made a huge impact this year. We wanted guys to come and impact the team and not be afraid to challenge the players that are here right now but also have the players that are here right now be impacted. So, feel really good about the kids that we brought in.”

On five-star+ Michigan EDGE signee Carter Meadows

“Carter is a special talent. He’s all of, I think, 6-6, 230 pounds. Very, very long, rangy frame. Twitchy, physical, but an extremely intelligent kid. Academics mean a lot of him. Being a part of the Ross School of Business means a lot to him.

“The football piece huge for him, and I think he’s going to get developed into a freak. I could see him being a possible first-round draft pick, but that takes a lot of work. But he has all the ability in the world, and the size to allow us to put him in different places on the defense and be extremely physical and help us, hopefully sooner than later.”

On four-star Michigan DL signee Titan Davis

“Titan’s a physical dude. What you love about him is his football acumen. He loves the game, he loves to study the game. Probably going to end up being a three-tech, versatile three-tech. Very similar to [former Michigan defensive lineman] Kris Jenkins in personality, in strength and ability. It was a battle with some other schools as we went through the process to really get him. I feel really strongly about him being an impact player for us up front.”

On Michigan having a national class and how much prospects being from in the state is a factor

“It’s huge. We definitely look at the state. There just weren’t as many fits as we thought. As you look into the future classes, there are probably a little bit more as we go into these next classes. But we’re just trying to find the best fit for the team and the program of what we want, what we need. I think we hit 17 total states of guys that we have here. Very excited about this group we’ve brought in to join the guys that we have.

“We have an extremely young team. Six starters we started on offense that were freshmen. Multiple players are younger guys on defense. I think bringing in this group with the group that we have now, assembled with some older guys that we’ll have and we’ll bring in is going to put our team right where we need to be.”

On four-star Michigan QB signee Brady Smigiel having the same first name as Tom Brady’s last name

“Worked out pretty well! [Tom Brady] actually talked to the team a week ago or so.

“Brady has that moxie, that confidence — not cockiness — of a California kid. He’s been a winner all his life. Unfortunately, hurt his ACL his senior year, but he’s going to come back stronger than ever. I feel very strongly that he’s going to have an exceptional career here at Michigan.”

“Nicknamed ‘Moose.’ 6-5, 245 pounds, 250, runs an 11 100-meter [dash]. He’s an absolute freak. I got to watch him play basketball, just jumping out of the gym. Him and Mason Bonner, the two tight ends we got in this class, pass-catchers — along with the receivers, but those two, man — they’re going to create mismatch problems. Mason is 6-6 and he’s 6-5, and both of those guys are super physical freaks that we really feel strongly that can impact the game.”

On Ludwig’s ‘Moose’ nickname

“It’s a nickname that he’s had for a very long time, and he’s got his own merch. He’s got his own deal. But he’s a special kid.”