4-star LB Jaden Smith requests NLI release from Michigan

West Charlotte four-star linebacker Jaden Smith has requested a release from his National Letter of Intent with Michigan, he announced on Sunday.

The 6-foot-2.5, 195-pounder committed to the Wolverines back in June and signed with the Big Ten program in December. Now, he’ll look to begin his collegiate career elsewhere following the departure of Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh and others on the UM staff.

“First off, I’d like to thank God for blessing me with the opportunity to further my education and athletic career. I’d like to thank Coach Harbaugh, Coach Partridge, Coach Minter, Coach Clink, Coach Jay Harbaugh, Coach JB, Coach Roney, Coach Herb and Coach Rick Minter for believing in me. Y’all are family and I hope our football paths cross again in the future. Christina, Albert, Sam, Abigail, CB, Coach Claiborne, Coach Robinson, Blair and Coach LaTroy… y’all are the best in the business,” Smith wrote.

…With that said, after much prayer and deliberation, I’ve made the decision to formally request my release from my NLI. This was the toughest decision I’ve ever had to make in my life. Forever grateful for Coach Moore and The University of Michigan.”

Smith is the No. 343 overall prospect and No. 31 LB in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 11 player in North Carolina.

Smith cracked the final edition of the 2024 On300, rising up to No. 278 overall. He also checks in as the No. 19 LB and No. 12 player in his state.

Wolverines lose first signee amidst coaching staff shakeup

It’s a new era in Ann Arbor with Harbaugh off to the NFL after a long stint with Michigan. New head coach Sherrone Moore inherited the No. 15 recruiting class in the 2024 cycle — per the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings — and up until Sunday, he was yet to lose a pledge from an incoming freshman.

Smith was one of five signees at the linebacker position in the class. Pittsburgh Central Catholic four-star Cole Sullivan, Belleville (Mich.) four-star Jeremiah Beasley, Nashville Ensworth four-star Mason Curtis and South Park (Pa.) three-star Zach Ludwig are still currently in the mix for Moore and Co. at the position.

As of Feb. 11, Michigan’s class still features 26 signees — 15 of whom are four-star prospects. Headlining the class is Charlotte Providence Day four-star quarterback Jadyn Davis, the No. 105 overall recruit and No. 8 QB in the cycle.