Four-star recruits Jacob Smith, Jerod Smith decommit from Michigan, flip to Kentucky

Michigan’s 2024 recruiting class has taken a hit.

Four-star defensive lineman Jerod Smith and four-star EDGE Jacob Smith backed out of their verbal commitments to Michigan and flipped to Kentucky on Friday night following weeks of wavering.

Jerod committed to Michigan in April, while Jacob gave his verbal pledge this summer. However, the twin brothers recently transferred from Cheshire (Conn.) Academy to Corbin (Ky.) High. The move back to their home state opened the door for Kentucky to make a push.

“It always felt like Kentucky was going to be a finalist for the Smith twins (before they committed),” On3’s Kentucky Sports Radio beat writer Nick Roush told The Wolverine. “But you weren’t sure how much traction or pull Kentucky was going to get if they stayed in prep school in Connecticut. Scott Woodward has connections in Connecticut but there’s not a very strong recruiting pipeline in that area. So you always thought it would be difficult. But (for the twins to return) to the home state might be enough for them to consider Kentucky.”

Both Jerod and Jacob visited Kentucky twice in July — right before the dead period — and started trending towards the Wildcats. The Smith twins were back in Lexington for Kentucky’s home opener to kick off the season.

Michigan has now lost three commits this cycle as four-star EDGE Elias Rudolph flipped his commitment to Miami last month.

U-M is now left with two EDGE commits this cycle — On300 Brandywine (Md.) Gwynn Park prospect Devon Baxter and three-star Ijamsville (Md.) Oakdale prospect Dominic Nichols.

Michigan will need to fight to keep Nichols in the class as Clemson, Florida State and Wisconsin have continued to keep in touch. Baxter remains fully locked in.

Jerod is ranked as the No. 26 defensive lineman and No. 250 overall recruit nationally, while Jacob is ranked as the No. 18 EDGE and No. 270 overall recruit nationally, per the On3 Industry Ranking.

Michigan now has 25 commits remaining in its 2024 recruiting class, which is highlighted by Top 100 Cincinnati (Ohio) Moeller running back Jordan Marshall, Top 100 Charlotte (N.C.) Providence Day quarterback Jadyn Davis and Top 100 Rochester (Mich.) Adams tight end Brady Prieskorn. The class entered the day ranked No. 11 nationally, per the On3 Industry Ranking.

The Wolverines are looking to flip Rudolph back from Miami and are taking a look at senior risers to help fill the void left by the Smith twins.