Michigan lands commitment from top WR target Jaylen Pile

Michigan has scored an important win on the recruiting trail.

Three-star 2026 Dallas (Texas) Parish Episcopal wide receiver Jaylen Pile committed to Michigan over offers from Auburn, Florida State, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Oregon, Wisconsin and others.

Pile visited Michigan three times this calendar year, including for the game against Texas back in September. That trip helped the Wolverines eventually secure his verbal pledge.

“I loved the environment,” Pile said. “Seeing 110,000 people in the stadium all rocking was amazing. Their Go Blue Supports You walkout was everything I imagined. It was so hype. I was trying to talk to my dad next to me, and we couldn’t even hear each other because it was so loud and electric. Despite them losing, it’s good to see them play a tougher team and see how they face adversity and respond from it.”

This visit also gave Pile an opportunity to reconnect with Michigan wide receivers coach Ron Bellamy, who played a key role in landing him.

“After the game, I got to speak with him a little bit,” Pile said. “We had a dinner with some of the other recruits, and the coaches came through. I always enjoy talking to him. I have a lot of communication with him. Going into the visit, I got to FaceTime with the whole offensive staff, including Coach (Sherrone) Moore and Coach Bellamy. It’s always good to see him in person.”

Pile is also forming a strong friendship with Top 100 2026 Michigan quarterback commit Brady Hart.

“I was actually texting him before the game,” Pile said. “I wanted to hang out with him, but he had to play IMG. We talk all the time. It’s been great keeping a good relationship with him. He’s just a quarterback. There is something about him. People gravitate towards him.”

Pile is the son of former NFL defensive back Willie Pile, who was a seventh round selection coming out of Virginia Tech. Willie spent time with both the Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys.

At 6-foot, 178 pounds, Jaylen ranked as the No. 83 wide receiver and No. 482 overall prospect in the country, per the On3 Industry Ranking. He is also ranked as the No. 64 overall recruit in the state of Texas for next cycle.

Michigan now has three verbal commits in its 2026 recruiting class — Pile, Top 100 Cocoa (Fla.) High quarterback Brady Hart and On300 Jacksonville (Fla.) Mandarin cornerback Brody Jennings.