The Wolverines, fresh off a run to the national title, have officially added a pair of top-50 prospects into the fold for next year.
Brandon McCoy Jr., a five-star guard, and Lincoln Cosby, a four-star forward, both signed with Michigan, the program announced Tuesday.
The duo puts the finishing touches on a six-man 2026 recruiting class — which includes four-star forward Quinn Costello, four-star guard Joseph Hartman, wing Malachi Brown and center Marcus Moller — that’s tops in the Big Ten and ranks No. 3 in the nation, per 247Sports.
“Brandon and Lincoln are two outstanding additions to our program,” coach Dusty May said in a statement. “Both fit the culture and vision we’re building at Michigan.”
However, only one of the two talented pieces is expected to suit up next season for the Wolverines. According to a release from the program, Cosby will redshirt during the 2026-27 season as he recovers from ACL surgery.
McCoy, though, should step in and make an immediate impact as part of a perimeter group that includes guards Elliot Cadeau and Trey McKenney.
A McDonald’s All-American who’s rated the No. 13 overall recruit in the 247Sports composite, McCoy (6-foot-5) powered Sierra Canyon High School to a 30-1 record and the CIF Southern Section Open Division championship while posting 19.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.2 steals per game. His stellar senior season earned him California Player of the Year honors.
He’s also won big on the international stage. He took home gold with USA Basketball at the FIBA U16 Americas Championship, FIBA U17 World Cup and FIBA U19 World Cup.
“Brandon is a special talent and someone who has the ability to impact the game in so many ways,” May said. “He has a special feel for the game and competitiveness that really stands out. He can score at all three levels, create for others, and make winning plays on both ends of the floor. What stands out most is his approach to the game and his desire to keep getting better.”
Cosby (6-10) was a top-10 recruit in the 2027 class before he reclassified and moved up a year. He transferred to Florida powerhouse Montverde Academy this past season, but his campaign was cut short after five games when he suffered a season-ending ACL injury.
Prior to that, Cosby spent time at Overtime Elite — where he became the youngest player ever to sign with the developmental league for high school-aged players — and averaged 15.6 points and 11.6 rebounds during the 2024-25 season. Last summer, he averaged 17.4 points with 444 Athletics on the Puma Pro16 circuit.
“Lincoln has great size, athleticism, and versatility, and he impacts the game in a lot of ways,” May said. “He can defend multiple positions, rebound, run the floor, and make plays with the ball in his hands. We’re excited to support him through his rehab process and help him come back even stronger.”
Cosby pledged in early February and McCoy committed during halftime of Michigan’s Final Four win over Arizona on the Fab Five alternate broadcast. The two had to wait until the regular signing period, which began on April 15, to make their commitments official.
The other four members of the class — Costello, Hartman, Brown and Moller — became signees during the early signing period in November.
McCoy and Costello, both McDonald’s All-Americans, headline the sextet and mark just the sixth time in program history Michigan has signed multiple players who earned the national honor in the same recruiting class.
In addition to the group of incoming freshmen, there will be an influx of new talent from the transfer portal, with the additions of Tennessee forward J.P. Estrella, LSU forward Jalen Reed and Cincinnati center Moustapha Thiam.
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This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Brandon McCoy Jr., Lincoln Cosby sign to Michigan basketball’s 2026 class
Reporting by James Hawkins, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
