Ked's Recruiting Roundup: Illinois Pulls Major Flip, Adds UCLA OL Commit Micah Smith to 2026 Class

By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys Sr. Recruiting Analyst

December 3, 2025

(Cover photo player's X page)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — IlliniGuys Football Writer and Analyst Matt Stevens had a hunch that Illinois had a strong chance of flipping offensive lineman Micah Smith, a 6-foot-5, 325-pound standout from Vero Beach High School in Vero Beach, Florida. That prediction proved accurate, as Smith backed off his pledge to UCLA and is now set to join Illinois’ 2026 recruiting class.

Smith originally committed to the Bruins in May, but Illinois was one of the programs heavily involved with him early. Before choosing . . .

 

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