Michigan Lands Top Recruit Lincoln Cosby After Reclassification
Ann Arbor, MI – Lincoln Cosby, a highly touted prospect previously committed to the 2027 class, has committed to the University of Michigan and will reclassify to join the Wolverines for the 2026 season. The announcement, made Tuesday, marks a significant recruiting win for head coach Dusty May and his program.
Cosby, a 6-foot-9 forward from Montverde Academy in Florida, was considered a top-10 recruit in his original class. He is now ranked as the No. 22 overall prospect in the 2026 class, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking. His decision to reclassify comes after a visit to Michigan’s campus in October, his only known recruiting trip in the past year.
“When I went on my visit for a football game, the atmosphere was incredible,” Cosby told ESPN. “The fan base and alumni are die-hards and the whole visit exceeded my expectations.”
Cosby’s commitment is particularly notable given Michigan’s evolving style of play under May. The program has developed a reputation for utilizing bigger lineups and empowering frontcourt players with diverse roles. Cosby specifically cited this aspect as a key factor in his decision.
“When I watched Michigan and spoke to coach Dusty May, I saw how they utilized their big, skilled forwards, like Yaxel Lendeborg,” Cosby said. “I felt like I saw myself playing and producing in that type of system.”
The talented forward also forged a strong relationship with May and assistant coach Mike Boynton, appreciating May’s direct and developmental approach. “Dusty May is a straightforward guy. He really pushes you, but when he’s not on the court, he’s laid-back when he needs to be,” Cosby explained. “My plan is to go, develop, and hopefully have a chance to play at the next level.”
Cosby recently underwent surgery to address an ACL injury and will be focused on rehabilitation upon his arrival on campus. He anticipates the recovery period will allow him to concentrate on building strength and preparing for the demands of college basketball.
Scouts describe Cosby as a versatile player with a blend of athleticism and skill. He excels in transition, finishing plays effectively, and demonstrates comfort driving to the basket and rebounding offensively and defensively. He also possesses a developing shooting touch, capable of scoring from the midrange and beyond the three-point line.
Cosby joins a growing list of commitments for the Wolverines’ 2026 recruiting class, which already includes four-star power forward Quinn Costello, four-star shooting guard Joseph Hartman, three-star shooting guard Malachi Brown, and center Marcus Moller. The class is currently ranked among the top-15 nationally, signaling a promising future for Michigan basketball under Coach May.
Cosby received offers from numerous high-major programs, including Cincinnati, Ohio State, Auburn, Texas A&M, Oregon, Florida State, Houston, Memphis, Ole Miss, Georgia, Louisville, Missouri, Wake Forest, UNLV, Arizona State, Alabama, USC, and LSU.
