Michigan basketball just landed another big-time piece for its 2026 recruiting class - and this one has the kind of upside that could make waves in Ann Arbor.
Lincoln Cosby, a 6-foot-9 small forward out of Montverde Academy, committed to the Wolverines on Tuesday, giving head coach Dusty May yet another versatile weapon for his evolving roster. Cosby, a former top-10 recruit in the 2027 class, reclassified to 2026 and now sits at No. 38 overall in the 247Sports composite rankings. He’s also the No. 14 small forward nationally and the No. 7 player in talent-rich Florida.
Cosby made the announcement on Instagram, writing, “1000% committed. Thank you God. Go Big Blue,” signaling his decision to join one of the fastest-rising recruiting classes in the country.
For Michigan, this is more than just a recruiting win - it’s a statement about the direction of the program under May. Cosby cited the Wolverines’ system and May’s use of skilled forwards as a major factor in his decision. When he watched players like Danny Wolf and Yaxel Lendeborg operate in Michigan’s frontcourt, he saw a blueprint for his own development.
“When I watched Michigan and spoke to coach Dusty May, I saw how they utilized their big, skilled forwards,” Cosby told ESPN. “I felt like I saw myself playing and producing in that type of system.”
Cosby’s game fits that mold. He’s a modern forward - long, fluid, and comfortable handling the ball or stretching the floor. His time at Overtime Elite over the past two seasons gave him a chance to develop against high-level competition, and now at Montverde, he’s continuing to refine his skill set at one of the nation’s premier prep programs.
While he’s currently rehabbing from ACL surgery, Cosby is expected to be on the mend by the time he arrives in Ann Arbor. The injury hasn’t slowed down interest - he held offers from a long list of high-major schools, including Alabama, USC, Ohio State, Houston, and Wake Forest, among others. But it was Michigan’s style and vision that ultimately won him over.
Cosby becomes the fifth commit in what’s shaping up to be a loaded 2026 class for the Wolverines. He joins McDonald’s All-American Quinn Costello (ranked No. 31 overall), four-star guard Joseph Hartman (No. 78), wing Malachi Brown (No. 196), and center Marcus Moller, who remains unranked but is part of the group. With Cosby in the fold, Michigan’s 2026 class has climbed to No. 4 in the country, per 247Sports.
All four of Cosby’s new classmates signed during the early signing period in November. Moller, meanwhile, is currently away from basketball as he undergoes treatment for testicular cancer, which he was diagnosed with last month - a reminder that these young athletes are navigating far more than just the game.
As for Cosby, his commitment is another sign that Michigan is building something real under Dusty May. With a top-tier recruiting class and a system that’s attracting high-upside talent, the Wolverines are positioning themselves to be a force in the coming years. Cosby’s blend of size, skill, and basketball IQ makes him a perfect fit - and if his development stays on track, Michigan fans have every reason to be excited about what’s coming next.