Michigan Announces Nine-Member Signing Class
12/12/2025 3:29:00 PM | Baseball
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- University of Michigan baseball head coach Tracy Smith announced Friday (Dec. 12) the signing of nine student-athletes to scholarship agreements.
"Our 2026 recruiting class brings a well-balanced blend of pitching, hitting and defensive talent" said Smith. "We look forward to seeing this group on campus. Their collective skill, competitiveness, and character should allow the group to make an immediate impact."
Ethan Armstrong | RHP/3B | Garden City, Mich. | Garden City High School
• Attended Garden City High School
• No. 1-ranked Prospect from the state of Michigan by Prep Baseball
• Ranked third overall in Michigan and as the best third baseman by Perfect Game
• 2023 Central Region Honorable Mention in Preseason Underclassmen All-American on Perfect Game
• 2024 Central Region second team in Preseason Underclassmen All-American rankings on Perfect Game
• 2025 Central Region first team in Preseason Underclassmen All-American rankings on Perfect Game
Smith on Armstrong: Ethan is an outstanding physical talent, standing 6'3" and 200 pounds, and already recognized on the national stage. Featuring a fastball that sits in the mid- to upper-90s and the ability to command multiple secondary pitches, he projects as a potential weekend-rotation arm from the moment he arrives on campus. As the top player in the state of Michigan, Ethan was at the center of a highly competitive recruiting process, and we are thrilled that he chose to join the Wolverines. When elite in-state talent commits to Michigan, it is a win for our program and our extended Wolverine family. We believe Ethan has front-end rotation ability and expect him to be an immediate contributor for the Maize and Blue."
Kristopher Desantiago | C | Gilbert, Ariz. | Hamilton High School
• Prepped at Hamilton High School
• Ranks 374th overall in the nation, and the 37th best catcher by Perfect Game
• Perfect Game ranks him seventh overall in the state of Arizona, and the second-best catcher
• 2024 and 2025 West Region Honorable Mention in Preseason Underclassmen All-American rankings on Perfect Game
• Slashed .327/.478/.531 over 24 games in the 2025 calendar year with 17 runs and 19 RBIs
Smith on Desantiago: "We are thrilled to add a backstop with the talent Kris possesses. He currently demonstrates above-average catch-and-throw skills, and when combined with his emerging hitting potential, he has the tools to be a special presence behind the plate. Kris performed exceptionally well at national events this year, most notably standing out at the Perfect Game Jupiter event this past fall. A strong-bodied and confident catcher, Kris has the makings of a high-impact player, and we are very excited about his future as a Wolverine."
Dylan Iwanyk | RHP | Spring Lake, N.J. | Christian Brothers Academy
• Prepped at Christian Brothers Academy
• Ranks as the 15th overall player in the state of New Jersey, and the third best right-handed pitcher by Perfect Game
• 2024 Northeast Region Honorable Mention in Preseason Underclassmen All-American rankings on Perfect Game
• 2025 Northeast Region second team in Preseason Underclassmen All-American rankings on Perfect Game
Smith on Iwanyk: "Dylan is a power right-handed pitcher from the East Coast who has made significant strides over the past year. Standing 6'4" and 220 pounds, he brings an imposing physical presence to the mound. As he grew into his frame this past year, Dylan showcased a major jump in velocity, consistently working in the mid- to upper-90s throughout the summer and fall. His rapid development and high ceiling make him an exciting addition to our program. We look forward to welcoming Dylan and his family to the Wolverine family."
Matthew Mansbery | SS | Brecksville, Ohio | Walsh Jesuit High School
• Attended Walsh Jesuit High School
• Ranked as the 321st best player in the nation and the 84th best shortstop by Perfect Game
• Perfect Game ranks him as the fourth overall player in the state of Ohio and the third-best shortstop
• Hit .348 with a 1.097 OPS with nine runs and six RBIs over eight games at the PG WWBA World Championship
• 2025 Central Region second Team in Preseason Underclassmen All-American rankings on Perfect Game
Smith on Mansbery: "Matthew is a premier talent and a potential future shortstop for the Wolverines. Standing 6'3", he made a major impact on the national stage this past year, earning an invitation to the Under Armour All-American Games and distinguishing himself at the prestigious Jupiter national tournament, where he received All-Tournament honors. We view Matthew as a potential cornerstone of our program's future, bringing both elite ability and a high ceiling for development. Looking forward to Matt arriving on campus."
Caden Matusak | SS | Crown Point, Ind. | Crown Point High School
• Attended Crown Point High School
• Ranks 14th overall in the state of Indiana, and the second-best shortstop by Perfect Game
• Ranks as the 196th best player nationally from Prep Baseball
• Named to the All-Tournament Team at the 2025 PG 17U WWBA National Championship
• Over 25 games in 2025, hit .323 with 20 runs and 13 RBIs and six extra-base hits
Smith on Matusak: "Caden is a physical and extremely athletic infielder whose tools stand out in every area. At 6'3" and 200 pounds, he moves with impressive agility. His versatility allows him to play multiple infield positions, and he consistently performs at a high level in major tournaments. Caden brings a complete offensive profile, demonstrating the ability to hit for average, drive the ball with power, and impact the game with his speed. We are excited for Caden to arrive on campus and continue his development as a Michigan Man."
Jack Perry | LHP | Mississauga, Ontario, Canada | Streetsville Secondary School
• Prepped at Streetsville Secondary School
• Ranks as the 11th-best player in Ontario and second-best left-handed pitcher by Perfect Game
• Ranked by Prep Baseball as the 20th-best player in Ontario and second left-handed pitcher
• Plays for the Ontario Terriers in the Canadian Premier Baseball League
Smith on Perry: "Jack is an athletic left-handed pitcher who has truly come into his own over the past year. He possesses advanced pitch metrics on both his fastball and breaking ball, reflecting his rapidly developing skill set. Coupled with his exceptional competitiveness, Jack has the makeup and ability to become a significant contributor to our pitching staff. We've had a strong tradition of elite left-handed pitchers from Canada, and we believe Jack is poised to be the next in that lineage. We are excited for Jack and his family to join the Michigan program.
Drake Roa | SS | Chesterfield, Mich. | Notre Dame Prep
• Attended Notre Dame Preparatory and Marist Academy
• Prep Baseball ranks him as the third-best shortstop and eighth-best player in the State of Michigan
• Ranks as the 12th player in the state of Michigan and the fifth-ranked shortstop by Perfect Game
• Named to 2025 Michigan High School 'Dream Team'
• 2024 and 2025 Central Region Honorable Mention in Preseason Underclassmen All-American rankings on Perfect Game
• Hit .350 with seven runs on seven hits at the 2024 18U PG Stars and Stripes Tournament and was named to the All-Tournament team
Smith on Roa: "Drake is an exceptional athlete with a rare combination of size, speed and versatility. Standing 6'3", he currently anchors the infield at shortstop for his high school in addition to competing in three sports. A standout performer, he earned All-State honors in football this past fall, further showcasing his elite athleticism. Drake possesses true running ability and has consistently demonstrated a strong hit tool throughout his prep career. His versatility and athletic upside position him for a very bright future. We are excited to welcome Drake to the University of Michigan."
Jackson Smith | LHP | Festus, Mo. | Festus Senior High School
• Attended Festus Sr. High School
• Ranks 39th overall in the state of Missouri, and the sixth best left-handed pitcher by Perfect Game
• 2024 and 2025 Central Region Honorable Mention in Preseason Underclassmen All-American rankings on Perfect Game
• Earned All-Tournament team honors with three scoreless innings at the PG WWBA World Championships
Smith on Smith: "Jackson is an elite arm out of Missouri whose physical presence and pitching profile make him a high-impact addition to our program. Standing 6'4" and featuring a low three-quarter arm slot, he presents a difficult look for opposing hitters. His fastball sits in the high 80s to low 90s, complemented by an advanced breaking ball that showcases his feel and command. We anticipate Jackson making an immediate and meaningful contribution to our pitching staff. We are excited to welcome him to the Wolverine family."
Parker Smith | Utility | San Marcos, Calif. | Poway High School
• Attended Poway High School
• Prep Baseball ranks him as the fourth-best third baseman and 76th overall in the state of California
• Ranks 283rd in the state of California, and the 13th overall third baseman by Perfect Game
• Was named CIFSS All-Star Game MVP going 2-for-2 with a double, RBI and two stolen bases
Smith on Smith: "Parker is a special athlete with the versatility to contribute at multiple positions. He has consistently shown the ability to hit against some of the most elite arms on the West Coast, pairing excellent bat-to-ball skills with emerging power potential. We believe Parker possesses a high ceiling, and we are excited to see his skills continue to develop and flourish on campus. We are thrilled that Parker has chosen to join the Wolverine family."
