The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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52 THE WOLVERINE ❱ MARCH 2026 2026 FOOTBALL RECRUITING ISSUE BY ETHAN MCDOWELL Ndi Etta committed to Michigan on Feb. 1, wrapping up his recruitment less than a week before signing day while scheduling a family reunion for this summer. Etta hasn't shared a football field with his brother in years, but that will change in just a few months. A class of 2026 linebacker out of Argyle (Texas) Liberty Christian, Etta watched the first few years of his brother Enow's career with U-M closely. He spent time in Mich- igan's locker room, met the staff and built friendships with the players. After picking up an offer from the Wolverines in December and visiting for the last weekend in January , Ndi de- cided it was time to team back up with Enow in Ann Arbor. "It just felt like home," Ndi said. "My brother is obviously there, so it even pushed me more. I haven't played with my brother since my freshman year, and I barely get to see him. I see him maybe once every three months, once every five months. That was probably the main push." Ndi already knew the program ex- tremely well going into his visit. The staff knew that but still showed him an in-depth look at the program. He had seen most of the facilities before, but Michigan's renovated players' lounge impressed the linebacker commit. Ndi went into the weekend wonder- ing what position he would play for the Wolverines. He recorded 10.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss as a senior. Michigan will play him at outside linebacker, and he will work with both defensive ends coach Lewis Powell and linebackers coach Alex Whittingham. "I'm fast and twitchy, and I can blitz off the edge," Ndi said. "They said my comparison was Josaiah Stewart. Jo- saiah was a really good player, and I thought that was really cool." Ndi doesn't want to sound cocky, but he believes he will be one of the most versatile defenders in Michigan's locker room. He can cover receivers and rush the passer at 6-2, 215 pounds. "I love to say that I can do everything on the field," Ndi said. Defensive line coach Lou Esposito visited him in the Dallas area. Esposito has a longstanding connection with the Etta family and built a great relationship with Ndi during the linebacker's quick recruitment to U-M. "He's an amazing dude," Ndi said. "He's very straightforward, and I love him." Ndi picked the Wolverines over Army. He visited the Black Knights the week before making a decision, but he knew Michigan was the right place for him after making a trip to Ann Arbor. It gives him the chance to reunite with family and compete against the best in Ann Ar- bor. He will join the Wolverines shortly after graduating high school this sum- mer. "I love it," Ndi said. "I'm really ex- cited. I'm ready to compete, too, even if I have to compete against Enow. I don't care. He might take the height, but I think I have all the athletics, and that's always been a big thing. We've been re- ally competitive. "I'm excited to just have that com- petitive nature. And obviously, Michi- gan is a really competitive place, so I'm really excited for that too." ❑ Ndi Etta Is Ready To Join Big Brother Enow At U-M Etta is a three-star prospect who picked the Wolverines over Army West Point. PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS NDI ETTA DEFENSIVE END 6-2 • 215 LIBERTY CHRISTIAN HIGH KELLER, TEXAS RANKINGS STARS NAT. POS. STATE Industry ✪✪✪ 2,656 259 347 ✪✪✪ — 181 266 N/R N/R STATISTICS Year Tackles TFL Sacks PBR FF 2025 68 17 10.5 4 2 2024 81 18 9.5 — 1 2023 46 6.5 1.5 — — 2022 69 4 — — — HONORS • First-team all-state honoree (defensive line) as a senior in 2025. • All-district (first team) selection as a senior and as a junior in 2024 RECRUITMENT • Pledged to Michigan on Feb. 1, 2026. • Picked U-M over Army, UTEP, Austin Peay, Mi- ami (Ohio) and Toledo. DID YOU KNOW? • Played one season for Liberty Christian (2025), coached by former NFL tight end Jason Witten. • Part of an 8-4 team that reached the TAPPS Division 1 playoff quarterfinals in 2025. • Began his career at Covenant Christian (2022- 24). • A versatile defensive contributor who played defensive line and outside linebacker; contributed on offense early in his career. • Son of Nchacha and Pauline Etta. • Brother of U-M defensive lineman Enow Etta. THEY SAID IT: The Wolverine's Ethan McDowell: "Etta put to- gether a productive senior season with 10.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss against solid competition in Texas. He's shorter than most U-M outside line- backers but brings some versatility to the room. Etta showcased some explosiveness last fall that makes him an intriguing pass rusher. He will need time to develop in Ann Arbor." 2026 PROJECTION Etta will arrive on campus this summer as an undersized edge rusher who will also play some off-ball linebacker. He's a redshirt candidate as he continues to develop.