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Head coach Brandon Naurato and the University of Michigan men’s ice hockey program landed a massive piece for their future blueline, securing a commitment from five-star right-handed defenseman Levi Harper. Harper, a highly touted 2008-born defenseman, officially flipped his collegiate commitment to the Wolverines, bypassing further major junior eligibility to join what is shaping up to be a formidable family reunion in Ann Arbor.
Harper is the younger brother of fellow elite recruit and current U-M commit Brandt Harper. By choosing Michigan, Levi solidifies a devastating family tandem on the back end and gives the Wolverines one of the most dynamic, intelligent young defensemen in all of North America.
A Historic Rookie Campaign in Saginaw
The news comes on the heels of a historic, record-breaking rookie season for Harper with the Saginaw Spirit in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Drafted in the third round by Saginaw out of the prestigious Shattuck St. Mary’s program, Harper immediately established himself as an indispensable pillar on the Spirit’s blue line. He burst onto the scene in his OHL debut against the Soo Greyhounds, registering a goal and an assist, setting the tone for a spectacular year.
By the end of the 68-game regular season calendar, Harper had racked up an astonishing 12 goals and 45 assists for 57 points. That output didn't just lead all OHL rookie defensemen—it shattered the Saginaw Spirit franchise record for points by a rookie blueliner. His elite vision, smooth transitional skating, and heavy right-shot one-timer earned him a well-deserved spot on the OHL First All-Rookie Team.
Levi Harper: 2025-26 OHL Rookie Statistics
Games Played: 68
Goals: 12
Assists: 45
Total Points: 57 (Saginaw Franchise Rookie Record)
Elite on the Ice, Exceptional in the Classroom
What makes Harper’s flip even more remarkable is his unprecedented maturity off the ice. In May, the OHL announced Harper as the recipient of the 2026 Bobby Smith Trophy, awarded annually to the league's Scholastic Player of the Year.
Harper followed in the footsteps of notable Spirit alumni like Cole Perfetti and Michael Misa to take home the honor. He accomplished the rare feat by maintaining a 93.2% academic average (3.856 GPA) through the University of Nebraska High School, taking rigorous college-preparatory and university-level courses. Remarkably, Harper completed his academic requirements a full year early, graduating at the end of the 11th grade.
"To perform at such a high level on the ice while giving the same amount of attention to his schooling shows incredible maturity," Saginaw Spirit General Manager Dave Drinkill noted at the time. "He's impressed us all year and is a great example."
International Pedigree and NHL Draft Outlook
Michigan fans are getting a player who is already battle-tested on the international stage. Before making his OHL debut, Harper anchored the United States defense at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Czechia and Slovakia, where he helped Team USA capture a gold medal. He led all defensemen in tournament scoring with 5 goals and an assist across five games. He carried that momentum into 2026, representing Team USA again at the IIHF World Under-18 Championship and drawing eyes from scouts globally.
As a late 2008 birthdate, Harper will not be eligible for the NHL Entry Draft until 2027. His early arrival in the NCAA gives him an ideal runway to develop his 5-foot-11, 174-pound frame against older, stronger competition while playing under the spotlight of Yost Ice Arena.
With his high-octane offensive instincts, reliable defensive positioning, and elite hockey IQ, Harper is projected to be an immediate impact player for Michigan. The Wolverines have built a reputation as a premiere launchpad for elite NHL defensemen—including the likes of Quinn Hughes, Owen Power, and Luke Hughes. Levi Harper appears primed to be the next superstar in that legendary lineage.
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BOOM!
5️ RHD Levi Harper flipped to @umichhockey! An '08 blueliner & younger bro of U-M commit, Brandt, Levi recently won the '26 Bobby Smith Trophy as the OHL’s Scholastic Player of the Year following an exceptional rookie year with Saginaw.#FutureBlue#NHLFactorypic.twitter.com/1qwjjzhf1T
— Michigan Hockey's Future(@FutureBlueIce) July 1, 2026
Harper is the younger brother of fellow elite recruit and current U-M commit Brandt Harper. By choosing Michigan, Levi solidifies a devastating family tandem on the back end and gives the Wolverines one of the most dynamic, intelligent young defensemen in all of North America.
A Historic Rookie Campaign in Saginaw
The news comes on the heels of a historic, record-breaking rookie season for Harper with the Saginaw Spirit in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Drafted in the third round by Saginaw out of the prestigious Shattuck St. Mary’s program, Harper immediately established himself as an indispensable pillar on the Spirit’s blue line. He burst onto the scene in his OHL debut against the Soo Greyhounds, registering a goal and an assist, setting the tone for a spectacular year.
By the end of the 68-game regular season calendar, Harper had racked up an astonishing 12 goals and 45 assists for 57 points. That output didn't just lead all OHL rookie defensemen—it shattered the Saginaw Spirit franchise record for points by a rookie blueliner. His elite vision, smooth transitional skating, and heavy right-shot one-timer earned him a well-deserved spot on the OHL First All-Rookie Team.
Levi Harper: 2025-26 OHL Rookie Statistics
Games Played: 68
Goals: 12
Assists: 45
Total Points: 57 (Saginaw Franchise Rookie Record)
Elite on the Ice, Exceptional in the Classroom
What makes Harper’s flip even more remarkable is his unprecedented maturity off the ice. In May, the OHL announced Harper as the recipient of the 2026 Bobby Smith Trophy, awarded annually to the league's Scholastic Player of the Year.
Harper followed in the footsteps of notable Spirit alumni like Cole Perfetti and Michael Misa to take home the honor. He accomplished the rare feat by maintaining a 93.2% academic average (3.856 GPA) through the University of Nebraska High School, taking rigorous college-preparatory and university-level courses. Remarkably, Harper completed his academic requirements a full year early, graduating at the end of the 11th grade.
"To perform at such a high level on the ice while giving the same amount of attention to his schooling shows incredible maturity," Saginaw Spirit General Manager Dave Drinkill noted at the time. "He's impressed us all year and is a great example."
International Pedigree and NHL Draft Outlook
Michigan fans are getting a player who is already battle-tested on the international stage. Before making his OHL debut, Harper anchored the United States defense at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Czechia and Slovakia, where he helped Team USA capture a gold medal. He led all defensemen in tournament scoring with 5 goals and an assist across five games. He carried that momentum into 2026, representing Team USA again at the IIHF World Under-18 Championship and drawing eyes from scouts globally.
As a late 2008 birthdate, Harper will not be eligible for the NHL Entry Draft until 2027. His early arrival in the NCAA gives him an ideal runway to develop his 5-foot-11, 174-pound frame against older, stronger competition while playing under the spotlight of Yost Ice Arena.
With his high-octane offensive instincts, reliable defensive positioning, and elite hockey IQ, Harper is projected to be an immediate impact player for Michigan. The Wolverines have built a reputation as a premiere launchpad for elite NHL defensemen—including the likes of Quinn Hughes, Owen Power, and Luke Hughes. Levi Harper appears primed to be the next superstar in that legendary lineage.
Continue reading...
