ECU Bolsters Defensive Front with 2026 EDGE Michael Foster

East Carolina has landed another high-upside piece for its 2026 defensive class, securing a commitment from Michael Foster, a disruptive EDGE defender out of Indian Land High School in Fort Mill, South Carolina.

The 6-foot-3, 230-pound prospect announced his pledge during the NCAA dead period, following official visits to East Carolina (June 12) and Yale (June 19). Foster chose the Pirates over a list of offers that included Yale, Kent State, Ohio, Richmond, South Carolina State, and The Citadel.

Foster is currently listed as an EDGE prospect by 247Sports, and he primarily plays five technique at Indian Land — lining up on the outside shoulder of the opposing offensive tackle. He displays impressive get-off at the snap, using quickness and speed to beat blockers around the edge and collapse the pocket. With his frame and athleticism, he is projected to grow into a true down defensive end in ECU’s scheme under head coach Blake Harrell.

Foster becomes the fourth defensive front commitment in ECU’s 2026 class, joining Terande Spencer (Richmond High School), Zyon Ratchford, and Kelton Smith (both of Gaffney High in South Carolina). While Smith projects as a defensive tackle, Spencer and Ratchford are expected to play stand-up outside linebacker roles. Foster’s skill set complements that group well as the first true hand-in-the-ground EDGE in the class.

With his commitment, the Pirates now hold 14 public pledges in the 2026 cycle. Foster continues ECU’s regional momentum and fits the staff’s clear priority of building a long, physical, and explosive front seven.