Report: Flyers 1st-Round Pick to Take NCAA Route

TL;DR

Top Philadelphia Flyers prospect Jack Nesbitt is set to join the University of Michigan next season, moving from the OHL Windsor Spitfires. This decision follows a trend of first-round picks opting for NCAA development, potentially enhancing Michigan's chances for the NCAA championship.

As it turns out, Porter Martone may not be the only first-round pick from the Philadelphia Flyers to head over to the NCAA to develop. On Sunday night, Daily Faceoff's Jeff Marek, formerly of Sportsnet, reported that top Flyers prospect Jack Nesbitt appears to be heading to the University of Michigan next season, moving on from the OHL Windsor Spitfires. In addition to Nesbitt, Nashville prospect Cameron Reid will be joining the Wolverines as well. With Montreal Canadiens prospect Michael Hage making waves this week with his decision to return to Michigan next season, the college hockey powerhouse is suddenly looking like an early NCAA championship favorite next season. The Flyers will get to see Nesbitt, 19, perform alongside other NHL-caliber talents like Hage, Will Horcoff, Reid, 2026 prospect J.P. Hurlbert, Jack Ivankovic, Malcolm Spence, Henry Mews, and Jayden Perron, among others. Martone, who has seven points in seven games with the Flyers, praises the staff at Michigan State every chance he gets for preparing him to jump in and play at the NHL level this late in the season. If Michigan's program is remotely similar (hint: it's very good as well), Nesbitt's development should go swimmingly in 2026-27. To temper expectations, the 6-foot-5 center is still largely a project and nowhere near as NHL-ready as Martone is or was, but a move to the NCAA should help Nesbitt fill out his frame and become a pro contributor faster. The two biggest knocks on the 2025 No. 12 overall pick are his lanky frame (just 185 pounds) and awkward, slow skating.

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Q&A

Why is Jack Nesbitt leaving the OHL for the NCAA?

Jack Nesbitt is leaving the OHL to join the University of Michigan for better development opportunities and to enhance his skills before entering the NHL.

What impact will Jack Nesbitt's move to Michigan have on his NHL prospects?

Nesbitt's move to Michigan is expected to help him develop physically and improve his game, potentially making him a stronger candidate for an NHL role in the future.

Who are the other notable prospects joining Michigan alongside Jack Nesbitt?

Alongside Jack Nesbitt, Nashville prospect Cameron Reid and Montreal Canadiens prospect Michael Hage are also set to join the University of Michigan's hockey program.