Offensive Lineman Artem Korchagin Commits to Cal for 2026

Korchagin is from Russia and had never played football before coming to the U.S. and entering school here as a freshman

Cal head coach Justin Wilcox / Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Artem Korchagin, a 315-pound interior offensive lineman who is originally from Russia and now lives in Thomasville, Georgia, announced on social media on Saturday that he has committed to Cal for the class of 2026.

Korchagin, who is rated a three-star prospect, was one of a number of prospects who made an official visit to Cal this weekend, and he decided to commit to the Golden Bears this weekend..

I’m super excited to announce my commitment to university of California.
GO BEARS 🐻 pic.twitter.com/F7XUlOjftk

— Artem Korchagin (@ArtemKorchagin0) April 5, 2025

The 6-foot-5 Korchagin picked Cal after also having offers from Duke, James Madison, East Carolina, Liberty, Marshall, Troy and Arkansas State among others.

Korchagin is from Russia, and he had never played football before coming to the United States and entering school in this country as a freshman. Korchagin is currently a junior at Thomas County Central High School in Thomasville.

He says when he first came to this country he didn't understand a single word people said.

He becomes the fourth recruit to commit to Cal in the class of 2026, joining defensive backs Jayden Crowder and Deon Jackson and linebacker Jonathan McKinley.

Korchagin highlights his junior year in 2024:

https://t.co/p4CDJwX2TD #hudl

— California Golden Bears on SI (@jakecurtis53) April 6, 2025

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