2026 DL Alister Vallejo commits to Michigan over Notre Dame, Kansas

Liberty Hill (Texas) three-star defensive lineman Alister Vallejo has committed to Michigan, he announced on Tuesday evening.

He chose the Wolverines over Notre Dame and Kansas.

Vallejo is the No. 460 overall prospect and No. 51 DL in the 2026 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 62 player in Texas.

Michigan quickly picked up steam in Vallejo’s recruitment after an April unofficial visit that ended with an offer from the Big Ten program. Touted U-M defensive line coach Lou Esposito dished out the offer and headed the Wolverines’ push for the newest addition to the 2026 class.

“It meant a lot to get the offer,” Vallejo told The Wolverine after his visit. “I had great conversations with Coach Espo. He kept it honest and transparent. For how successful and big that program is, it means a lot to me. The fact that Coach Espo wanted to build a connection and get some eyes on me first showed what kind of person he is.”

Across his sophomore and junior seasons for Liberty Hill, Vallejo has racked up over 100 total tackles and 18 sacks, per MaxPreps. The Panthers won eight games in 2024 and Vallejo will lead the charge as a senior this fall.

Michigan now has Top-15 class this cycle

Head coach Sherrone Moore and the U-M staff are adding some crucial commitments to the fold this month. On Monday evening, the Wolverines beat out Notre Dame for Chicago Simeon four-star EDGE McHale Blade, the No. 155 prospect in the nation.

With Blade and Vallejo now pledged, Michigan’s 2026 class is up to nine commits and ranks No. 15 in the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.

Newbury Park (Calif.) four-star quarterback Brady Smigiel remains the top-ranked commit in the class, checking in as the No. 90 prospect and No. 10 QB this cycle. A one-time Florida State pledge, Smigiel committed at the end of April.

Last month brought a pair of tight end commitments from Billings (Mont.) West four-star TE Matt Ludwig and Denver Mullen three-star Mason Bonner, the No. 7 and No. 21 players at the position, respectively.

Jacksonville Mandarin four-star cornerback Brody Jennings is the No. 28 corner in the nation and remains in the fold for U-M despite consistent pressure from other top programs. He and Blade are the lone blue-chippers in the class on the defensive side of the ball to date.

Cartersville (Ga.) three-star interior offensive lineman Bear McWhorter, Washington D.C. St. John’s three-star EDGE Tariq Boney and Dallas Parish Episcopal three-star wide receiver Jaylen Pile round out the class.