It's Michigan for blue-chip for OT Malakai Lee: 'I’m excited to be a part of this team'

Honolulu (Hawaii) Kamehameha On300 offensive tackle Malakai Lee has committed to Michigan.

The blue-chipper chose to play for head coach Sherrone Moore and the Wolverines over his other finalists in Alabama, Georgia and Texas. Future offensive line coach Grant Newsome was the lead recruiter for the Maize and Blue.

“I’m really lucky to have been recruited by elite schools,” Lee told On3. “But Michigan is special to me because Coach Newsome, Coach Moore and the staff have always made me and my family a priority.

“I was able to go there four times and Coach Newsome and Coach Moore came out to see me every chance they had. Also, going to the ‘Big House’ for my first college game was something that stuck with me. I could see myself playing there.”

The On3 Industry tabs the 6-foot-7, 310-pound Lee as the nation’s No. 11 offensive tackle and No. 119 prospect overall. On3 is higher tabbing him No. 9 and No. 85 respectively.

Lee becomes commit No. 16 for the Wolverines in the 2026 cycle.

“I’m excited to be a part of this team, and experience the culture of Michigan football,” Lee said. “Coach Moore is building something special and I want to be a part of it.”

Michigan has always been a front-runner for Lee

Lee took his official visit to the Wolverines campus this past weekend.

“It’s always great to be back in Ann Arbor,” Lee told On3. “Spent a lot of time with the players and coaches. 

“This time around, I was making sure I connected with the guys. This time I brought my whole family which was also cool.”

Michigan was the first program to prioritize Lee.

“I think they’re special because they have recruited me the longest,” Lee said. “I’ve built a great relationship with the coaches and staff.

“Michigan really set the standard for me because they invited me out to a game first,” he has said. “It was my very first time watching a college game. Also- my relationship with Coach Moore and Coach Newsome are really great. They’ve traveled out to see me and my family a ton. So I’m very grateful.”