Michigan climbs into Top 15 in On3 recruiting rankings after McHale Blade's commitment

Michigan secured McHale Blade’s commitment Monday evening, finalizing a statement win over Notre Dame on the recruiting trail. The On300 edge rusher from Chicago (Illi.) Simeon High is the No. 155 recruit in the country, so his pledge led to a noticeable bump in the recruiting rankings.

Before his announcement, the Wolverines’ 2026 class ranked No. 17 nationally and No. 5 in the Big Ten. Blade propelled U-M up the rankings to No. 15. Michigan still sits fifth in the conference but is now on its way to closing that gap.

He is the third-highest-ranked commit in the class, checking in behind Top 100 quarterback Brady Smigiel (No. 90 nationally) and four-star tight end Matt Ludwig (No. 129). 

Last cycle’s recruiting class finished No. 6 nationally and No. 3 in the Big Ten, trailing only Oregon and Ohio State in the conference. This year, Penn State, Oregon, Ohio State and USC sit in front of the Wolverines.

Blade joins three-star edge rusher Tariq Boney in Michigan’s defensive line class. The Wolverines will continue to pursue five-star EDGE Carter Meadows and Top 100 EDGE Trenton Henderson amongst others to continue to try and bolster that group. 

The On300 defensive lineman visited Notre Dame seven times, more than any other school, but he also stopped by Michigan on five separate occasions, including multiple game day visits. Blade has been a top priority target for a long time. 

Defensive line coach Lou Esposito is his primary recruiter. The Wolverine commit most recently spent June 6-8 in Ann Arbor and shared a very positive review of that trip with On3. Earlier this spring, he stopped by one of Michigan’s practices and saw a fit in Ann Arbor. 

“I watched a lot of the EDGEs,” Blade told On3. “With me, it’s all about versatility. They don’t just assign their guys to one spot. They move them around. I can see myself in that mix.”

Blade is the fourth four-star recruit in Michigan’s class. He’s also the first recruit to commit after taking an official visit. The Wolverines are heating up on the recruiting trail, and The Wolverine broke down the latest positive buzz around the program. 

Here’s a full breakdown of Michigan’s commits and their national On3 Industry Rankings—

*** Quarterback Brady Smigiel— No. 90
*** Tight end Matt Ludwig— No. 129 
*** Edge rusher McHale Blade— No. 155
*** Cornerback Brody Jennings— No. 292
*** Tight end Mason Bonner— No. 437
*** Interior offensive lineman Bear McWhorter— No. 558 
*** Edge rusher Tariq Boney— No. 620 
*** Wide receiver Jaylen Pile— No. 849