6-foot-3, 310-Pound Defensive Lineman From Liberty Hill Flip to Notre Dame Over Kansas and Michigan
Alister Vallejo, a 6-foot-3, 310-pound defensive lineman from Liberty Hill, Texas, has emerged as one of the most coveted prospects in the 2026 recruiting class. Despite being rated as a three-star recruit, his combination of size, strength, and technique has attracted the attention of top college football programs.
Vallejo’s recruitment gained significant momentum following an unofficial visit to Michigan in April 2025, where he received an offer from the Wolverines. Shortly after, Notre Dame extended an offer, and Kansas also entered the race, leading to a highly competitive recruitment process.
His impressive high school performance, including over 100 total tackles and 18 sacks across his sophomore and junior seasons, further solidified his status as a top-tier prospect.
On June 10, 2025, Vallejo announced his commitment to Michigan, choosing the Wolverines over Notre Dame and Kansas. He cited the transparency and honesty of Michigan’s defensive line coach, Lou Esposito, as a key factor in his decision.
Vallejo’s commitment adds to Michigan’s growing 2026 recruiting class, which now includes nine commits and ranks No. 15 nationally according to the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.
For Notre Dame, Vallejo’s commitment represents a missed opportunity to bolster their defensive line depth. The Irish had identified him as a priority target and had made significant efforts to recruit him, including a visit to South Bend that Vallejo described as “eye-opening.” Despite the setback, Notre Dame remains active in the 2026 recruiting cycle, focusing on other defensive line prospects to address their needs.
Vallejo’s decision underscores the intense competition in college football recruiting, where top prospects are courted by multiple programs vying for their commitment. As he prepares to join Michigan’s defensive line, expectations will be high for his continued development and contribution to the Wolverines’ defensive unit.
In summary, Alister Vallejo’s commitment to Michigan marks a significant development in the 2026 recruiting class. His decision reflects the dynamic nature of college football recruiting and the strategic efforts of programs to secure top talent.