Michigan Lands Four-Star DT Alister Vallejo: A Big-Time Addition in the Trenches
Michigan just added some serious muscle to its future defensive front. Four-star defensive lineman Alister Vallejo has officially signed with the Wolverines, giving them one of the more intriguing interior prospects in the 2026 recruiting class.
Let’s break it down.
The Basics
- Height: 6-foot-3
- Weight: 310 pounds
- Hometown: Liberty Hill, Texas
- 247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 205 nationally, No.
25 DL, No. 29 in Texas
Vallejo brings a college-ready frame and a high ceiling to Ann Arbor. He’s the type of player who doesn’t just fill space-he disrupts it.
Recruitment Recap: A Late-Rising Battle
Vallejo’s recruitment didn’t start with fireworks. Early on, his offer list leaned heavily toward regional programs-think SMU, Oklahoma State, Cal.
But as his high school tape made the rounds and his on-field production became impossible to ignore, his stock took off. That late-cycle surge drew attention from national powers, including Michigan and Notre Dame.
He took official visits to SMU, Kansas, Houston, Michigan, and Notre Dame during the summer. Michigan managed to lock in his commitment before he even made it to South Bend-a huge win in a head-to-head battle with the Fighting Irish.
Scouting the Tape: Strength, Hands, and Versatility
Vallejo isn’t just big-he’s explosive. At 310 pounds, he moves with surprising urgency and has the kind of closing speed you don’t often see from interior linemen. He’s not just a run-plugger; he’s a playmaker.
Over his last two seasons, Vallejo racked up 18 sacks, 26 quarterback hurries, and five blocked kicks. That kind of production from an interior lineman is rare, and it speaks to his motor and instincts. He’s also a multi-sport athlete, with shot put numbers that back up his raw power.
According to scouting reports, Vallejo shows strong linear burst and can redirect well in space. He’s scheme-versatile-comfortable in odd fronts and capable of lining up in multiple spots along the line. While there’s still room to fine-tune his balance and clean up some wasted motion after disengagement, the foundation is there for a high-impact college career.
One of the standout traits? His hands.
Violent, quick, and purposeful. Vallejo consistently wins with hand placement and timing.
He can chop through blockers or get them off-balance and beat them with a quick move inside. That’s a rare toolset for a high school lineman, especially one playing mostly on the interior.
There’s also some Mason Graham in his game-and that’s not a comparison thrown around lightly. Graham, the 2024 Rose Bowl MVP, made a name for himself with a relentless motor and disruptive presence up front. Vallejo brings a similar edge and physicality to the position.
What to Expect in Ann Arbor
Here’s where things get interesting. Michigan’s defensive tackle room is about to go through a transition.
After the 2025 season, veterans like Rayshaun Benny, Tre Williams, and Damon Payne Jr. will be out of eligibility. That leaves a group of younger, less-experienced players-Trey Pierce, Enow Etta, Deyvid Palepale, Ted Hammond, Manuel Beigel, and Bobby Kanka-vying for reps.
Outside of Pierce and Etta, there isn’t a ton of proven production. So while Michigan may look to the transfer portal to add depth, Vallejo’s arrival couldn’t come at a better time. He’ll walk into a room with open competition and a real chance to carve out a role early.
He’s the kind of player who could push for snaps as a true freshman, and if his development stays on track, don’t be surprised if he becomes a multi-year starter. His physical tools, combined with his technique and motor, make him one of the more college-ready prospects in Michigan’s 2026 class.
Final Thought
Alister Vallejo isn’t just another big body in the middle-he’s a difference-maker. Michigan has built a reputation for developing elite defensive linemen, and Vallejo has the raw tools to be the next in line. He’s physical, productive, and versatile, with a skillset that fits perfectly in the Wolverines’ defensive scheme.
This is a big-time pickup for Michigan. Literally and figuratively.