"Big loss for Notre Dame" - CFB fans react as Michigan beats out Marcus Freeman for 6’3" star DL

Marcus Freeman's Notre Dame suffered a setback after Alister Vallejo committed to Sherrone Moore's Michigan on Tuesday. The class of 2026 prospect is considered one of the best defensive linemen in high school and his commitment is a huge boon for the Wolverines.

Hayes Fawcett

@Hayesfawcett3

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BREAKING: Class of 2026 DL Alister Vallejo has Committed to Michigan, he tells me for

@on3recruits

The 6’3 310 DL from Liberty Hill, TX chose the Wolverines over Kansas & Notre Dame

“Michigan felt like home. I’m all in—Go Blue!"

https://on3.com/db/alister-vallejo-244154/

Fans on social media reacted to 6-foot-3, 310-pound Vellejo committing to Michigan, with some suggesting it was a blow for Notre Dame.

"Big loss for Notre Dame. The Irish rarely lose recruitments to Michigan, so I’m not used to it. I can’t stand it, though. Notre Dame will be fine, but it would’ve been great to have Vallejo in the class. Elijah Golden and Dre Quinn, all eyes are on those two for the Irish," one fan tweeted.

Notre Dame Recruiting

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Big loss for Notre Dame.

The Irish rarely lose recruitments to Michigan, so I’m not used to it. I can’t stand it though.

Notre Dame will be fine, but it would’ve been great to have Vallejo in the class.

Elijah Golden and Dre Quinn, all eyes are on those two for the Irish.

"OH MY GOODNESS NOTRE DAME GETS WAXED AGAIN," another added.

"Huge get for Mich, this kid is underrated af," a third commented.

A few others linked Vallejo's ability to that of Mason Graham, who the Cleveland Browns took with the No. 5 pick in this year's NFL draft.

"Mason graham is that you? Lol go blue!," one wrote.

"Mini Mason Graham… Welcome to the greatest university in the world," a user tweeted.

"MASON GRAHAM 2.0," another added.

In his junior year at Liberty Hill, Texas, Vallejo recorded 51 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 7.0 sacks, 16 QB hurries, and four kick blocks. It will be interesting to see if he can improve on those numbers in his senior year before entering the collegiate level.

Alister Vallejo explains reason behind picking Michigan over Marcus Freeman's Notre Dame

NCAA Football: Notre Dame HC Marcus Freeman - Source: Imagn

In his official announcement, Alister Vallejo explained why he committed to Michigan over Marcus Freeman's Notre Dame.

“Michigan felt like home. I’m all in—Go Blue!," Vallejo said.

According to reports, Vallejo had 11 total offers. Even the Kansas Jayhawks and the Fighting Irish were in the race to land the defensive lineman. Nonetheless, Vallejo’s commitment was Michigan's ninth in the class of 2026.