Wisconsin Badgers predicted to lose recruiting battle for 4-star 2026 EDGE target to Michigan

Multiple recruiting outlets are predicting 4-star edge rusher McHale Blade from Chicago will commit to the Michigan Wolverines, despite heavy interest from the Wisconsin Badgers.

Four-star edge rusher recruit McHale Blade visited Wisconsin Badgers spring football practice in April | Jake Kocorowski / Wisconsin Badgers on SI

The Wisconsin Badgers could lose on of their top 2026 edge rusher targets to a Big Ten rival.

McHale Blade from Chicago Simeon took his official visit to Wisconsin the weekend of May 30, but multiple recruiting experts are predicting he commits to the Michigan Wolverines.

On3 Vice President of Recruiting Steve Wiltfong put out his prediction for Blade Monday morning, and recruiting staff at 247 Sports followed suit Monday afternoon.

Wiltfong Whiparound: Alabama heating up with 5-stars, top targets, Ohio State predictions, Michigan grabs momentum with top target, 5-star buzz on Immanuel Iheanacho, Tristen Keys and Savion Hiter, Nebraska notes and more here: https://t.co/AAhTpcwP6t pic.twitter.com/s0GeRP187o

— Steve Wiltfong (@SWiltfong_) June 9, 2025

The predicted commitment comes after Blade took his official visit to Michigan the weekend of June 6, a week after his trip to Madison.

He had taken an unofficial visit with the Badgers during their spring showcase game in April, and he listed them in his Top 7 schools in May, prior to his OV.

Four-star Chicago Simeon DL McHale Blade names a top seven.

He has officials set with five with the final two in the works.

His comments on each program here:https://t.co/evEB2y6bKb pic.twitter.com/KbJuHfsw7I

— Allen Trieu (@AllenTrieu) May 23, 2025

All four major recruiting outlets view him as a four-star recruit and a Top 35 edge rusher nationwide.

Wisconsin had previously landed a commitment from 2026 edge rusher Carmelow Reed, but he flipped to Ole Miss last week.

Blade would have been a major replacement for the recruiting class, but instead, the Badgers may have to watch him develop with the Wolverines instead.

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