"I feel great about the school": 2026 class prospect McHale Blade compliments Marcus Freeman's Notre Dame after recent visit

By Maliha

Modified Jul 27, 2024 12:34 GMT

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Four-star defensive lineman McHale Blade is one of the most promising prospects in the 2026 class. The Chicago, Illinois, native, who is transferring from Hillcrest High School to Simeon High School, has earned huge attention since Notre Dame offered him on Pot of Gold Day, receiving offers from 11 power conference programs.

Despite the influx of offers, coach Marcus Freeman's program stands out to the Chicagoland standout. Blade returned to the Fighting Irish's campus for the fourth time on Thursday, attending the program’s annual Grill and Chill event alongside 18 other prospects.

“I feel great about the school,” Blade told Blue & Gold on Thursday night. “I’m really comfortable with the staff and the coaches. We’re always talking about ball and getting to build this relationship.”

Notre Dame's third-year defensive line coach, Al Washington, serves as Blade’s primary recruiter and has delivered good advice to him.

“They’ve said how important it is to get around to see different schools and then come back to see Notre Dame. See where they stand,” Blade said.

During the Grill and Chill event, the 6-foot-5, 230-pound prospect connected with fellow four-star defensive lineman Joseph Reiff from the 2025 cycle. He has plans to focus on his junior season at Simeon. Interestingly, Simeon High School is also where 2025 Notre Dame commit Christopher Burgess Jr. attends.

Blade intends to return to the Fighting Irish in the fall, and he is particularly excited about attending the program’s game against Florida State on Nov. 9.

McHale Blade is ranked as the No. 101 overall prospect in the nation, the No. 9 defensive lineman in the 2026 class and the No. 1 prospect, according to On3. 247Sports ranks him as the No. 192 overall prospect in the nation, the No. 23 defensive lineman in the class and the No. 6 prospect.

Which programs are in the race for McHale Blade's commitment?

McHale Blade has gained significant attention with 24 offers on the table. Besides Notre Dame, other schools like Wisconsin, Miami, Nebraska, Illinois and Southern California have been actively in contact with him.

The Fighting Irish have emerged as a frontrunner in this recruiting race. His third visit was particularly significant, as he brought his brothers along to experience the warm hospitality and family-like atmosphere that Notre Dame offers.

This sense of belonging has positioned the Fighting Irish favorably, giving them a 35.2% chance of securing Blade's commitment, according to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine.

Illinois is also making a strong push, with a 23.3% chance of landing McHale Blade. Despite not having any prospects committed to the 2026 class yet, the Illini's consistent communication and efforts to woo Blade have kept them in the running. Purdue, which boasts quarterback Oscar Rios as part of its 2026 class, holds a 13.5% chance of securing Blade's services.