247Sports’ Crystal Ball has the Michigan Wolverines in the lead over Penn State and Syracuse for one of their top defensive line targets in the 2026 class. He is a disruptive defender and should make for a quality collegiate player:
The Michigan Wolverines are in a good position to land 2026 three-star defensive lineman Alexander Haskell. The 6-foot-3, 240-pounder from Philadelphia and St. Joseph’s Prep High School is a top-100 player at his position and would make for a terrific addition to the class.
Michigan is the heavy favorite for Haskell, according to 247Sports ’ latest Crystal Ball projections. He is expected to make a commitment anytime between now and early May, and he is down to three schools — Michigan, Penn State and Syracuse.
Part of the reason Haskell is so interested in the Wolverines is due to the recruiting efforts of defensive line coach Lou Esposito.
“Coach Espo is just a really good guy. He’s really funny, and he keeps it real when it comes to being a d-lineman. He’s always gonna tell you what it is and he’s not gonna hold it back,” Haskell recently told The Michigan Insider .
The current three-man 2026 class is devoid of any front-seven defenders, and Haskell would serve as a fine anchor to that unit.
Haskell’s three stars do not necessarily jump off the page, but it is important to remember the Wolverines have done an excellent job developing players at his position. Look at TJ Guy — the fifth-year edge rusher carried a similar ranking and is going to be one of the defense’s most important cogs this fall.
Haskell’s junior season film is impressive. He’s a powerful, versatile lineman who excels as a 4-3 tackle or a 3-4 end, and he can also line up out wide. As a run stuffer, he uses his strong build, active hands and explosive first step to blow by offensive linemen and chase after running backs. Even when a ball carrier gets to the outside, Haskell has a relentless motor and never gives up on a play.
That type of effort and hustle is not coachable, and it speaks volumes to Haskell’s commitment to playing winning football.
As a pass rusher, Haskell could probably use a deeper bag of tricks, as he tends to rely on bull rushes to get through offensive tackles. He is athletic enough to win with speed, too, but does not (yet) have the arsenal of an elite edge.
Haskell is better off lining up in that three-technique position where he can harass interior linemen, blow up running plays and wreak havoc on pullers.
He may not be the most tantalizing name in his class, but he has been a productive player for St. Joe’s, which is ranked as the No. 33 team in the nation and No. 1 in Pennsylvania. That type of big game, big program experience does not grow on trees — hopefully he can continue that journey in Ann Arbor.
Watch out for Haskell in the coming weeks.