Highly Ranked EDGE Jacob Alexander Updates Recruitment
In this article:
Lincoln Way East 2026 defensive end
Jacob Alexander
Jacob
Alexander
6'4" | 210 lbs | DL
Lincoln Way East | 2026
State
IL
is one of the top edge rushers in the state. He is a long and lanky 6'4” pass rusher that can play with both his hand in the ground along with standing up. Super smooth and explosive that can bend getting to the quarterback. Runs so well sideline to sideline in the run game along with being able to shed his blockers. So many tools to work with as an impressive defensive lineman. One of the highest ceilings of any defensive prospect in the Illinois 2026 class. He spoke about his junior campaign.
“Overall it went good. I had a lot of self improvement. As a sophomore I was young, but as a junior I definitely did what I was supposed to do. As a team we fell short, but we came a long way for sure.”
On the other side of him this year was Northwestern commit Caden O’Rourke Caden O’Rourke 6'5" | 215 lbs | DL Lincoln Way East | 2025 State IL which was beneficial in his development.
“He taught me a lot of things like how I am setting up my pass rush. Throughout the games he has taught me a lot since my freshman year.”
What does he feel his strengths are at this stage?
“My speed and using different moves from power rush to speed rush.”
Alexander broke down the latest with his recruitment.
“Right now Michigan is the heaviest. Illinois, Wisconsin, and Nebraska are some good ones too.”
Michigan has made a major impression on Alexander early in the process.
“The defensive line coach seriously. Really the whole establishment and how they carry themselves is amazing. I like the whole program.”
He was able to check out Illinois during the season.
“They are definitely high with them being a home state team. Head coach, defensive line coach, and outside linebackers coach have showed me it is a family down there in Champaign.”
Indiana is another school that he has visited.
“Coming from just a basketball school to now being a football school too is a big jump. The defensive line coach is a great guy.”
Nebraska has offered and is definitely involved, but is in a bit of a holding pattern right now.
“Right now I can't say too much with them not having a defensive line coach, but the running backs coach who has recruited me is a good guy.”
In addition to the schools mentioned above he also has offers from Cincinnati, Kansas, Kansas State, Louisville, Michigan State, Minnesota, Mizzou, Purdue, Rutgers, and Toledo.
Right now he is waiting to see what more offers come during the winter and then will figure out the next steps from there.
