In-state 2026 ATH CJ Sadler planning return visits to Michigan, other schools in the mix
One of the best prospects nationally in the 2026 class resides at Detroit (Mich.) Cass Tech in Michigan two-way target CJ Sadler.
Yielding an offer that extends beyond the midwest, Sadler’s tremendous athleticism and ceiling physically is a heavily desired commodity. But the focuses for the starting wideout, quarterback and cornerback is the sophomore campaign after his team finished in the semifinals of the MHSAA Division I playoffs last season.
“I’m really putting in effort on what we have to do and for the younger guys,” Sadler told The Wolverine last week at the annual SoundMind SoundBody 7v7 Showcase at Wayne State University. “Building all of us up and making sure that we’re straight. Leading our team to get better every day because the season is near.”
Sadler is coming off a state championship for basketball this past March and traveled the national 7v7 circuit with SoundMind SoundBody this offseason. The 5-foot-10, 170-pounder made a return visit to Michigan that same month with some of his Cass Tech teammates, who are responding well to his leadership style off and off the field.
“It’s been good,” Sadler said. “The team continues to come together and continues to work. We’re in the weight room every single day, practicing and developing ourselves. The process has been good leading up to (the 7v7 showcase) and I feel good. We’re going to come out and compete.”
Michigan was the third Division I program to enter the mix for Sadler back in May of last year. Only three in-state incoming sophomores posses a U-M offer, including Sadler’s teammate and MaxPreps All-American lineman Khalief Canty.
Sadler also visited Ann Arbor twice in the month of October for the games against Penn State and Michigan State.
“Sometime soon, I would like to go back to (Michigan) and see what’s going on there,” Sadler said.
Co-defensive coordinator Steve Clinkscale and the Michigan staff are communicating quite a bit with the Cass Tech coaches about Sadler, who’s gotten to know the former on previous visits and build an early bond.
An association with SoundMind SoundBody has allowed Sadler to garner friendships with On300 Michigan defensive commit Jacob Oden as well as current rostered players like Will Johnson and Semaj Morgan.
The next step will be for Sadler to get a better idea of his fit on Michigan’s offense and defense.
“I’ve been up there a lot so I would like to see some more games at The Big House,” Sadler said. “Get a chance to see their play calls and see how they’re running their defense.”
Along with the Wolverines, Sadler holds offers from Florida, Alabama, Ohio State, Michigan State, Kentucky, Penn State, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Auburn, Pitt and others.
Michigan currently doesn’t hold any verbal commitments in the 2026 class.
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