Recruiting is a continuous process, just like the questions that arise along the way. If we weren’t able to address your question, don’t be discouraged! We will cover some questions on our recruiting podcast, “Stars Matter.”
The question posed by Nathan L. is whether Michigan’s recruiting strategy will change after winning the national title. Historically, Michigan has been considered a good-but-not-great recruiting program. Will Sherrone Moore elevate them to the level of Ohio State and Georgia, or will they continue targeting players who align with the program’s culture?
Michigan achieved the seemingly impossible by winning the national title, proving me wrong in the process. Previously, I didn’t consider “good-not-great” recruiting programs as capable of competing for the championship. However, Michigan shattered that belief.
Now, I pose a question to Michigan fans: Do you want to recruit like Ohio State and Georgia? The answer should be yes. While Michigan proved me wrong, I still believe in the importance of acquiring high-level high school players. Winning the national title is one thing, but sustaining that success is another challenge, especially after losing key contributors from last year’s team. Programs like Georgia and Ohio State consistently recruit at an elite level, providing them with national title aspirations year after year, regardless of roster turnover.
Losing Jim Harbaugh is undoubtedly difficult. Despite his eccentricities, Harbaugh is a remarkable coach who unapologetically did things his way. He faced criticism during his tenure but ultimately built a championship-caliber roster by securing several five-star prospects and combining them with astute evaluations, both in recruiting and through the transfer portal. It worked.
Michigan struck the perfect balance last year. Was that due to Harbaugh’s brilliance? Can Moore sustain this level of success consistently? Only time will tell.
I have been critical of Michigan’s recruiting efforts in the past, often feeling that they didn’t recruit at a sufficiently high level, considering the program’s abundant resources. Michigan is an esteemed academic institution, located in a beautiful college town, boasting a massive stadium, attractive uniforms, and dedicated fans.
So, what will Moore do? Will he engage Michigan in high-stakes recruiting battles for five-star prospects pursued by Alabama, Ohio State, and Georgia? Or will he strategically target in-state five-star prospects while seeking undervalued talents from across the country?
Based on my understanding of Moore, he is personable, beloved by his players, and already an improvement in terms of communication compared to Harbaugh. If Moore wants to recruit a five-star cornerback from Atlanta, he has all the sales pitches at his disposal. The question is whether he aims to build a talent factory like Georgia and Ohio State or continue building the roster in the manner that Harbaugh has proven can be successful.
Additionally, one must consider that half of Michigan’s coaching staff has moved on to the NFL with Harbaugh. Evaluating and developing three-star prospects into NFL Draft picks is no easy task, and the same applies to achieving a high conversion rate with portal players. Just because Michigan has done it before doesn’t guarantee that they have the staff to replicate those successes consistently.
If I were in Moore’s position, I would capitalize on the momentum of winning the national championship to assemble an elite recruiting class that includes highly ranked players within the top 100. Although there may be concerns regarding name, image, and likeness (NIL) at Michigan, I believe the Wolverines have the potential to compete in that realm. Personally, I have long believed that Michigan should have been actively competing in that space even before their victories over Ohio State and the national championship.
As of now, Michigan’s 2025 recruiting class only has three commitments, and none of those players are currently ranked within the top 100. However, it’s important to note that it’s still early in the recruiting cycle, with several months remaining until December.
Observing how Moore approaches his role as the head coach in recruiting will undoubtedly be an exciting storyline to follow throughout 2024.
The Rees-Zammit story is truly fascinating. The two-time defending Super Bowl champions have signed a former rugby player through the NFL’s International Player Pathway program, potentially adding another weapon for Patrick Mahomes in their already thrilling offense. It’s incredible how a storyline like this captures the attention of international audiences and further promotes the sport we all love. By the way, I appreciate your kind words, but unfortunately, we can’t enjoy this discussion in person while sipping drinks on the Amalfi Coast.
In the world of college football, coaches frequently scout athletes playing various sports to assess their athleticism and how it could translate to football. While I’m sure there are many similar stories, one that stands out from my time covering Ohio State is when Urban Meyer became enamored with former defensive end Sam Hubbard after watching him play dodgeball. If you’re a talented and athletic individual, there’s no doubt that college football coaches would love to add that potential to their rosters. Australia, for example, has become a prime breeding ground for punters.
As I was reading your question, I thought Michigan would be a perfect fit. I recently wrote an article about how they have perfected their evaluations and won a national championship. Additionally, Michigan has a rich history filled with intriguing stories, including some more recent ones. Have you heard of Connor Stalions? It would be amusing to witness your conversation with people in Wales as you recount the tale of dressing up as a Central Michigan assistant and sporting Ray-Ban spy glasses. However, I understand that you’re not interested in the blue, and Michigan doesn’t have a mascot.
How about Wisconsin?
Who doesn’t love Bucky Badger? Wisconsin has been one of the most consistently successful teams in the country over the past 15 years, despite not consistently recruiting elite-level classes. They play in an iconic stadium, boast a storied history, and are currently in the process of rebuilding under second-year head coach Luke Fickell. Wisconsin also dons the color red and has a history of winning games by dominating on the ground, which should evoke fond memories for any rugby enthusiast.
Let me know if I’ve successfully converted you into a new Badgers fan!
You raise valid points about the impact of name, image, and likeness (NIL) on recruiting coverage and how it changes the dynamics of player decisions. It’s true that heartwarming profiles about a player’s love for a program may now need to consider the influence of NIL opportunities in their decision-making process. Assigning credit or blame for recruiting victories becomes more complex when money becomes a significant factor.
While it may be tempting to check in at the end of the year to see how things shook out, you rightly point out that recruiting coverage during the offseason is a way to stay connected to your favorite team. College football is a sport known for its absurdity and the frequency of strange happenings on and off the field. Following recruiting coverage allows fans to stay engaged with their teams throughout the year, even if there are frustrating aspects to it.
The emotional rollercoaster of highs and lows is indeed part of the essence of being a college football fan. The sport has evolved, and while there may be frustrations and changes, the love for college football and our teams remains. Adapting to these changes is important because the sport is a year-round affair, and staying connected to recruiting coverage helps fans maintain their connection and engagement.
If recruiting feels purely transactional, treating it like the NFL Draft and looking at the list of signees after signing day is an option. However, if you enjoy the full experience of college football, including the ups and downs of recruiting, sticking with it throughout the year can be a rewarding and fulfilling way to stay connected to the sport you love.
