1. Michigan will bring in a huge 2024 class. Probably 30 or more kids. Cap will be more a function if how many transfers we want to bring in as opposed to the soft limit of 85 total scholarships.
Why 30+? First, because there will be a ton of attrition from the 2023 team simply based on graduation and a handful of elite prospects probably being off to the NFL. I already count 16 definite leavers after 2023, which is a very high number so very early at this stage of the 2024 cycle. Second, because the soft 85 cap gives us flexibility in going up in numbers. Third, because we want to fill the void of a relatively down 2023 class with more quantity in 2023 and, just as importantly, higher quality. Michigan is in a situation where it will be turning down more solid four star types than the other way around. Fourth, strike while the iron is hot. We have recruiting momentum so use it before we lose it. The only factor tempering the above is that 2024 will be somewhat of a rebuilding year. Hopefully, more reloading. However, they may HAVE to go to the portal to replace key performers while this past cycle most of the incoming are more of the “luxury to have” variety.
2. Michigan should follow up 2024 with a very strong 2025 class. Perhaps not quite as large of a class, but even more top heavy in quality five and high four stars.
3. Another great 2025 class would position Michigan to remain in that upper top 4-5 program tier. We have had a two year taste of it. The new challenges are twofold: i) Take the next step and win it all and ii) sustainability in that top 4-5 program tier.
4. Winning that elusive national title will involve some luck. With respect to sustainability as a top program I am more confident as we have now closed the gap in the one area where we were lagging-recruiting blue-chippers. Player evaluation and player development under Jim has been best in class in recent years. Picking things up on the recruiting trail was the only piece lagging, and now we have caught up.
5. From the very beginning I was relatively pessimistic about landing Bryce Underwood. I thought it would go more the way of Dante Moore. But things change, sometimes for the better. Such as: i) Jermaine Crowell, not a friend of Michigan, no longer being the head coach ag Belleville; ii) The change in Michigan QB coaches from one who was completely inept at recruiting to one who should be a shining star; iii) Michigan’s two-year run cannot fail to impress. The last time Michigan sucked Bryce was in junior high; iv) With Boley likely reclassifying to 2024 and MacIntyre a long-shot, Bryce is THE guy. Luke Montgomery is a notch below and Stone is almost two notches below; v) Bryce has been a regular visitor to Ann Arbor this spring. Prima facie evidence of his strong interest. Still very early, but as the Beatles once sang “it’s getting better all the time”.
Why 30+? First, because there will be a ton of attrition from the 2023 team simply based on graduation and a handful of elite prospects probably being off to the NFL. I already count 16 definite leavers after 2023, which is a very high number so very early at this stage of the 2024 cycle. Second, because the soft 85 cap gives us flexibility in going up in numbers. Third, because we want to fill the void of a relatively down 2023 class with more quantity in 2023 and, just as importantly, higher quality. Michigan is in a situation where it will be turning down more solid four star types than the other way around. Fourth, strike while the iron is hot. We have recruiting momentum so use it before we lose it. The only factor tempering the above is that 2024 will be somewhat of a rebuilding year. Hopefully, more reloading. However, they may HAVE to go to the portal to replace key performers while this past cycle most of the incoming are more of the “luxury to have” variety.
2. Michigan should follow up 2024 with a very strong 2025 class. Perhaps not quite as large of a class, but even more top heavy in quality five and high four stars.
3. Another great 2025 class would position Michigan to remain in that upper top 4-5 program tier. We have had a two year taste of it. The new challenges are twofold: i) Take the next step and win it all and ii) sustainability in that top 4-5 program tier.
4. Winning that elusive national title will involve some luck. With respect to sustainability as a top program I am more confident as we have now closed the gap in the one area where we were lagging-recruiting blue-chippers. Player evaluation and player development under Jim has been best in class in recent years. Picking things up on the recruiting trail was the only piece lagging, and now we have caught up.
5. From the very beginning I was relatively pessimistic about landing Bryce Underwood. I thought it would go more the way of Dante Moore. But things change, sometimes for the better. Such as: i) Jermaine Crowell, not a friend of Michigan, no longer being the head coach ag Belleville; ii) The change in Michigan QB coaches from one who was completely inept at recruiting to one who should be a shining star; iii) Michigan’s two-year run cannot fail to impress. The last time Michigan sucked Bryce was in junior high; iv) With Boley likely reclassifying to 2024 and MacIntyre a long-shot, Bryce is THE guy. Luke Montgomery is a notch below and Stone is almost two notches below; v) Bryce has been a regular visitor to Ann Arbor this spring. Prima facie evidence of his strong interest. Still very early, but as the Beatles once sang “it’s getting better all the time”.
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