Michigan football recruiting success is ‘dangerous’ for college football, says analyst

Jim Harbaugh has taken his Michigan football recruiting efforts to the next level. Currently, the Michigan Wolverines boast a top 5 class in the ON3 Industry Rankings and the 247 Sports composite rankings, ranking at No. 5 and No. 2, respectively. J.D. Pickell, a college football analyst for ON3, suggests that the recent recruiting success of the Maize and Blue has generated excitement among Michigan fans and instilled fear in other Big Ten programs; he also states that this may be dangerous for the landscape of the sport.

College football analyst breaks down the recent Michigan football recruiting success, explains why it is a big deal for Jim Harbaugh and the Big Ten.

Recently, J.D. Pickell of ON3 had a lot to say about Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan Wolverines on his podcast, ‘The Hard Count,’ where he dives into all kinds of college football news. This time, Pickell was fixed on the Maize and Blue and what Michigan’s newfound recruiting success could mean for the program and the rest of college football.

“I’ll just say this for Michigan: as good as they have been the last couple of years, they have done it without the most talented roster in the Big Ten,” Pickell explained. “And so, why is this significant for Michigan? Well, now, you already take a school that’s kind of known as a ‘developmental program.’ Like a school that you know, you get them to campus and then you get the very most out of them when they’re there. Like, that’s a big piece of it.”

Is another elite dynasty forming in Ann Arbor?

Pickell’s analysis is accurate as well. The Michigan Wolverines have demonstrated the ability to excel with recruits who may not have received as much attention on paper. Players like Hassan Haskins and Ronnie Bell, who were considered three-star recruits, have played crucial roles in defeating programs like Ohio State.

Remarkably, Michigan’s most recent signing class in 2023 was not ranked highly, yet the coaching staff remained enthusiastic about the incoming players.

If Michigan football recruiting can further elevate its recently successful efforts and attract talent on par with programs like Alabama, Ohio State, and other contenders for national titles, the Maize and Blue have the potential to become college football’s next dynasty.

“Michigan is hot right now, and that is dangerous for the rest of the college football landscape,” Pickell explained. “So keep an eye on the Wolverines.”

As we reach the midpoint of June, all indications suggest that the Michigan Wolverines are poised for significant progress both on the recruiting trail and on the football field as they pursue a third-straight Big Ten title and more in just a few short months.

Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Managing Editor at [email protected]. Also, be sure to check out our shop and our podcast, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other streaming platforms. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest-growing and most influential Michigan media outlets there is!