Wolverine TV: What Michigan's national title means for recruiting

Michigan knocked off Washington to win the national title on Monday night. The Wolverine’s EJ Holland and Zach Libby discussed the win’s overall recruiting impact as well as the impact on specific targets like Top 100 Burley (Idaho) High wide receiver Gatlin Bair.

Watch the video above.

Bair Recruitment

Bair made an official visit to Michigan over the summer but opted to stay closer to home and committed to Boise State in August.

However, Boise State recently parted ways with head coach Andy Avalos, which directly led to Bair backing out of his verbal pledge to the Broncos. Bair quickly announced that he would be focusing his attention on Michigan and Oregon moving forward.

Those around the Michigan program are optimistic following his experience in Ann Arbor for The Game in November. He is set to make his final decision next month.

Here is what Holland had to say about the situation.

“After the game, he was really genuine with his response,” Holland said. “He was happy for fellow Idaho native Colston Loveland. He actually had a conversation with both Ron Bellamy and Donovan Edwards the night before the national championship. To see Donovan Edwards explode for those two big runs really caught his attention. As it winds down for Gatlin and he gets ready to choose between Michigan and Oregon, I think this national championship win gives the Wolverines an extra push in that recruitment.”

At 6-foot-2, 180 pounds, Bair is ranked as the No. 11 wide receiver and No. 43 overall prospect nationally, per the On3 Industry Ranking. He is also ranked as the No. 1 overall recruit in the state of Idaho.

Michigan has 27 commits in its 2024 recruiting class, which is ranked No. 4 in the Big Ten and No. 16 nationally, per the On3 Industry team recruiting rankings. The class is highlighted by Top 100 Cincinnati (Ohio) Moeller running back Jordan Marshall, Top 100 Charlotte (N.C.) Providence Day quarterback Jadyn Davis and Top 100 Kansas City (Mo.) Rockhurst offensive tackle Andrew Sprague.

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