The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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44 THE WOLVERINE ❱ OCTOBER 2023 BY EJ HOLLAND N IL has completely changed the landscape of college football over the last cou- ple of years. While some schools have opted to enter murky wa- ters, Michigan has focused its efforts on the current roster. The Wolverines can compete with the best in college football when it comes to roster retention and the transfer portal. But on the recruiting trail … well, that's another story. On the heels of back-to-back wins over rival Ohio State, Big Ten titles and College Football Playoff appearances, Michigan has struggled pulling in blue-chip pros- pects. U-M finished with the No. 18 re- cruiting class last cycle and currently sits at No. 15 in the 2024 On3 Industry team recruiting rankings as of Sept. 18. Michigan has plenty to sell — results on the field, NFL Draft production, one of the best head coaches in the country, elite academics and the opportunity to earn plenty of NIL money once you don the winged helmet. But opportunity is certainly not a guarantee. While programs like Miami and Ten- nessee have been involved in mega up- front NIL deals with recruits, Michigan has only pointed to the opportunity. Sure, stars like J.J. McCarthy and Blake Corum and even lesser-known commodities like offensive guard Trevor Keegan are pulling in healthy dollar amounts, but it's still not a guarantee. So, why is Michigan struggling on the recruiting trail? That's your answer. U-M will not participate in pay for play. So then, what's the solution? Michigan hopes to maintain its much talked about culture by finding talented recruits who fit at Michigan and are will- ing to play the long game with NIL. Case in point: Jordan Marshall. On3's No. 2-rated running back and No. 31 player nationally out of Cincinnati Archbishop Moeller could be in five-star consideration by the end of the cycle and is exactly the type of recruit that commands upfront NIL. However, Marshall spurned Ohio State, Tennessee and others when he committed to Michigan in March. Is Marshall simply an anomaly or will he be a trendsetter as NIL continues to work itself out? Only time will tell. Michi- gan, of course, hopes it's the latter. The recent launch of "M Power" should help with those efforts. Championed by Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, M Power, according to a university release, is a "Brand for Life" program, designed to assist the next gen- eration of Wolverine football players as they navigate internships, mentorships, entrepreneurship and NIL. This program will also help with personal brands, busi- ness ventures and more. "It's amazing," Marshall said. "I think it's so unique, and it's more than just the money aspect. Money was never really big in my recruiting process, but it's really cool that we have this opportunity not only to make money, but also to connect with people and have more opportunities in the future. "Making connections are my big thing. Money only gets you so far, but connec- tions are where it's at. I'll always live and die by that." Michigan will certainly provide con- nections. The university boasts a global alumni base with the power to help student-ath- letes transition into a successful life once football is over. M Power may not be pay for play, but it does live up to Harbaugh's "transformational not transactional" mantra. Perhaps more recruits will consider the benefits of playing for Michigan long- term. Four-star Chicago (Ill.) Kenwood wide receiver I'Marion Stewart did just that in this cycle. Stewart plays for an inner-city powerhouse on the south side of the Windy City. Most are looking for a quick way out, and vultures in the form of recruiting "handlers" are plentiful. Stewart had offers from some of the usual NIL suspects — Miami, Tennessee and Texas A&M — but opted to side with Michigan, his longtime favorite, shortly after his official visit in June. "They set it up perfectly," Stewart said. "Everybody at Michigan is going to get money, even the walk-ons. How much money you get is based off your perfor- mance, how you perform in the classroom and things like that. I really wasn't ex- pecting that, but I think it's a great plan." Marshall and Stewart have remained solid throughout the recruiting process, but the same can't be said about others. Michigan lost four-star Cincinnati Under head coach Jim Harbaugh, Michigan has launched 'M Power,' a Brand for Life ini- tiative to assist the next generation of U-M football players as they navigate internships, mentorships, entrepreneurship and NIL. PHOTO BY CLAYTON SAYFIE THE NEW REALITY NIL Has Changed Recruiting, And Michigan's Unique Approach Is Getting Mixed Results