4 most disappointing classes so far in 2023 college football recruiting

Michigan Football

Following a berth in the College Football Playoff last season, a win over Ohio State, and a Big Ten championship, it was assumed Michigan football’s recruiting would take off.

However, that idea didn’t take into account the fact that Jim Harbaugh nearly left for the NFL, or that defensive coordinator Mike Macondald did leave for NFL, while OC Josh Gattis took the same gig at Miami for better pay.

Uncertainty with coordinators and also the head coach won’t help any recruiting class and it didn’t do Michigan football any favors as Harbaugh’s NFL interest definitely impacted U-M’s recruitment of five-star QB Dante Moore who committed to Oregon despite being from Detroit.

The Wolverines have 12 total commitments and are ranked 36th overall according to the 247 team rankings. They have also been on the rise. July has brought six verbal pledges for Michigan football including four four-star commitments and another in the top 500.

So things are looking up. NIL also hasn’t helped as Michigan was slow to adjust to the “pay for play” that’s clearly happening in some places across the college football recruiting landscape, but it doesn’t change the fact that the 2023 class has been a major disappointment.