Michigan’s recruiting has taken a great deal of criticism over the past four cycles for good reason. Despite the historic success of the team, the Wolverines have not been able to sign top-rated prospects.
The causes for this are pretty simple. Michigan has failed to put a convincing name, image and likeness plan in place, and Jim Harbaugh’s annual flirting with the NFL makes it difficult for recruits to trust that he will stick with the program in the long run.
Of course, none of these losses seem important given the national title, but it’s worth looking back on what players around college football could have been taking the field for Michigan on Saturdays.