Visitors for OSU game

Submitted by Magnus on November 24th, 2023 at 1:22 PM

Michigan has an absolutely loaded list of visitors coming to Ann Arbor for The Game this weekend. Since the 2024 class is already pretty much finished, there aren't many guys relevant to the current recruiting cycle. But there are plenty of 2025-2027 recruits planning to be in attendance.

The biggest 2024 name - and he's a maybe for now - is probably Burley (ID) Burley WR Gatlin Bair, the #40 player in the country who is somewhat inexplicably committed to Boise State. BSU fired head coach Andy Avalos a couple weeks ago, and now it's more likely that Bair ends up signing with Oregon or Michigan. But he's going on a two-year Mormon mission, anyway, so it doesn't matter until 2026. And just like with Andrew Gentry (signed with UVA, eventually came to Michigan), things can change between now and then. There's a decent chance that even if he signed with Michigan, at least one of Ron Bellamy, Jim Harbaugh, and Sherrone Moore wouldn't be in Ann Arbor by September 2026.

Anyway, here's the list if you're interested (LINK).

umaz1

November 24th, 2023 at 1:29 PM ^

Underwood is confirmed to be there according to Sam Webb. Hopefully we can show him that it’s not worth going to LSU no matter how much they pay him. 

Imjesayin

November 24th, 2023 at 1:39 PM ^

Not worth it? They showcase the quarterback there. He’s putting up eye-popping, Heisman Trophy like numbers. It’s not just about NIL like many here want to believe to make themselves feel better about UM being spurned. When’s the last time UM had a QB drafted? 
 

Answer: Jake Ruddock 7 years ago in the 6th round. Chad Henne in the 2nd round in 2008 before that. I’m not sure JJ is a first rounder at this point. Not because of talent, but rather he hasn’t put up those kind of numbers. 

umaz1

November 24th, 2023 at 2:35 PM ^

Well then that’s a different story. My understanding was that he was leaning towards LSU because they were paying upfront. If he likes them more because of the personal stats he could obtain there, than he should definitely choose LSU. Every Michigan player must put team needs ahead of personal stats. Just ask JJ. 

BroadneckBlue21

November 24th, 2023 at 4:03 PM ^

Did those guys make the pros already? Prospects are just that—JJ is a 1st round QB.  Moore struggled and got benched even if he does end up being very good in two years. CJ Carr wants to make his own name and still hasn’t played college football. Yes, Michigan would be better to get the in-state 5 star QB, but getting Carter and maybe Luke Montgomery in that class would be a good consolation. 

LabattsBleu

November 24th, 2023 at 2:28 PM ^

even if two years down the road, getting Gatlin Blair would be great.

Times change - there's an equally good chance that some of Oregon's staff is no longer there in two years... Lanning is going to be a hot target for the NFL imo

LabattsBleu

November 24th, 2023 at 2:41 PM ^

yeah, good point... I don't know how close Saban is to retiring... After the start Bama had, I thought it could be soon...but they have turned things around there so Saban is probably going to hang on a while longer.

I would not be surprised to see other teams kick the tires on Lanning (ie A&M, Florida, maybe even LSU since they don't let coaches stick around too long if they aren't good), but I am sure the NFL is keeping tabs on him as well.

1VaBlue1

November 24th, 2023 at 4:27 PM ^

Bama would be a tasty morsel for a coach to get.  But following Saban will be no walk in the park.  Bear left that shack setup and humming along, and the house fell down pretty quickly.  Stallings had a minute, but otherwise...

Following a legend rarely translates to long term success.  Very rarely...