As the regular season comes to a close, recruiting has began to ramp up.
In terms of recruitment, Michigan football has had an unusual season. For the whole season, there has been virtually little movement in the 2024 class; most of the recruits committed prior to the start of the season, and there hasn’t been any drama inside the class.
With all of the controversy surrounding Michigan football this season, there hasn’t been much action with other targets. Until now, that is. Recruits are taking notice now that the hype has died down and Michigan is rated first in the country.
While there isn’t a lot of open space in the 2024 class, Michigan football appears to be targeting two players.
As early signing day approaches, the 2024 class appears to be in position to become even stronger. Let’s start with the highest-rated goal and work our way down.
Gatlin Bair, WR
Bair is a borderline five-star recruit and has been a priority target for the Wolverines throughout the cycle, according to 247 Sports. Bair initially committed to Boise State, but the school sacked their head coach during the season.
Bair visited Michigan for The Game and later decommitted from Boise State. Bair stated in his decommitment article that he would be focusing on Oregon and Michigan. Despite Oregon’s poor recruiting of the Wolverines, Michigan appears to be leaning toward Bair.
The Wolverines received two crystal ball predictions for Bair, and it appears like they have the upper hand. According to ON3, Michigan is hosting an in-person meeting with Bair today, December 5th. The Ducks won on the fourth, so Michigan gets the last visit.
Bair is not concerned with NIL. Bair will go on a two-year mission trip after graduation, similar to what Michigan offensive lineman Andrew Gentry did.
Bair would be a fantastic acquisition for Jim Harbaugh and Michigan, even though he won’t play until 2026. Bair possesses game-changing speed and great potential.
Deyvid Deyvid Palepale
If you’ve been paying attention to recruiting, you’ll know that Palepale was a hot target this summer. He had an up-and-down recruitment; at one point, it appeared like he would commit to Michigan, then Penn State, and finally USC, where he committed. Palepale is reconsidering her decision.
USC dismissed their defensive coordinator during the season, and Lincoln Riley has clearly not done a good job of assembling competitive defenses. Michigan has applied full-court pressure against Palepale, and it appears to be working. Several flip predictions have been made in the Wolverines’ favor.
Palepale had positive things to say about the Wolverines, telling ON3, “I’m realizing I might want to be developed under coach Mike Elston like the guys he has now.” That sounds like a kid who is ready to make a commitment.
Palepale is an enticing promise. Palepale is a three-star prospect who is similar to Mason Graham or Mazi Smith. Palepale was injured for the entirety of his senior year, which may have influenced his placement.
Regardless, the staff loves Palepale and believes he is vastly underappreciated. He’d be an excellent fit for the Wolverines and could make an immediate impact.
Conclusion
Michigan’s 2024 recruiting class is presently ranked 16th. Michigan would rise to #12 with Bair and Palepale. While it’s still a step back for the back-to-back Big Ten champions, it’s a step in the right direction.
If the Wolverines keep winning, recruiting will continue to rise. At this time, Alabama is the sole emphasis. If the Wolverines defeat the Crimson Tide, I completely expect recruiting to improve. But that’s a lot of guesswork.
The 2024 class would benefit greatly from landing Bair and Palepale. Michigan is known for aggressively closing recruiting cycles, so we’ll see if they can do it again. Blue is the color!
