Everybody pointing at the 2026 recruiting rankings and saying Michigan is falling behind needs to pump the brakes. The Wolverines sit outside the top 10 for the third straight year, but that narrative completely ignores what this staff actually values. Development over star ratings has been the blueprint since 2021, and the results speak for themselves. A top 5 finish last season with a roster that didn't crack the top 15 in recruiting rankings proves the point.
The real question isn't about the stars next to names. It's about whether the coaching staff can continue identifying undervalued prospects who fit the system. Michigan's hit rate on three-star croots developing into NFL draft picks is among the best in the country. The portal also changes the math completely. Why chase a five-star freshman who might leave in a year when you can grab a proven Power Four starter with two years of eligibility?
Oregon loading up on five-stars is impressive on paper. But the Ducks s...