Rival National Recruiting Analyst greg Smith I have an idea about jim harbaughpossibility of leaving from michiganthe Midwest program missed an opportunity and needed to keep two standout defensive linemen at home. notre dame cathedralA hot start to the class of 2025.
1. If this is the end for Harbaugh, it's been an interesting journey.
when jim harbaugh was employed by michigan Before the 2015 season began, most sportswriters (myself included) thought it was only a matter of time before he won a national championship. After his success, it was easy to imagine the Michigan man returning to his hometown to restore his alma mater to glory.
Despite posting a 20-6 record in his first two seasons, there were many doubts early on whether Harbaugh could take the program back. 5 consecutive losses Ohio. That's brutal for the University of Michigan coach. The year of COVID-19 has been a disaster for the program.
Then everything reversed. Harbaugh has revamped his staff and revamped his hiring and on-field philosophy. The program has a new identity as a tough, physical program with an impressive ground game. Even though they won, the show wasn't without drama.
This season alone, he was suspended for three games for a recruiting violation he committed in 2020, and another three games for a sign-stealing scandal. There always seems to be something going on with Michigan's program.
Harbaugh is one of the most interesting characters in sports. College football needs more character. The sport would lose something if he left for the NFL.
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2. Missed opportunities for the Midwest program
Ever since I returned home after spending a week in San Antonio for the All-American Bowl, a thought has been spinning around in my head.
Will we look back in a few years and be shocked that the Big Ten program never existed? notre dame cathedral They were able to keep a five-star defensive tackle. Justin Scott and a four-star defensive end. Marquis Lightfoot House?
Both players are under contract miami And he'll be at the front of a very good class with players who are outstanding on the defensive side of the ball. Scott was good in San Antonio and had great movement for his size. He lined up at the traditional defensive tackle spot, but also showed pass-rushing ability at the more defensive end spot.
Lightfoot could have been this week's rising star. He completely dominated the competition all week and it showed in the match. He's an edge fighter and can still make weight. Lightfoot may see some time in pass rush situations as a true freshman next season.
Scott was committed to Ohio State University. Ryan Dayprogram thought it had it figured out. One day, when you hear these two names called in the NFL Draft, you'll wonder how they got to South Florida.
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3. Notre Dame's hot start to 2025
Don't look now coach marcus freeman The Fighting Irish are off to a strong start for their 2025 recruiting class. notre dame cathedral is not well known as a program that starts hiring right away, so this caught my attention as I flipped through the pages to focus more on this cycle.
Since the calendar turned to 2024, two four-stars have been added to this class. christopher burgess jr. and Connecticut defensive back ethan long gave momentum to the class, but it was already the number one class in the nation before the two joined.
Initial reviews for this class are high. Of the 13 prospects in the class, 11 are rated 4 stars or higher.Irish already have Mississippi State four-star quarterback in 2025 deuce night.
It's still early, of course, but the Irish are one of the few programs outside of the South that can go wire-to-wire as championship contenders.