Michigan’s HC change could lead five-star WR recruit to Oregon
Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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Michigan’s HC change could lead five-star WR recruit to Oregon
By Andrew Kulha | Last updated 2/1/24
Gatlin Bair is one of the only elite 2024 five-star recruits yet to make a decision on their future college home, but for all intents and purposes, his recruitment is coming down to two.
A former Boise State commitment, the five-star wide receiver from Burley, Idaho, is set to make a decision soon between Michigan and Oregon.
While the intel on Bair was that the Wolverines had a solid lead for his commitment heading into 2024 — and Michigan’s championship win over Washington likely only enhanced that lead — things have changed quickly in Ann Arbor.
In the wake of winning the national title, head coach Jim Harbaugh quickly jumped ship to the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers. Meanwhile, Oregon was able to hold on to head coach Dan Lanning, who was reportedly drawing interest from the Alabama Crimson Tide as they looked to replace the newly retired Nick Saban.
Ultimately, Michigan lost Harbaugh while Lanning stayed to build what has once again become a juggernaut in Eugene. Heading into the historic February National Signing Day, On3 recruiting expert Justin Hopkins thinks the stability has given Oregon the edge over Michigan in this recruiting race.
“That was the key, getting him to hang on…as you can see the result of that is Harbaugh going to the NFL, that opened the door for Oregon,” Hopkins recently said. “I think that was the last shoe to drop in his recruitment. So yeah, a month ago this was all Michigan’s to lose, but with the changes and everything that’s happened in that month, this one feels very strongly in favor of Oregon, right now.”
If Hopkins is correct and Oregon does indeed land Bair over Michigan, it would be a huge win for the Ducks.
Bair is ranked as the No. 6 wide receiver in his class, according to 247Sports.
