Michigan’s rise in the NIL era has been one of the most striking transformations in college football. Once criticized for not fully embracing the financial side of recruiting, the Wolverines have completely shifted their strategy, becoming a top-tier program willing to invest in elite talent.
Now, they rank among the top 10 in college football job rankings, which is incredible. CFB analysts have recently made their bold takes on this massive transformation, which didn’t happen overnight.
CFB Analyst’s Bold Take on Michigan’s Rise in the NIL
Football analysts Andy and Ari recently ranked the top 10 college football jobs on their podcast, “Andy & Ari On3.” They placed Michigan at No. 8, and Ari broke down why they chose the Wolverines for that spot.
He said, “Michigan, I have at number eight because it’s a team that broke through and won a national title. It is a wonderful academic institution.. It’s got an iconic stadium. And now, get to the point. They’re willing to spend now. That’s why they’re here.”
For years, Michigan struggled to keep up with powerhouse programs like Ohio State. Fans and analysts wondered if the Wolverines were genuinely committed to reaching the top level of college football.
Then, under Jim Harbaugh, Michigan made a significant change. Ari explained, “Michigan started taking it very seriously. Jim Harbaugh revamped his staff, got rid of a lot of older people on the staff that were kind of from a different era, brought in a bunch of new people. They recruited much more aggressively than they did before.”
One of the most significant turning points came when recruiting Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 quarterback in the 2025 class. Michigan invested significantly by offering a $10.5 million NIL package to acquire Bryce Underwood from LSU. This bold move showed how serious the Wolverines were about competing with the nation’s top programs.
The deal, handled by the Champions Circle NIL collective, is one of the largest in college football history, even bigger than what some NFL rookies make. With that, Michigan proved it’s ready to spend like the best. Their efforts have paid off, pushing them into the top 10 rankings for college football jobs.
Any summed it up perfectly, saying, “That should tell you what you need to know—that Michigan is willing to spend the money… You can’t say we’re going to do this on a discount or we’re going to outevaluate everyone. You have to evaluate well too still, but you got to be willing to spend so when the special player comes along, you can get them.”
KEEP READING: Top 10 Michigan Wolverines by NIL Worth
The Wolves are now a powerhouse, not only because of their rich history but also because of their adaptability in today’s NIL-driven world. Their commitment to NIL and modern recruiting methods shows how crucial it is to stay ahead in college football.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and baseball!
