Ole Miss, Notre Dame, and Michigan are all trending in recruiting this summer, with Lane Kiffin’s Rebels actively pursuing several top prospects and making notable progress.
College football recruiting is a dynamic, highly competitive arena where programs vie for top talent to ensure sustained success on the field. As the 2023 summer recruiting season unfolds, three prominent programs—Ole Miss, Notre Dame, and Michigan—are capturing attention for their recent trends, strategic pursuits, and recruiting momentum. Under the leadership of Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss has emerged as a notable contender, actively pursuing multiple high-profile prospects. Meanwhile, Notre Dame continues to leverage its storied tradition and national appeal to attract top-tier athletes, and Michigan’s resurgence under Jim Harbaugh has translated into a recruiting surge, especially in the Midwest and beyond. This analysis explores each program’s recruiting approach, key targets, regional influence, and how their combined efforts are shaping the landscape of college football recruiting this summer.
Ole Miss and Lane Kiffin’s Recruiting Strategy
Since taking over as Ole Miss head coach in December 2021, Lane Kiffin has positioned the Rebels as one of the most exciting and innovative programs in the SEC’s recruiting landscape. Known for his offensive ingenuity and charismatic coaching style, Kiffin has energized the Ole Miss fan base and attracted a wave of high-caliber recruits eager to play for his aggressive, up-tempo style of football.
Recruiting Philosophy and Approach
Kiffin’s recruiting strategy heavily emphasizes offensive skill players, particularly quarterbacks, receivers, and offensive linemen, aligning with his offensive philosophy. The Rebels aim to develop a dynamic, high-powered offense capable of competing with SEC giants. To achieve this, Kiffin and his staff prioritize recruiting athletes with exceptional athleticism, versatile skill sets, and a desire to develop into NFL prospects.
Ole Miss’s recruiting approach is also regional but increasingly national. The program has made significant inroads into Texas, Florida, and Georgia, leveraging its proximity and the appeal of playing in the SEC. Additionally, Kiffin’s social media savvy and open engagement with prospects have amplified the program’s visibility.
Notable Targets and Current Trends
This summer, Ole Miss’s recruiting class is trending upward across multiple positions. The Rebels are aggressively pursuing top-tier prospects such as:
Quarterbacks: Kiffin’s offensive system naturally draws talented quarterbacks. The Rebels are in the mix for several 2024 and 2025 signal-callers, with some highly ranked recruits showing interest due to the offensive scheme’s potential and Kiffin’s coaching reputation.
Skill Players: Wide receivers and running backs from the Southeast and beyond are also high priorities. Ole Miss has been trending for several wideouts who seek a chance to showcase their athleticism in a high-powered offense.
Defensive Standouts: While offensive talent dominates their recruitment efforts, Ole Miss also targets defensive linemen and secondary players to bolster their roster.
Regional and National Influence
Ole Miss’s recruiting footprint has expanded beyond its traditional base, with Kiffin’s innovative approach appealing to recruits nationwide. The Rebels are making a push into Texas and California, regions traditionally dominated by other Power Five programs, aiming to secure top talent early. Their recent success in landing commitments from high-profile prospects demonstrates their rising stature.
Impact of NIL and Portal
Ole Miss’s recruiting momentum is also amplified by NIL opportunities and the transfer portal. Kiffin’s staff has cultivated relationships with boosters and local businesses to offer attractive NIL packages, making Ole Miss more competitive for top recruits. The portal has been a valuable tool for filling immediate needs and attracting experienced players.
Notre Dame’s Recruiting Momentum
As an independent with a rich football history, Notre Dame continues to attract elite prospects through its unique blend of tradition, academics, and competitive football. The Irish’s recruiting efforts in the summer of 2023 reflect their strategic emphasis on maintaining national prominence and developing a roster capable of competing at the highest level.
Recruiting Philosophy
Notre Dame’s recruiting strategy centers on balancing academic excellence with athletic talent. The program appeals to recruits who value tradition, education, and a high-profile platform. Their approach emphasizes recruiting versatile athletes who can excel in multiple roles, fitting into their complex schemes on both sides of the ball.
Recent Trends and Notable Targets
This summer, Notre Dame is trending for several top prospects across multiple classes and positions:
Quarterbacks: Notre Dame has been active in pursuing top quarterback recruits, emphasizing their need to develop future leaders under center. Their engagement with highly-rated signal-callers indicates a focus on long-term stability at the position.
Line of Scrimmage: The Irish are heavily recruiting offensive and defensive linemen, emphasizing size, strength, and athleticism to dominate in the trenches.
Skill Positions: Wide receivers and defensive backs are also priorities, with Notre Dame seeking versatile athletes who can adapt to their complex schemes.
Regional and National Reach
While traditionally strong in the Midwest, Notre Dame’s recruiting scope is increasingly national. They’ve made inroads into talent-rich states like California, Florida, and Texas, leveraging their academic reputation and football pedigree. Their recent success in landing commitments from top recruits in these regions exemplifies their expanding influence.
Leveraging NIL and Facilities
Notre Dame’s storied campus, historic facilities, and academic prestige remain significant selling points. Although they are more conservative with NIL compared to some Power Five programs, they are increasingly integrating NIL opportunities in their recruiting pitch, highlighting the program’s evolving approach.
Michigan’s Resurgence and Recruiting Rise
Under Jim Harbaugh, Michigan has experienced a resurgence on the national stage, culminating in a Big Ten championship and playoff appearances. This success has translated into a significant recruiting boost, especially in the Midwest but also nationally.
Strategic Focus
Michigan’s recruiting approach emphasizes physicality, discipline, and a tough, blue-collar identity that aligns with Big Ten football’s traditional ethos. Harbaugh’s NFL experience and offensive background help attract skill-position athletes and offensive linemen, while their strong defense appeals to prospects valuing toughness.
Current Trends and Key Targets
Michigan’s recruiting efforts this summer are gaining momentum, with notable targets including:
Top In-State Talent: Michigan is prioritizing in-state recruits, aiming to retain local talent and strengthen regional ties.
High-Profile Out-of-State Recruits: The Wolverines are also trending for several recruits from Florida, Georgia, and Texas, seeking to bolster their national standing.
Position Focus: Michigan is particularly active on the offensive line, defensive front, and skill positions, aligning with their physical, run-first philosophy.
Recent Commitments and Momentum
Michigan’s recent commitments have energized the program and its fan base. The staff’s ability to close on top targets early in the cycle has created a sense of inevitability and excitement. Their success in the transfer portal, adding experienced players to fill immediate needs, complements their high school recruiting and helps balance the roster.
Facilities and Facilities Upgrades
Michigan’s investment in new facilities, including the expansion of their indoor practice complex and stadium upgrades, has made the program more attractive to recruits. Harbaugh’s emphasis on building a winning culture and investing in infrastructure continues to resonate with prospects.
Broader Trends in College Football Recruiting
The recruiting landscape this summer reflects broader shifts and trends:
NIL Impact: All three programs are leveraging NIL opportunities to attract recruits, with Ole Miss leading in this area due to Lane Kiffin’s proactive approach. NIL has become a crucial component in recruiting battles, offering players additional incentives beyond scholarships.
Transfer Portal Dynamics: The transfer portal remains a critical tool for programs to fill gaps and add experienced talent. Michigan’s recent portal success exemplifies this, complementing their high school recruiting efforts.
Regional Emphasis: While traditional recruiting regions remain important, programs are increasingly expanding their reach nationally, with Texas, Florida, and California being hotbeds for top prospects.
Recruiting Services and Social Media: The rise of recruiting services, combined with social media engagement, allows programs to showcase their culture and facilities directly to prospects. Lane Kiffin’s social media activity, for example, has amplified Ole Miss’s visibility.
Early Commitment Trends: Programs aim to secure commitments early in the cycle to build momentum and dissuade rivals, a strategy that Michigan and Notre Dame are employing effectively.
Impact on College Football Landscape
The recruiting trends of Ole Miss, Notre Dame, and Michigan are shaping the competitive balance of college football. Ole Miss’s rising recruiting profile under Lane Kiffin is elevating the SEC’s offensive talent pool. Notre Dame’s sustained ability to attract top-tier recruits keeps it competitive nationally despite being independent. Michigan’s recruiting surge signifies their return as a national powerhouse.
These programs’ efforts influence conference strength, playoff competitiveness, and regional recruiting dominance. As they continue to trend upward, their success will likely inspire other programs to innovate and adapt their recruiting strategies.
Ole Miss, Notre Dame, and Michigan are all trending upward in recruiting this summer, each leveraging their unique strengths and strategic approaches. Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss is actively pursuing a high-tempo, offensive-minded roster, making significant strides in key regions and NIL investments. Notre Dame maintains its tradition of attracting top talent through a blend of academics, history, and evolving NIL strategies. Michigan’s resurgence, under Harbaugh, is translating into a recruiting boom, especially in the Midwest and nationally, with a focus on physicality and infrastructure. Together, these programs exemplify the dynamic, competitive, and innovative nature of college football recruiting today, setting the stage for an exciting upcoming season and beyond.
