The Michigan Wolverines have experienced memorable surprises and commitments on the recruiting circuit throughout the years. Notable instances include Dax Hill’s switch from Alabama and Jyaire Hill’s commitment to Michigan despite not initially including it in his top list.
However, the Wolverines were unable to secure another noteworthy commitment, as four-star wide receiver Gatlin Bair announced his decision to pledge to Oregon.
Michigan extended a scholarship offer to Bair in June 2022. Despite an active recruitment effort led by wide receiver coach Ron Bellamy, Bair initially committed to Boise State over Michigan and one of his other top choices, the Oregon Ducks.
After Boise State dismissed head coach Andy Avalos in November before the season concluded, Bair opted to reopen his recruitment on December 1. He publicly stated his deliberation between Michigan and Oregon.
Coaches from both Michigan and Oregon conducted in-home visits with Bair and his family before the early signing period and leading up to his decision. At one stage, Michigan seemed to be the frontrunner, but the departure of Jim Harbaugh and Ben Herbert to the Los Angeles Chargers essentially sealed the deal in favor of the Ducks.
Although the loss of Bair is disappointing for head coach Sherrone Moore and his team, its impact is somewhat mitigated by Bair’s plans to embark on a two-year mission trip with his church, effectively postponing his enrollment until 2026. Had he enrolled immediately, his decision would have carried more weight on the recruiting front.
Michigan has already secured commitments from two wide receivers in the incoming freshman class: four-star I’Marion Stewart and three-star Channing Goodwin.
With Bair committing elsewhere, Michigan’s recruiting focus for the 2024 class comes to an end, shifting its attention to the 2025 class and beyond.
