The NIL era of college football is well and truly underway. Player recruitment is a much more binary equation now when it comes down to different programs—who can offer the most remuneration to obtain a prospect’s services? The latest word coming out of Ann Arbor would suggest that. And one particular high schooler is getting cold feet after committing to a different program.

TJ Ronin of the MichiganVOCFB Youtube Channel believes the Michigan Wolverines may be able to land top-100 recruit, LB Bradley Gompers to bolster their linebacking core. The senior from Central Catholic High School in Pittsburg is already a Duke commit. TJ Ronin believes his head may be swayed just yet.

In a video posted on the aforementioned channel, Ronin said “This is a kid that I feel very strongly about, and he even just visited this weekend. We just had this big visitor weekend, [and] he was barely even talked about. But we really need to start putting more attention here for Bradley Gompers, an incredible athlete.” He also added his insight on the Wolverines’ positivity surrounding the situation. “Michigan made an extremely strong move this weekend, and there is some optimism that they are trending in the right direction here with Bradley Gompers. He is a monster.”

Gompers’ visit to the Wolverines’ facility indicates that his commitment to the Blue Devils stands on shaky ground. Given the player’s high demand, with programs like No. 3 Penn State in the mix, it’s puzzling why he would choose Michigan, which has seemingly taken a backward step under new HC Sherrone Moore. And TJ Ronin’s comments shed light on this puzzling choice.

“This is [another] one where academics, we’re good. NIL, they don’t got it, we do. They don’t got what we got. This isn’t basketball,” says TJ Ronin, boldly asserting that Michigan’s football team is superior to Duke’s, even though the Blue Devils are considered one of the top teams in the ACC program. Gompers isn’t the only player the program is chasing, as they prepare for year 2 of the Moore era.

Michigan going all out on recruitment ahead of next season

Michigan’s quarterback struggles are well known. Sherrone Moore has struggled to fill the void left by last season’s star QB, JJ McCarthy. So, the offense in turn has been a thorn in his side’s playoff aspirations. Owing to this, the program is relentlessly pursuing the No. 1 recruit in the 2025 class, Bryce Underwood. Reports suggest that the QB has been offered the biggest NIL deal Michigan has ever offered to a player. Underwood is currently committed to LSU and doesn’t quite seem eager to change his mind as of yet.

As Michigan looks to get back in the National Championship picture, the roster will need upgrades. The defense has been their calling card in recent seasons. Adding a player of Bradley Gompers’ ilk would definitely bolster the linebacking core. Complimentary football would be key to giving the offense better opportunities, whether it is led by Underwood or not.