As hard as Sherrone Moore tries to exit the Jim Harbaugh-shaped shadow casted upon him, he’s almost always hauled back in. Michigan’s (5-5) peril on the gridiron has begun extending past it. The Harbaugh era, for good and bad, is making things difficult for the Wolverines beyond just the field. One particular facet is causing issues on the recruitment front.

When Michigan won the Natty in 2023, it was blemished by the controversy of the sign-stealing debacle. While things have seemingly cooled off, one Wolverine commit is still looking for full disclosure. 2025 recruit Andrew Olesh, a 4-star Tight End, is actively looking outside Ann Arbor. Out of concern for the impending punishment bestowed upon the school, Olesh and his family are eyeing other suitors. In the wake of this, a fellow Big 10 powerhouse is trying to swoop in.

As per Michigan fan and recruitment insider TJ Holland, Dan Lanning and his no. 1 Oregon Ducks are still in the race, among others. Holland extensively spoke about where the situation stands on “The Wolverine” Youtube channel. “He has been flirting with other schools. He’s taken visits to Alabama, Notre Dame, Penn State [and] Oregon. I think of those schools, Oregon is the biggest threat. They are also set to host him for an official visit on November 30th. That is the final weekend before National Signing Day. So, Oregon is a concern. He [previously] had a great visit out to Eugene. He connected really well with tight ends coach Drew Mehringer…this weekend is pivotal for Michigan”.

The reason for this weekend being pivotal is that Andrew Olesh is lined up to visit the Big House. While he is still a Wolverine-commit, this may be the last throw of the dice for Sherrone Moore and co. in their quest to keep hold of him. After already losing 4-star DB commit Ivan Taylor, Michigan cannot afford another high profile mishap.

Olesh and his camp have previously expressed their worries about any residual effects of the sign-stealing controversy. It was believed this may be the only thing that could deter him from joining. However, there is potentially another factor that has simmered underneath all along. It is now rising to the surface.

Inability to fill key holes is affecting Michigan’s Olesh chances

Michigan’s publicized pursuit of Bryce Underwood has still not brought about results. Even after the program offered the No. 1 QB prospect a mammoth $10.5 Million in NIL. With their troubles offensively, a new quarterback, Underwood or otherwise, is a pressing need.

Without an answer at QB, a tight end such as Andrew Olesh is bound to feel on shaky ground. The longer this search continues, the more ancillary positions on offense drift away further. The domino effect of an unlikely but possible persuasion of Bryce Underwood could be immensely favorable for the Wolverines. It’s almost as if the quarterback position is the most important one on your team!

It seems like the recruitment of Andrew Olesh is going to get tight down the stretch. Between Michigan and Oregon, or a late surge from elsewhere. This weekend’s visit to the Big House is promising to be a pivotal chapter in the process. Michigan faces Northwestern in what may well be their final shot at a .500 season and bowl eligibility.