Michigan Football: Dillon Tatum is trending hard to Michigan State

It’s not unexpected but top Michigan football recruiting target Dillon Tatum is trending hard to Michigan State just before a decision is expected. 

If you didn’t think this was a strong possibility, then you haven’t been paying attention. But as we move closer to the commitment of Dillon Tatum, things are trending in a different direction.

I’ve been dreading the flip of crystal ball projections for Tatum to Michigan State, but it has felt as though MSU had the momentum, not to mention the fact that Tatum grew up a Spartan fan.

As I wrote as recently as Tuesday, it’s never a good sign to be the crystal ball favorite while the decision continues to be delayed. This happened with Drew Kendall and Rocco Spindler in the 2021 recruiting class and now, it’s happened with Tatum too.

All the big names that cover Michigan football recruiting for 247 sports have flipped their picks including Allen Trieu, Sam Webb, Steve Lorenz, Brice Marich, and national analyst Steve Wiltfong.

One reason they might have some insight is that Tatum is expected to announce his decision on CBS sports which owns 247. So these guys would likely get tipped to the decision and I believe at this point, Tatum has informed someone of his decision.

What it means for Michigan football recruiting

Tatum has said he wants to announce before the season so that should happen soon and it looks as though Michigan State is a lock to get him.

I’m sure Michigan football will still recruit Tatum and who knows, flips are always possible as we saw with Rayshaun Benny down the stretch, but I don’t see that here.

It means the Wolverines have some work to do at safety. If you’ve been watching their offers, it was pretty clear they were worried about Tatum and expanding the board. Now, it’s time to put that plan into action.

Damani Dent is one name to know. He was a former MAC commit but is now considering Michigan, Oregon, Pitt, and others. Dent is ranked outside the top 1,000 right now.

But, after some stellar camp performances, including one at the Oregon Camp, which earned him his offer, he’s rising fast. He is expected to decide in October and recently said he was communicating daily with Jim Harbaugh. Plus he wants to visit in September.

The target Michigan football fans will likely prefer is four-star Austin Ausberry, who is ranked in the top 200 overall and recently included the Wolverines in his cut list.

Out of Louisiana, just like Ron Bellamy, Ausberry told Brice Marich of The Michigan Insider about that growing rapport and his plans to visit Ann Arbor this fall.

There are some other defensive backs such as Andre Stewart who could potentially play cornerback and safety. But Ausberry and Dent are the two most logical targets.

Regardless of the options, missing Tatum is a blow and it has left the Wolverines scrambling.