Michigan Football: Key in-state target in 2024 set to visit for BBQ

Michigan football’s 2023 recruiting class hasn’t been as strong as expected after a playoff berth but the 2024 cycle is shaping up well so far. 

While Michigan football fans were hoping for better results on the recruiting trail in the 2023 class after a Big Ten title berth and a College Football Playoff appearance, things are actually set up pretty well for the Wolverines in 2024.

Yes, Michigan football didn’t get CJ Carr but the Wolverines are in a good spot with five-star QB Jadyn Davis, the No. 2 signal caller in the 2024 class, who is expected to be on campus for the recruiting BBQ later this month.

Yet, the visitor list is starting to get longer and longer. I wish there were more 2023 targets coming for the BBQ but another key addition from the 2024 class is coming and its in-state recruit, Jacob Oden.

Why Jacob Oden needs to be a top priority

Oden is ranked as the No. 5 player in the state of Michigan according to the 247 sports composite rankings and the On3 consensus rankings. He’s 6-foot-1, 188 pounds, and is listed as a safety.

But what makes him such a priority is that he’s going to be one of the most sought-after recruits in the 2024 class in the state of Michigan, and both the Wolverines and Spartans are pushing hard.

According to the crystal ball projections, Michigan State is the favorite after picking up a trio of crystal ball projections from recruiting experts in April, yet they all cover MSU.

There haven’t been any picks for Michigan State from any Michigan reporters and vice versa. But the On3 prediction machine gives Michigan football an 89-percent chance of winning Oden’s commitment and that is thanks to the prediction put in by EJ Holland back in December.

Here’s what Oden told Sam Webb of The Michigan Insider back in March:

"“Coach Clink is really like an uncle to me, really. We click. We get to watch film (and also) get to talk regularly like I’m not even a football player. (More) like I’m just a regular kid. So, it’s great.”"

If the MSU experts are correct, the Spartans were able to make a move this spring but getting Oden on campus for the BBQ could allow Michigan football to turn things around again for one of the top in-state prospects in the 2024 class.

For now at least, both the Wolverines and Spartans seem to be in solid positions.