NIL is the main reason why so many high schoolers are going to power schools to further their athletic careers more than ever. So, what are some ways to invest in them to pick Michigan when choosing their next destination as teenagers? Well, here are three things that the institution can enact to get people involved and make the choice a little clearer for recruits.
1. Advertisements
LSU is thinking about putting patches on their jerseys this fall to collect more revenue for their program. Michigan could institute the same policy by selling to the highest bidder and creating more wealth for itself. They could put the patch on the field, in the basketball arena, and on the hockey rink, too, and spread the word. It may even draw some attention to the other sports that don't get that much publicity.
The public outcry may result in some rage and backlash though, but this is the era that we live in now until something changes or improves.
Oh boy, if Michigan did this people would lose their freakin’ minds 🤣🤣 https://t.co/3xtmDayBXs
— Josh Henschke (@JoshHenschke) July 2, 2025
2. Exclusive access to private areas
Meet and greets with Michigan football legends like Jim Harbaugh, Tom Brady, Desmond Howard, Blake Corum, Anthony Carter, the Fab Five, and loads more. People could take selfies with Sherrone Moore, Lloyd Carr, Steve Fisher, John Beilein, and Dusty May; Tour the facilities of Michigan Stadium, Yost Arena, and the Crisler Center; and Michigan could allow access to the locker rooms, trophy cases, and the coaching offices. Playing catch on the diamond or enjoying shootarounds on the hardwood or ice is a great cash grabber for sure.
People would love to pay to see how and where the coaches spend their time on a daily basis. The proceeds could be used to tempt more recruits to seriously consider Ann Arbor, even though both programs are doing just fine without it presently.
3. Spending time with current athletes and their families
This one may be a little tricky to imagine, but what if fans could spend a day with their favorite players and the students or recruits got incentivized for it? This could include things like dining out with them, going to the supermarket together or just shooting the breeze. Surely the NCAA would not allow it and find violations with it, but when cash is involved, greed takes precedent.