As soon as former Notre Dame offensive line Rocco Spindler entered the transfer portal, it felt like Michigan football would be a perfect fit.
Spindler, a 6-foot-5, 325-pounder from Clarkson, Michigan, started 23 games for the Fighting Irish over his career. He started 13 games this past season for Notre Dame, even though he didn't enter the season as the starter.
Michigan football didn't waste any time reaching out. However, according to a report from Pete Nakos of On3.com, there is plenty of competition for the Notre Dame transfer. Indiana, a team that was eliminated by the Fighting Irish from the College Football Playoff, got the first visit for Spindler.
There are other teams in the ACC and the Big Ten that are expressing interest such as Virginia, Pittsburgh, and Nebraska. According to Nakos, Michigan football is also a "contender" for Spindler who was a top-100 recruit in the 2021 class from Clarkston, Michigan.
Rocco Spindler would be perfect for Michigan football
The Wolverines were considered the leader for much of Spindler's recruitment. Yet, Notre Dame was able to lure him away at the end. There were some hard feelings but there was also a different offensive line -- prior to Sherrone Moore.
The Wolverines have a lot to offer. For one, there could be a starting job, although it might not be guaranteed since Lawrence Hattar was also added via the transfer portal. Giovanni El-Hadi, a starting guard for Michigan football last season, is also coming back.
There are two starting jobs available and if Spindler was added, there could be a competition between him, Hattar, and El-Hadi for the job. Evan Link might be in the mix too if the Wolverines can land a starting-caliber left tackle in the spring transfer window.
We'll see if Michigan can get Spindler on campus for a visit, but at the very least, landing his commitment is going to be even more difficult than expected.