The impact of NIL
Haywood's decommitment also highlights a growing fact of the College Football World: College Football is now Pay-to-Play. Michigan football has become increasingly competitive in the space, such as offering Bryce Underwood $3 Million a year to come to Ann Arbor.
Reports suggest that Michigan has made a push to present a compelling package for Haywood, leveraging the national brand and academics as well (which secured Babalola's commitment)
This recruitment highlights the fact that Michigan is not afraid to pay for recruits, let alone their own players. One has to think that Barstool founder David Portnoy is the man to blame for such success. A multi-millionaire, Portnoy nearly single-handedly brought Underwood to Michigan. In my personal beliefs I would think that Haywood's package is well north of 7-figures.