Notre Dame and Michigan have been cut-throat rivals for over a century, and not once has that rivalry waned. While the two prestigious universities have not played each other since 2019, they have been competing on the recruiting circuit.
In 2020, Michigan beat the Irish out by eight spots in the recruiting rankings. Following that, Notre Dame’s 2021 and 2022 classes topped Michigan. The Irish currently have the number one recruiting class of 2023 while Michigan has the 31st. Although the class of 2023 is still getting worked out, the Irish made a splash in the 2024 class. They landed a commitment from 5 star quarterback CJ Carr…the grandson of legendary Michigan coach Lloyd Carr.
How Could Harbaugh Let This Happen?
That really is the billion dollar question at hand: how could Jim Harbaugh let this happen? Carr’s first offer came from Michigan when he was a freshman in high school. He lives ten minutes from campus. And, most importantly, HIS GRANDFATHER IS LLOYD CARR. If you happen to not know whom Lloyd Carr is, I’ll fill you in. He coached at Michigan from 1980 to 2007 and was the head man from 1995-2007. In that time as the head coach, he won five Big Ten titles and a National Championship.
I believe that part of the reason that Carr did pick Notre Dame over Michigan is the difference between Notre Dame quarterbacks in the pros. While Irish quarterbacks haven’t been spectacular in the NFL, Notre Dame gets guys in the league. Ian Book saw time as a rookie, DeShone Kizer started for a short while in Cleveland, and Jack Coan is on the Colts roster. As for Michigan, Jim Harbaugh hasn’t developed quarterbacks into professional players.
I’d also bet that the idea of Harbaugh leaving Michigan was in Carrs head. He was very close to taking the job as the Vikings head coach and we know how the NFL works. Next season more head coaching jobs will open up. I wouldn’t be shocked to see him leave next year. Marcus Freeman and Tommy Rees, on the other hand, appear to be in for the long haul in South Bend.
Notre Dame Fans Rejoice
When the announcement of Carrs commitment broke, myself and the rest of the diehard Notre Dame fans took to Twitter to celebrate this absolute W. I’d have to say we were a bit fired up.
While our focus as fans is on the 2022 season and the quarterback battle at hand between Drew Pyne and Tyler Buchner, we are thrilled about the commitment from Carr. Getting a jump like this on the class of 2024 while you already have the number one class of 2023 is massive for the future success of Notre Dame football. I’m loving the Marcus Freeman era right about now.