Beat Ohio State, land a five-star QB ... turn things around? Inside Michigan's momentum-building month

Michigan will play Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl ( noon ET, ESPN ) The Wolverines are the defending national champion in FBS history.

The team's on-field success came on the heels of Michigan 's biggest recruiting win in recent memory.

A recruiting class rated 14th nationally at the end of October rose to No. 6 in ESPN 's rankings.

Michigan beat Ohio State 13-10 in the CFP championship game.

The Buckeyes had a far better roster and were playing at home.

The Wolverines' championship run coincided with the NCAA signal-stealing investigation.

Michigan 's recruiting classes from 2019 to 2022 weren't filled with top 100 players.

A federal judge in Tennessee granted an injunction prohibiting the NCAA from punishing athletes or boosters for negotiating NIL deals during the recruiting process.

Michigan approached Underwood with a comprehensive package, which included business development and extended opportunities and mentorship.

Michigan has seven recruits ranked in the top 85 nationally, matching the total from its previous five classes.