Last year they offered more players than I can ever remember. Many going FBS. They just can't win the recruiting battles (inset your hypothesis as to why here). Losing most highly sought after in state recruits to MSU is another issue ((4 out of 5 top rated going to MSU the other has not verballed anywhere) can't blame engineering on all of those like some will try. One thing someone told me at a tailgate was they have heard from some lost recruits is that they see MSU staff as being made up of more "players coach" types instead of grumpy old men. I do see a lot more fire and excitement on sidelines in MSU games vs UM and have heard multiple former players have commented on the no fire UM sideline this year. So if it is more fun to play at a school that is still having a lot of success, and in the ballpark facilities/sellouts with a more players going to pros now to boot compared to Bobby 1.0 ,,,,,,,,,,so when an 18 year old sees that side it is hard to win them over based on dominance back when they were in diapers. Bobby had luxury of recruiting back in 1.0 by just spouting playoff games and Cat wins. Bobby 1.0 owned the state, now has a tough time making rent.
Seems lately it has been a method or going to portal /transfer mode more than it used to in order to get players and they lost out on many "recruiting" battles there as well so they sure didn't get a lot of ones they hoped to grab which means offering guys lower on the rating board. Currently there are 26 seniors (19 of which are on latest 2 deep so this team is not "young") Assuming a few underclassmen will also leave which is going to be true every year, some always quit/retire/transfer etc) they will need 30 new guys, Current have 11 HS verbal guys so lots of recruiting still to go and probably a chunk of portal guys as well will need signed. Fingers crossed