NIL (and the portal and maybe the mega conferences and expanded playoffs) has created much more parity in recruitment. There is a lot of ridiculous stuff happening on the NIL front (see: Offord shoe, Michigan 5th wife). And also, as teams allocate resources across recruits and transfers and returnees, more spreading out of talent.

The gap between #1 and #10 on the 247 recruitment rankings this year is MUCH smaller than ever before. The difference between the 1 and 10 spots for teams on the 2025 (28 points) and 2021 (60 points) is massive in what it means for roster talent. Also, the winning score (Texas) - with some players still to be signed but mostly finished - is smaller than any time I have ever seen. 

Love it, hate it - this is the way it is right now. We are going to see more competitive teams based on roster strength. It's going to be more like the NFL where you need a balanced roster, a good QB, a good coach, and some perseverance. Assuming Oregon doesn't run the table this playoffs (and I don't think they will). you are going to see a champion most years with two losses. 

I am among the people who have been obsessed with recruiting over the last decade. It still matters, you still need to be a top 10 program on the trail. But the difference between 1 and 4 and 8 has never been smaller or less relevant than today. Get a coach, get a QB, get a top 10 roster of guys who can play now, not in some future year, and cross your fingers and roll.