PJ has the brand new indoor facility and the upgraded student-athlete dining, studying, weights and care facility to recruit to, which is nice.
PJ, I believe, is the first coach to have the option of official visits in the summer, which is very nice.
The University (and the State) and private investors continue to sink tons of money into improving the appearance of the campus, which is nice. It has never looked better.
The improved dorms and private housing options are much nicer to sell. Dinkytown and Stadium Village and the West Bank have been just about totally remade. That whole area from the Stadium to Surly has created a whole new entertainment/residential area. Has to help recruiting.
Minnesota seems to be turning out more D1 athletes. Seeing more racial diversity throughout the suburbs and outstate areas. This seems to be helping. New wave of immigration impacting Minnesota talent base, similar to what Iron Range, packing plants once did in Bierman era.
Illinois has sucked which has helped recruiting that area. Nebraska has never had a worse run of football since the 60's...which helps some.
The money from TV continues to increase, which has allowed Minnesota to at least stay somewhat more competitive in staff salaries, which is nice.
Player payments are now quasi-legal, which I'm not sure helps or hurts. Minnesota has been a stickler on compliance, so maybe helps? Maybe not.
The athletic director, President, and Regents seem to all be on the same page in supporting football to be successful...that has been a struggle for many times during last half century.
PJ has had to deal with George Floyd and rioting in the streets, and increased crime on campus, which likely hurts, in different ways. PJ has had to deal with COVID, which had to be a challenge.
Kids quitting football to focus on hockey via the academy route or juniors or national team seems to be increasing, which doesn't help. Kids who would be great football players deciding on focusing on basketball similarly a hurdle with success of guys like Suggs. Wrestling remains a big deal in Minnesota. Now we have lacrosse.
Iowa State has been more attractive option lately, which hurts. Northwestern had a nice run, which hurts.