Auston Robertson Reveals New Top 3: Odds on Where Versatile 4-Star Lands

As the top-ranked recruit from the state of Indiana, defensive end Auston Robertson showed on May 3 at The Opening Chicago regional that the ranking was justified. Per Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports, he won the majority of his reps against quality offensive linemen.

A quick, strong athlete who only seems to get better each week, Robertson has his share of schools to choose from. Before the camp, the nation's No. 7 weak-side defensive end discussed recruiting and reconfirmed to SB Nation's Wescott Eberts his top three of Notre Dame, Michigan State and Ohio State.

Somewhere between then and last Thursday, however, the 6'5", 230-pound athlete has decided not only to switch things up in his top three, but also make a move that has the potential to stir up an always-on recruiting battle between rivals.

Robertson reportedly has replaced Ohio State with Michigan in his top three, according to ESPN.com's Tom VanHaaren (h/t College Spun's Dan Lyons), and he's set to announce his commitment on June 7 at the RAS Camp in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Will Robertson, who is from Fort Wayne, stay in state or choose out of the two Big Ten schools representing Michigan?

Robertson would be a great defensive addition for all three programs. He has a quick first step, and he uses his length to disrupt run and pass plays. Robertson also has the skills to be a productive tight end at the college level.

With a little less than a month before decision day, here are odds for each school in Robertson's top three.

Michigan State (3-1)

With Michigan taking Ohio State's place in the top three, Michigan State and Notre Dame both have a chance to pull away in the race for Robertson. The Spartans appear to have a slight edge over the Irish currently.

Per his 247Sports timeline, Robertson last visited Michigan State last month. He's made a few trips to East Lansing since receiving an offer in September. He's built a strong relationship with the majority of the coaches, particularly defensive line coach Ron Burton, and, according to Josh Helmholdt of Rivals.com, he keeps in contact with several players in the Spartans' 2016 class.

Building relationships is half of the recruiting process. Robertson's comfort level with Michigan State gives the program an advantage as he inches closer to his decision next month.

Notre Dame (4-1)

Like Michigan State, Notre Dame has been in the running for Robertson for a while. All three schools are roughly within a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Fort Wayne, but Notre Dame is the closest of the three. Having family come to watch Robertson at home games would mean making a 90-mile trek northwest.

Defensive line coach Keith Gilmore and recruiting coordinator Mike Elston have been in contact with Robertson. He's looking to take a visit to the campus in the immediate future. He told Helmholdt he wanted his mother to take in the campus experience before he made any final decisions.

Robertson was offered in June during a Notre Dame summer camp. The Irish are hoping to land their seventh commitment and another defensive end to join 4-star Julian Okwara in the class.

Michigan (5-1)

With Ohio State out and Michigan the new team in, the big question is whether or not the Wolverines can make up enough ground to take over the Spartans and the Irish. Robertson helped Michigan's cause by taking a visit to the campus earlier this week with the No. 2 player in Indiana, 4-star wide receiver Austin Mack, a fellow resident of Fort Wayne, according to Wiltfong.

Robertson has been to Michigan a few times, and getting one-on-one time with head coach Jim Harbaugh and other coaches has proven to be valuable. He told Wiltfong that he likes how Michigan has coaches with NFL experience.

If Michigan is able to land Robertson—as well as Mack—it would mean the Wolverines would have Indiana's top three recruits. Harbaugh was able to get 4-star quarterback Brandon Peters, the No. 3 player in Indiana, to commit on April 3.

Damon Sayles is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Damon via Twitter: @DamonSayles