EJ Holland: The Veteran Voice in College Football Recruiting
When it comes to covering college football recruiting, few names command as much respect as EJ Holland. With more than a decade of experience across multiple prestigious sports media outlets, Holland has built a reputation for accuracy, insight, and an unmatched ability to connect with both recruits and fans. Known for his work with On3, his deep expertise in evaluating talent and predicting recruiting trends has made him a go-to source for anyone following the college football landscape—especially for those invested in the Michigan Wolverines.
In this article, we’ll explore EJ Holland’s career journey, his specialization in recruiting coverage, his time at On3, his skill in making bold yet accurate predictions, and his earlier work with 247Sports. We’ll also look into his impact on the Michigan football recruiting scene and the skills that have made him an industry leader.
Early Career and Background
Before becoming one of the most recognizable names in recruiting coverage, EJ Holland laid a strong foundation in journalism and sports communication. A graduate of Southern Methodist University with a degree in Journalism, Holland distinguished himself as a Belo Journalism Scholar and recipient of multiple academic honors, including the SMU Dean’s List and the SMU Distinguished Scholar Award.
During his time at SMU, he gained valuable experience through internships and student media work. He served as the Sports Editor for The Daily Campus, managed a team of writers, and covered all 17 varsity sports at the university. These formative years sharpened his editorial judgment, writing style, and ability to manage fast-paced news cycles.
Building Experience Across Major Sports Outlets
Work with the Dallas Cowboys
Holland’s professional career began with high-profile opportunities, including a Public Relations Internship with the Dallas Cowboys. His role involved player interviews, content creation for in-house publications, and assisting with post-game operations. This gave him firsthand exposure to professional sports media relations and storytelling at the highest level.
Contributions to The Dallas Morning News
As a Digital Sports Editor for The Dallas Morning News, Holland was responsible for content creation, editing, and managing the online sports presence of one of the nation’s most respected newspapers. He also launched his recruiting blog, covering camps, combines, and high school recruiting news—a move that showcased his entrepreneurial approach to sports coverage.
Dave Campbell’s Texas Football & FC Dallas
Holland further expanded his resume with a stint as Associate Editor for Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, often referred to as the “Bible of Texas Football.” He also worked as an FC Dallas beat writer, covering Major League Soccer matches, practices, and player interviews.
EJ Holland and 247Sports
From 2015 to 2019, Holland made a name for himself at 247Sports as the Texas Recruiting Reporter. This role allowed him to cover Texas football recruiting for Horns247, a CBS Sports-affiliated site. His responsibilities included breaking news on recruit commitments, producing in-depth features, and helping grow both subscription numbers and social media engagement.
It was here that Holland’s reputation as a sharp evaluator of talent began to flourish. His coverage wasn’t just about reporting who committed where—it was about explaining why those moves mattered and what they meant for the future of the program.
EJ Holland at On3: Michigan Recruiting Reporter & Editor
Leading Michigan Recruiting Coverage
In August 2019, Holland joined On3, where he now serves as the Michigan Recruiting Reporter/Editor for The Wolverine. His job goes far beyond simply reporting commitments—he leads an entire coverage strategy for Michigan football recruiting.
As the recruiting editor for The Wolverine Magazine, Holland manages both print and digital content, ensuring that subscribers get comprehensive and timely updates. His work has been instrumental in making The Wolverine one of the most trusted sources for Michigan recruiting news.
EJ Holland Predictions
Holland is known for his On3 recruiting predictions, where he forecasts which schools’ top prospects will commit to. His predictions are often backed by insider knowledge, relationships with recruits, and a deep understanding of program needs. Fans and insiders alike value his track record, as he has a history of making correct calls even in competitive recruiting battles.
Industry Recognition
In 2024, Holland led the On3 network in subscriptions sold by a team recruiting reporter—a testament to both his credibility and the loyalty he has built with readers.
EJ Holland’s Reporting Style
Deep Connections with Sources
One of Holland’s greatest strengths is his network of relationships with high school coaches, players, and recruiters. This allows him to gather exclusive information that others in the industry may not have.
Multimedia Engagement
Holland’s coverage isn’t limited to articles. He regularly engages audiences through YouTube Q&A sessions, podcasts, and social media discussions. This multimedia approach allows him to connect with fans in a conversational, interactive way.
EJ Holland, Michigan: The Wolverines Connection
Holland’s work has been especially impactful for Michigan Wolverines fans. His analysis covers everything from five-star prospects to hidden gems, offering detailed scouting reports, recruiting strategy breakdowns, and post-commitment evaluations.
He has provided key insights into Michigan’s ability to compete with recruiting powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State. His balanced reporting gives fans both optimism and realistic assessments—qualities that have made him a trusted voice in Ann Arbor and beyond.
Skills and Expertise
Over the years, Holland has honed a unique skill set that blends journalism, public relations, and digital content production. His proficiencies include:
- Adobe InDesign and content layout
- Light HTML for web content customization
- Microsoft Office Suite for editorial planning
- Video editing software for interviews and highlights
- Social media strategy across all platforms
- Basic Photoshop for visual content
- Fluent Spanish for broader communication with recruits and families
EJ Holland’s Impact on Recruiting Media
Holland’s career illustrates the evolution of sports journalism in the digital age. From traditional print magazines to live recruiting prediction streams, he has adapted and thrived in an industry that demands constant innovation. His combination of credible information, engaging storytelling, and accurate predictions has solidified his standing as a leader in recruiting coverage.
Conclusion
EJ Holland has carved out an impressive career path, moving from a student journalist to one of the most respected recruiting reporters in college football. His work at On3, particularly in covering Michigan football recruiting, has cemented his reputation as a trusted source of information for fans, athletes, and coaches alike. Whether it’s through his EJ Holland On3 predictions, deep-dive features, or behind-the-scenes insights, Holland continues to set the standard for what high-quality recruiting journalism should be.
With his unique blend of experience, skill, and industry connections, EJ Holland is not just reporting on recruiting—he’s shaping the conversation around it. And as long as the future of college football depends on recruiting, his voice will remain one of the most influential in the game.
