I don't follow recruiting so my thoughts are based on opinion only.
a) Positive publicity helps recruiting in a big way ie Team Jack
b) Negative press hurts ie "The Tape"
c) Winning and looking like a modern day perennial power helps
d) losing in an embarrassing fashion hurts
e) Uncertainty in coach staff hurts. I was recruited by Coach X ad now it looks like he is gone.....
Currently, IMO, we have possible coaching changes, some negative press and the losses. We ALSO have the possibility of AA being the Doak winner, the B1G offensive player of the year and Gregory as new comer of the year. AA a possible AA? Gregory maybe? NU needs to sell and push these guys for national media attention. Something, IMO, NU fails at is the PR.
The accolades AA could receive/being mentioned for is amazing considering starting QB is out, OL is a complete wreck, KB, JT and Moore have been absent at times and no TE play. NU needs to sell this stuff.