Ohio State Has a Budding New Recruiting Rival to Battle in the 2026 Class
The Ohio State Buckeyes, one of the most storied programs in college football history, have long been considered one of the nation’s elite teams when it comes to recruiting. Year after year, they consistently bring in top-tier talent, securing commitments from some of the best high school players in the country. Under the guidance of head coach Ryan Day, Ohio State has continued to dominate the recruiting scene in the Big Ten and across the nation, building a program capable of competing for national championships.
However, despite Ohio State’s recruiting prowess, there’s a new player on the block who is starting to make a significant impact on the recruiting landscape. Michigan, the Buckeyes’ biggest rival, has long been a force in the Big Ten and a worthy adversary in head-to-head matchups on the field. But in recent years, Michigan has shown a renewed commitment to recruiting and has managed to pull in several impressive classes under head coach Jim Harbaugh.
In the 2026 recruiting cycle, Michigan is emerging as a legitimate threat to Ohio State’s long-standing dominance in recruiting, not just within the Big Ten but nationally. Michigan’s resurgence in recruiting has the potential to shake up the balance of power in the conference and alter the landscape of college football recruiting in general. The Buckeyes may soon face even stiffer competition, not only from traditional powers but from their archrival to the north.
Michigan’s Recruiting Resurgence
Over the past several years, Michigan has experienced a shift in recruiting philosophy and approach. Traditionally, Ohio State has been the premier recruiting school in the Big Ten, with a national brand that has consistently attracted top talent. Michigan, on the other hand, had struggled at times in recruiting battles, particularly when it came to head-to-head matchups with Ohio State. Michigan had often been perceived as the second choice for top prospects, with Ohio State and other SEC schools offering more immediate national championship aspirations.
However, things have started to change under Jim Harbaugh’s leadership. With the resurgence of Michigan’s on-field success in recent seasons—culminating in Big Ten titles and College Football Playoff appearances—the Wolverines have gained more momentum in the recruiting world. Michigan’s ability to showcase its football program, the tradition of the Big House, and the team’s strong history of player development have all become selling points for recruits.
One of the key factors in Michigan’s recruiting success is the team’s focus on in-state talent. Michigan, with its storied football history and a reputation for developing NFL-caliber players, has been able to lock down several top prospects in the state, a region that traditionally leans toward Ohio State. The Buckeyes have long benefited from recruiting in Michigan’s backyard, but with Michigan’s resurgence, that has begun to change.
For example, in the 2025 class, Michigan was able to secure commitments from top prospects such as Alex Tarrant, a highly coveted cornerback, and Will Cox, a four-star offensive lineman. These players, along with several other high-profile commitments, have signaled Michigan’s rise in the recruiting ranks.
Ohio State’s Continued Dominance
While Michigan has made strides, Ohio State has not taken a step back in the recruiting race. Under the leadership of Ryan Day, the Buckeyes continue to be a recruiting powerhouse. Ohio State has been able to attract some of the best talent in the country, particularly in key positions like quarterback, wide receiver, and defensive back.
In the 2025 class, Ohio State landed Arch Manning, the highly sought-after quarterback from New Orleans, making a huge splash in the recruiting world. Manning, who was considered by many to be the top quarterback prospect in the country, is a game-changing talent who is expected to lead the Buckeyes for years to come. His commitment is a testament to Ohio State’s ability to recruit at the highest level.
Ohio State has also been able to secure commitments from top players in the state of Ohio, as well as nationally. With Brian Hartline coaching the wide receivers, the Buckeyes have become the go-to destination for elite wideout talent. Players like Caleb Brown and Brandon Innis are examples of Ohio State’s dominance at the wide receiver position. The team also continues to recruit elite defensive players, building one of the most feared defenses in the country.
Even with Michigan gaining ground, Ohio State continues to hold a strong recruiting advantage, especially when it comes to attracting top-tier talent from outside the Midwest. Ryan Day’s ability to develop NFL-caliber quarterbacks and wide receivers has been a big selling point for Ohio State, making it a top destination for skill players.
The Rivalry Expands: A Battle for the 2026 Class
Looking ahead to the 2026 recruiting class, the competition between Ohio State and Michigan is expected to intensify. Michigan is making a strong push to recruit players who would traditionally have been Buckeyes’ commitments, and Ohio State will need to fend off the challenge of its northern rival.
One of the primary areas of competition will be in the state of Ohio. Historically, Ohio State has been able to secure commitments from the best in-state talent, but with Michigan’s recent rise, that’s no longer a given. As Ohio State continues to focus on national recruiting, Michigan has been able to make inroads into Ohio, offering a fresh option for recruits who may have once automatically chosen the Buckeyes.
The 2026 class will be pivotal for both teams, and it will likely be a key indicator of how the rivalry shifts in the coming years. Top targets in 2026, including players like Jaden Jackson, a highly rated defensive lineman, and Chris Hopkins, a five-star quarterback, will likely have Michigan and Ohio State competing fiercely for their services.
For Ohio State, maintaining its dominance in Ohio will be paramount. Ryan Day’s recruiting strategy will have to continue to focus on securing commitments from top in-state talent while also maintaining its national presence. The ability to land commitments from top quarterbacks and wide receivers will continue to be a huge selling point for the Buckeyes, and the program’s recent success in developing NFL-caliber talent will remain an attractive feature for recruits.
For Michigan, the key will be to continue building on its success and proving that the program is not just a rival to Ohio State, but a legitimate contender for national championships. Michigan has been able to convince recruits that the program’s recent on-field success is sustainable, and the added benefit of playing in one of the most iconic stadiums in college football only makes Michigan a more attractive option for top-tier players.
Key Position Battles
As both Ohio State and Michigan push to secure top talent in the 2026 recruiting class, certain position groups will be a major battleground for both programs. Here are some of the key positions that will shape the 2026 class and the recruiting battle between Ohio State and Michigan:
Quarterback
Quarterback recruitment is always a key area for both Ohio State and Michigan. Ohio State has a storied history of developing elite quarterbacks, and with the commitment of Arch Manning in the 2025 class, the Buckeyes are set for the next few years. However, Michigan is looking to improve its quarterback room and has been making strides in attracting talented signal-callers. Chris Hopkins, a five-star quarterback prospect, will be one of the top recruits in the 2026 class and could be the centerpiece of this recruiting battle.
Wide Receiver
Ohio State has long been considered the gold standard for wide receiver recruitment, with Brian Hartline leading the charge. The Buckeyes’ ability to land elite wide receiver prospects like Caleb Brown, Brandon Innis, and others has made the team an attractive destination for top receivers. Michigan has made strides in recent years to recruit high-caliber wideouts, but it still lags behind Ohio State in this area. As more talent emerges in the 2026 class, Ohio State will look to maintain its dominance at this position, while Michigan will aim to make up ground.
Defensive Line
The defensive line is another area where both Ohio State and Michigan are heavily invested in recruiting. Michigan’s recent success on the defensive side of the ball has made the Wolverines a strong contender for top defensive line recruits, but Ohio State has always been a dominant force in this area. With players like Jaden Jackson emerging as elite prospects in the 2026 class, both teams will fight to secure their commitments.
The 2026 Recruiting Cycle: Who Will Prevail?
As the 2026 recruiting cycle begins to take shape, the battle between Ohio State and Michigan for the top recruits in the country will intensify. While Ohio State remains the standard in college football recruiting, Michigan is closing the gap and making a serious push to challenge the Buckeyes’ dominance in the Big Ten.
The outcome of the 2026 recruiting cycle will have significant implications for both programs. Ohio State will look to maintain its status as a recruiting juggernaut, while Michigan will look to establish itself as a true national powerhouse. Both programs have the potential to dominate the recruiting world, but the outcome will depend on who can land the most coveted prospects and maintain that recruiting momentum.
For now, the rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan continues to evolve, and the next few years will likely be defined by this renewed recruiting battle. The 2026 class will serve as the first major test of Michigan’s ability to challenge Ohio State for dominance in recruiting—and the first chance for the Wolverines to prove they can consistently compete at the highest level. It’s shaping up to be an exciting battle, and one that could redefine the landscape of college football for years to come.