Shock in College Basketball: Top Recruit George Washington III Ditches Ohio State for Michigan—Is This the Biggest Upset of the Year”
In a seismic twist that reverberated across the college basketball landscape, George Washington III—the highly-touted shooting guard once considered the crown jewel of Ohio State’s 2024 recruiting class—has flipped his commitment to none other than archrival Michigan. The decision has blindsided Buckeye Nation, reinvigorated the Wolverines, and sparked a national conversation about what this shock move means for the future of both programs. Is this the biggest recruiting upset of the year? Some say yes—and for good reason.
From Scarlet and Gray to Maize and Blue
George Washington III, a 6-foot-2 combo guard out of Chaminade-Julienne High School in Dayton, Ohio, had long been considered a lock for Ohio State. A four-star recruit ranked among the top 100 players in the country, Washington was seen not only as a home-state hero but also a critical piece of Chris Holtmann’s efforts to restore the Buckeyes to national prominence.
But just months after reaffirming his commitment to OSU, Washington announced via social media that he would be taking his talents to Ann Arbor instead.
“After much thought, prayer, and discussions with my family and mentors, I’ve decided to decommit from Ohio State and commit to the University of Michigan,” Washington posted. “I am excited about the opportunity to grow as a player and person in Ann Arbor.”
For Buckeye fans, it was a gut punch. For Michigan, it was a game-changer.
A Tale of Two Programs
At the heart of this bombshell is the contrasting trajectory of the two Big Ten powerhouses. Ohio State has experienced instability in recent years, with Holtmann under increasing pressure following a string of disappointing finishes. The Buckeyes missed the NCAA Tournament in 2023 and barely qualified in 2024, prompting whispers about whether the program was losing its competitive edge.
Meanwhile, Michigan’s new regime, led by former Fab Five member Juwan Howard (or potentially his successor, depending on the current coaching context), has been steadily building a foundation of high-character, high-ceiling players. The Wolverines’ resurgence—punctuated by a surprise Sweet 16 run last season—has made them an appealing destination for top-tier recruits once again.
Washington’s flip isn’t just about proximity or playing time. It’s about belief—belief in a system, in a future, and in a staff that many insiders say out-hustled OSU for his signature down the stretch.
The Impact on Ohio State
The loss of George Washington III stings on multiple levels. First, there’s the symbolic loss. Here was a native Ohioan, a kid who grew up in Buckeye country, choosing the enemy. It evokes memories of Desmond Howard or Charles Woodson—elite talents who rejected the in-state school for greener (or bluer) pastures.
Second, Washington was expected to be the offensive spark plug in a class that desperately needed perimeter scoring. With his elite shooting, high basketball IQ, and defensive tenacity, he was a Day 1 contributor and potential Big Ten Freshman of the Year candidate.
Now? OSU must scramble. While the transfer portal offers options, none possess the local appeal or long-term development potential of Washington. This may force Holtmann’s staff to reshuffle recruiting priorities entirely.
A Shot in the Arm for Michigan
On the flip side, Michigan fans have every reason to celebrate. Washington immediately boosts the Wolverines’ 2024 recruiting class to national relevance. Paired alongside a rising core of young stars, his arrival could make Michigan a dark horse contender for the Big Ten title next season.
More than that, the commitment sends a powerful message: Michigan is back in the business of winning high-stakes recruiting battles—especially against their fiercest rival.
“Getting George is about more than his game,” one Michigan assistant was quoted saying. “It’s about changing the perception of what this program can do and who we can get.”
And who better to lead that charge than a smooth-scoring guard who’s already battle-tested in the national circuit?
Breaking Down His Game
So what does George Washington III bring to the table?
Scouts rave about his silky shooting stroke—he’s lethal from deep, quick off the bounce, and comfortable creating his own shot. His frame is solid, and while he’s not an elite vertical athlete, his change-of-pace dribble and footwork make him difficult to stay in front of.
Defensively, he’s active and engaged. Though not a lockdown defender yet, his anticipation and hustle make him a net positive on that end. His leadership and maturity also shine through—Washington is often praised for his work ethic and team-first mentality.
In short, he’s a prototypical Big Ten guard with the potential to be a three-year starter and conference standout.
Recruiting Politics and Portal Pressures
Washington’s flip also speaks to the changing dynamics of college basketball recruiting. The rise of NIL, the loosened transfer rules, and the fluidity of coaching staffs have made the landscape more volatile than ever. Loyalty to a program is no longer guaranteed—even among in-state recruits.
Some OSU insiders have suggested that Michigan’s NIL package may have played a role, though there’s no concrete evidence. Others believe Washington simply saw a better developmental path under Michigan’s system, especially with their recent track record of sending guards to the NBA.
Either way, the pressure is now squarely on Ohio State to respond. The transfer portal remains active, and with players constantly reclassifying or seeking better fits, there’s still time to right the ship. But losing a player of Washington’s caliber to a rival is the type of blow that can linger for years if not addressed properly.
Fan Reactions: Betrayal or Business?
Unsurprisingly, social media exploded in the wake of Washington’s announcement. Buckeye fans felt betrayed, with some questioning his loyalty, while others pointed fingers at the coaching staff for failing to close the deal. Michigan fans, meanwhile, rejoiced—some even digging up old tweets of Washington in Buckeye gear and re-captioning them with blue hearts.
One anonymous OSU booster was quoted as saying, “This one hurts more than most. He’s not just a good player—he was our player. Losing him to Michigan? That’s like losing a family member to your rival.”
But in an age where player empowerment is front and center, many observers defended Washington’s choice.
“These kids get one shot to make the best decision for themselves,” one college basketball analyst tweeted. “If George feels Michigan is the better fit, we should respect that. The era of fans controlling the narrative is over.”
What Comes Next
For Michigan, the task now becomes maximizing the moment. George Washington III brings both star power and versatility, and he fits perfectly into the Wolverines’ evolving identity. If he clicks alongside their current young core, Michigan may be poised for a serious March run.
For Ohio State, the decommitment adds fuel to an already smoldering fire. The Buckeyes were already facing questions about Holtmann’s future. Now, unless they find a way to rebound on the recruiting trail or make noise in the Big Ten next season, those whispers could grow louder.
A Sign of the Times
Recruiting flips are nothing new, but rarely do they come with this much baggage. Washington’s decision will be remembered not just because he was a talented player—but because of what it represents. The evolving priorities of top athletes. The changing power dynamics between traditional powers. And most of all, the growing unpredictability of what used to be one of the most regimented aspects of college sports.
This wasn’t just a recruiting win or loss. It was a paradigm shift.
Final Thoughts: Upset of the Year?
Is George Washington III flipping from Ohio State to Michigan the biggest recruiting upset of 2025? It just might be. Not because he was the No. 1 overall player or because OSU was a national title favorite—but because of the context. Because of the rivalry. Because of the shock.
It’s the kind of move that changes the narrative, rewrites projections, and reignites one of the fiercest rivalries in all of sports. Whether Washington goes on to become a Big Ten star or simply a solid contributor, the impact of his decision is already historic.
And for fans on both sides of the Ohio–Michigan divide, one thing is certain: when the Wolverines and Buckeyes tip off next, the tension in the building will be electric—and all eyes will be on No. 3 in maize and blue.