First, it was Savion Hiter, who is from Virginia and is heading up north to Michigan to play as a freshman. Hiter is ranked as the top running back in the Class of 2026 and has Ohio State among his final programs. NIL is known to be a factor there.

For a little over a year, it seemed as if five-star safety Bralan Womack could be penciled in as an Ohio State Buckeye. From his visit and subsequent offer last June, Womack had long been thought of as an Ohio State lean.

The NCAA’s punishment of Michigan football for its sign-stealing scandal has been regarded by many as a slap on the wrist, and former Ohio State coach Urban Meyer agrees. Penalties places on the Wolverines range from fines to an additional game suspension of coach Sherrone Moore.