Ohio State, Michigan Heat Up 2026 Recruiting Race

Ohio State has finished eighth nationally in the 2024-25 LEARFIELD Directors' Cup, marking an improvement from last year but below its prior top-four placements. The Buckeyes' football recruiting remains strong, highlighted by a recent commitment from three-star offensive lineman Aaron Thomas for 2026, and they are projected favorites for four-star quarterback Luke Fahey and three-star wide receiver Jerquaden Guilford. Michigan is a key recruiting rival, especially for five-star edge rusher Carter Meadows, who is now only considering Michigan and Ohio State, and Michigan just secured four-star wide receiver Zion Robinson for its 2026 class. Maryland football has strengthened its offense with transfers and is expected to field one of the Big Ten's top wide receiver-tight end combinations. Indiana, under coach Curt Cignetti, is building on last year’s progress with returning players and key transfers. Iowa State basketball faces its toughest nonconference schedule yet as the Big 12 reduces league games to enhance scheduling balance.