Michigan, Penn State Secure Five-Star, Four-Star Edge Rushers Over Ohio State

The 2026 college football recruiting cycle is shaping up to be intensely competitive among Big Ten powerhouses Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State. Michigan secured a major victory by landing five-star edge rusher Carter Meadows, who chose the Wolverines over Ohio State and Penn State, bolstering Michigan’s rising recruiting class now ranked 11th nationally. Ohio State countered by landing four-star defensive lineman Damari Simeon, who had also considered Michigan, strengthening their class which is currently ranked fifth nationally and second in the Big Ten. Penn State made a significant addition with four-star pass rusher Jackson Ford, beating out Ohio State and Michigan, adding valuable depth to their defense. Penn State’s strong recruiting momentum aligns with their highly rated status in the new College Football 26 video game, where they are ranked fourth overall with a balanced and formidable offense and defense. These recruiting battles underscore the intense rivalry among the three programs as they each aim to build championship-caliber teams for the future.