When it comes to recruiting, Ohio State plays the game with audacity. Ryan Day and his staff already have 21 commitments lined up for the 2026 class, yet they’re still swinging for impact pieces. Saturday’s visit will feature several top prospects, including Khmari Bing and Jacob Curry. But the bigger headline comes from the heart of Michigan territory. Because the Buckeyes slid in and offered a kid the Wolverines were already after. 

4-star Brandon Lockley of the 2027 class received the attention of the archrivals. At 6’1 and 230 pounds, he plays linebacker for powerhouse St. Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia. On October 2, he made it public on X. “After a great conversation with Coach @JLaurinaitis55 I’m extremely blessed to receive an offer from The Ohio State University,” he wrote. This new offer is a reminder to Sherrone Moore and the team up north that Ohio State is always lurking. 

Michigan had already offered Lockley back on April 25, but the Buckeyes are looking to rip the rug out from under them. Brandon Lockley isn’t just another linebacker prospect either. The sophomore has a rare combination of speed and power, capable of covering like a safety while delivering punishing hits. He dropped back in coverage for St. Joe’s in 2024 and didn’t look remotely out of place, an attribute that Alabama’s staff in particular loves. And yes, the Buckeyes and Wolverines aren’t battling alone; the Crimson Tide is in this, too. 

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Brandon Lockley himself admitted, “I love Alabama. I know they have a legendary program and produce great talent from every position all the time.” But don’t overlook Penn State in this. The Nittany Lions had him in for his first-ever game-day visit during the double-overtime White Out against Oregon. He walked away impressed despite the loss, saying it gave him a real feel for what college football’s biggest stage looks like. The in-state pull is real, and James Franklin won’t go quietly. And while Penn State is building its case, the real pressure is boiling about 400 miles west, where Michigan is trying to steady its footing.

Michigan is feeling the recruiting squeeze

For Michigan, this couldn’t come at a worse time. The Wolverines are still sitting in the top 11 of the 2026 class, but the momentum has wobbled. Losing four-star corner Dorian Barney to Ole Miss stung, and while running back Savion Hiter remains the jewel of the class, Ohio State circling Brandon Lockley already has its future recruitment looking competitive. 

To make matters worse, Ohio State isn’t just going after Lockley. They’re also trying to lure Michigan native offensive tackle Dewey Young, who holds offers from Michigan, Michigan State, and Kansas. If the Buckeyes can make an impression on his Columbus visit, that would be another painful twist for Sherrone Moore’s staff, watching homegrown talent drift south.

Meanwhile, the Buckeyes are 4-0 on the field after suffocating Washington 24-6, and they return home this weekend to face Minnesota. Winning on Saturdays helps, but Ryan Day knows flipping high-value recruits is what makes dynasties hum. Michigan fans may want to brace for yet another reminder that in this rivalry, even recruiting is war.