Kirk Herbstreit definitely tossed a match into the already raging Michigan-Ohio State rivalry fire, didn’t he? His “lunatic fringe” comment about the Buckeyes fanbase definitely stirred the pot. While some CFB fans put Herbstreit in the hot seat, let’s be real: no one can control the intensity of this rivalry. We’re talking 128 years of pure, unadulterated hatred—dating all the way back to 1897! So much so that it’s always a tit-for-tat situation between Ryan Day and Sherrone Moore.

The recent transfer portal shenanigans are a perfect example. Right now, the Buckeyes have their eyes on the Wolverines’ QB target, Ryder Lyons. Now this comes off as a countermove from Day’s squad. After all, Moore and Co. have been pursuing Ohio State’s 5-star commit.

Ryan Day takes up a poaching role in the QB race

Yes, the Wolverines now have the No.1 overall prospect in the 2025 class, Bryce Underwood. However, Moore is in no mood to hit the ‘SETTLE’ button yet. Rather, they are eyeing their next 5-star quarterback. On3 analyst EJ Holland reported that Michigan’s offensive coordinator is targeting Lyons.

After all, Moore’s staffer could not resist the temptation to bring in Lyons, who is rated as the No. 10 best overall prospect in the 2026 class. Standing tall at 6’3” and weighing 215 pounds, his measurements fit the prototypical pro-style quarterback category. Reports say that Moore, joined by Chip Lindsey, GM Sean Magee, and tight ends coach Steve Casula, made a swing through California to visit Lyons. Now could Day sit in peace?

Time for some mind games, folks!

What better way to torment your archrivals than poaching their main targets? That’s what the plan is for Day and Co. Ohio State now jumps in the race to land California’s Gatorade Player of the Year. As per On3 reports, the Buckeyes are the latest to bring an offer to Lyons’ table. The quarterback, while still trending to in-state USC, retweeted the big news.

He wrote, “Blessed to say I have received an offer from The Ohio State University!! @CoachFess @ryandaytime @Passing_Academy @CoachDanny10.” But will the Buckeyes be as lucky as they were last time?

Things were smooth in the 2025 cycle as Day’s program got a commitment from 5-star QB Tavien St. Clair, who has been committed since the summer of 2023. He did not flip and signed with the Big Ten last month. But with Lyons, things might be tough, as Ohio State will have to fight against Sherrone Moore, Dan Lanning, and Lincoln Riley, among others. But looks like Day would be happiest if Moore loses in the Lyons race. 

How’d Sherrone Moore cost Ryan Day his shut-eye?

For so long, the Buckeyes flexed their heavy pockets when it came to their NIL. Day’s program possessed $20 million worth of players, reportedly the highest in college football. But can they show off anymore? Well, they now have a serious competitor, the Wolverines. Moore and Co. shocked the CFB world by flipping the No.1 recruit Underwood from Brian Kelly’s program. Going by the hush-hush, Michigan brought approximately more than a $10 million NIL offer to lure the QB away.

Right now, Day might have lost his goodnight’s sleep. Why so? The Buckeyes might lose their No.3 player in the 2026 class and the No. 1 WR in the nation, Chris Henry Jr. Even though he has been committed to Ohio State since July 2023, recently, the star player from Mater Dei High School in California has fallen under Moore’s radar.

As reported on the Michigan Sports Talk podcast, “EJ Holland of the Wolverine said head coach Sherrone Moore and the coaching staff were on the West Coast and did stop by at the national powerhouse, Mater Dei, and they did see the 5-star wide receiver Chris Henry Jr.” 

Looks like Sherrone Moore has the perfect weapon to snatch away the WR from Ryan Day. The host confirmed, “Michigan with their new NIL approach. They could potentially have a shot at pursuing Chris Henry Jr. Michigan took a won’t be outbid approach with Bryce Underwood. They also got in the mix with Ty Haywood with an NIL push.” It’s time for Ryan Day to play chess. Block Sherrone Moore’s move for Ryder Lyons and secure Chris Henry Jr. for the Buckeyes.