Rivalries in sports don’t just stay on the field anymore—they’re stretching into every corner, especially the recruiting trail. And when it comes to rivalries, nothing hits quite like Ohio State vs. Michigan. What once started as a land dispute over Toledo has turned into one of the fiercest battles in sports. Michigan has owned the bragging rights for most wins over the years, but is it finally Ohio State’s time to flip the script?

Well, it sure looked like it last season. Ryan Day went from walking the plank after back-to-back losses to the Wolverines to steering the ship straight to a national title. And now, he’s not just focused on the present. Day is playing the game smart, building for the future with a top-five recruiting class and 26 commits for 2025—trailing just ahead of Michigan’s 24 commits and No. 6 national rank. But Coach Day isn’t done. His latest move? Trying to poach Michigan’s 413-pound target from the 2028 class. That’s right—he’s going way into the future to stake his claim.

Meet Malik “Behemoth” Mutumbo—a 6’11”, 413-pound offensive lineman from Tabor Academy, who’s already drawing national attention despite being in the 2028 class. The kid’s not just a massive presence on the field—he’s also a top student, sporting a 4.2 GPA. Safe to say, he’s as smart as he is strong. And Ryan Day wasted no time getting involved. Malik took to X to announce the offer: “Blessed to receive an offer from @OhioStateFB!”

This isn’t the first time Day and his staff have been early to the party. The Buckeyes have already handed out 2028 class offers to quarterback Neiman Lawrence (Northwestern) and wide receiver Eric McFarland (IMG Academy). No commitments yet, but these offers show Ohio State is stacking talent way ahead of schedule. It’s a power move—no question.

But Day’s offer comes just days after Malik announced his offer from Michigan. On March 21, he posted, “Blessed to receive an offer from @UMichFootball. Very excited.” And if you thought this was just another offer? Think again. Malik himself made it clear where things currently stand.

After announcing his Michigan offer, fellow prospect Noah Humphrey commented, asking, “Malik, once again this is HUGE, where are you thinking of committing?” Malik responded with: “Not sure yet, only a class of 28, but right now my top 3 are ND, Michigan, and LSU.”

Yep—Michigan is high on his list. That’s a tough pill to swallow for Ryan Day and the Buckeyes, especially with the recruiting money being thrown around. Ohio State reportedly shelled out nearly $20 million in NIL deals to hold onto key stars last year. Meanwhile, Michigan made waves offering over $10 million in NIL to land 5-star QB Bryce Underwood. The recruiting war is real, and there are more teams in the mix.

Other teams eyeing Ryan Day’s target

Ohio State and Michigan aren’t the only ones eyeing Malik. In today’s NIL-fueled recruiting world, it’s open season for elite prospects—and Malik is right at the center. Notre Dame, led by Marcus Freeman, has officially thrown their hat in the ring. Malik shared his excitement with another post: “Blessed to receive an offer from @NDFootball!”

Considering Notre Dame is already in his top 3, that offer definitely adds more fire to the mix. Freeman’s built a strong culture in South Bend, and they’ve had recent success, making it no surprise that Malik is watching them closely. Then there’s Penn State, looking to pull off a big win of their own. Malik confirmed the Nittany Lions’ offer with: “Blessed to receive an offer from @PennStateFball!” With over 20 offers already on the table, Malik “Behemoth” Mutumbo is fast becoming one of the most-watched recruits in the nation—even if his college days are still years away.

Ryan Day’s bold move to offer Malik may ruffle some feathers in Ann Arbor, but it’s all part of the modern-day recruiting battlefield. Offers go out earlier, the NIL numbers grow bigger, and rivalries are no longer limited to game day. Now, they play out year-round—on the phones, in the DMs, and across social media.

Day’s attempt to lure Malik away from Michigan isn’t just about landing a giant offensive lineman—it’s about sending a message: Ohio State isn’t just winning now; they’re planning to win for years to come. And with Michigan already in Malik’s top 3, along with Notre Dame and LSU, the pressure is on. The recruiting war for this 6’11”, 413-pound star is just heating up.