Michigan Wolverines had a fairy tale season in 2023 which culminated in them winning the much-sought championship. But, their exploits going into the 2024 season show a very different story. Surely, going from a 15-0 finish in 2023 to an 8-5 finish doesn’t actually represent the standards of the program. The response? Well, that’s where the story gets better as Michigan is all in to seek redemption and rectify their mistakes of the 2024 season. Their recruitment exploits for the 2025 and 2026 classes are a bold testament to that. But in that rebuilding, Sherrone Moore might have actually overplayed their hand as reported in the media. But, how exactly it all unfolded?

Well, Michigan was recruiting prospects from around the country for their 2025 and 2026 classes. That includes big names like 5-star Quarterback Bryce Underwood, and offensive tackle Andrew Babalola for their 2025 class. And commits like 4-star cornerback Brody Jennings for their 2026 class. And, while there are only 2 hard commits in Michigan recruitment for 2026, they are still going hard for top prospects of the country. So, who exactly are they after?

Michigan, while focusing on other players reportedly (as per EJ Holland) primarily after the 2026 top wide receiver Chris Henry Jr. Holland, who is also a Michigan Insider at On3, reported, “I wouldn’t be surprised if Larry and Jolin or others involved with Underwood get the ball rolling with Henry. And yes, I do think Henry would be open to it. He has not shut the door on other programs and is looking hard at Oregon, Tennessee, and Texas A&M. What do all of those programs have in common? NIL. A big offer from Michigan could sway Henry and deliver a gut punch to the rival Buckeyes. It would be a win-win for the Wolverines“. So, do the Wolverines have any actual shot at landing Henry?

Contrary to Holland’s statement, Henry responded by refuting the comments with a savage photo of OSU co-offensive coordinator Brian Hartline smoking a cigar after OSU’s championship win. The post was seemingly a dig at Michigan and Holland. Surely, the photo and reply will not go down well with the fans of Michigan. What is the whole thing about? Let’s get into it.

Well, Henry had already committed to Ohio State way back in 2023 for its 2026 recruitment class and was following and attending training sessions with OSU’s coaching staff regularly. He even had all words of praise for Ryan Day and the Buckeyes after their final win, “Ryan Day the best coach in the nation…he just gives us great opportunities to make plays and go out there and ball.”

He also showered unconditional praise for coach Chip Kelly and wanted to play under his tutelage as soon as possible. So, overall Michigan’s reported efforts to sway Henry from OSU have been more or less futile, and the team should move their efforts elsewhere as soon as possible. Moving on, let’s see how OSU is faring with its recruitment for the 2025 and 2026 classes.

OSU’s recruitment game

Well, now it is clear that they have almost landed Chris Henry Jr, who is an elite wide receiver with a 5-star rating by On3. Furthermore, he will be a game-changer for Ryan Day and OSU in the long term. At 6 foot 5 and 205 lbs, he is a beast. Furthermore, his added legacy with his father Chris Henry Jr, who was an NFL great in his own right, also adds more glamor to his status. But, apart from the wide receiver OSU also has signed some very good prospects who could also be game changers in the long term.

Amongst these players is Tavien St. Clair, a 5-star quarterback, who at 6 ft 3 and 225 lbs, is a generational talent for OSU’s 2025 class. Moreover, the additions of 5-star cornerback Devin Sanchez and wide receiver Quincy Porter say a lot about the elite recruitment Ohi State is executing. In their 2026 class, they already have hard commitments from 4-star  Jakob Weatherspoon and a tight end Corbyn Forham. The verdict?

Well, both OSU and Michigan have still a lot to do for their 2025 class. And since the national signing day is well around the corner the focus will undoubtedly shift on that. As far as Michigan is concerned, they should definitely avoid any talks of Henry from now on.