As the echoes of last season’s championship celebrations fade, the relentless grind of college football’s recruitment war takes center stage. The Big Ten is in the midst of an electrifying recruitment battle, with powerhouses like Ohio State and USC scrambling to secure their future stars while fending off relentless rival programs eager to snatch elite talent.
For Ryan Day, the task at hand is no easy feat. He might be a championship-winning coach, but even his program isn’t immune to the ever-intensifying transfer portal storm. As soon as Ohio State lifted the trophy at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the roster churn began. Some of his most trusted warriors—Will Howard, Jack Sawyer, and Emeka Egbuka—set their sights on the NFL Draft, while key members of his coaching staff, including Chip Kelly and Jim Knowles, departed for new challenges. Losing staff to both the NFL and conference rivals like Penn State has left Day in a delicate balancing act—keeping one eye on the upcoming season while also ensuring the long-term dominance of the Buckeyes.
However, the biggest threat isn’t just in roster attrition. Recruiting battles are growing fiercer, and the 2025, 2026, and even 2027 classes are already shaping up to be make-or-break seasons for powerhouse programs. For Ohio State, one name looms large: Jamier Brown, a four-star wide receiver from Wayne High School.
The Buckeyes’ Battle to Keep Jamier Brown
Recruiting analysts have Brown squarely in the “potential flip” category—a nightmare label for any coach. Despite verbally committing to Ohio State in November, the modern era of college football has turned verbal commitments into little more than placeholders. With rival schools sniffing around, a commitment isn’t real until it’s signed, sealed, and delivered.
And Brown? He’s keeping his options wide open.
Programs like Oregon and Tennessee have been relentless in their pursuit, and Dan Lanning is proving to be the most aggressive recruiter in the mix. Oregon has already extended a formal offer, and Brown’s scheduled visit to Eugene is raising alarms in Columbus. But the Ducks aren’t the only ones with their eyes on the prize. Miami, Texas A&M, Auburn, Florida State, and Florida have also thrown their hats in the ring, hoping to sway Brown before he inks a deal.
But perhaps the most dangerous suitor is Josh Heupel’s Tennessee Volunteers. According to On3, Brown is set for an unofficial visit to Knoxville in June, and he’s openly intrigued by what Tennessee has to offer.
“Tennessee sends me a lot of stuff, and they have been working to get me there, so I will check it out,” Brown admitted. “From what I know, it looks nice, so I want to get there and see what it is like.”
For Ohio State, this is more than just a battle for a wide receiver—it’s a battle for momentum, perception, and future dominance. Losing Brown to another Big Ten rival or an SEC powerhouse would be a gut punch, proving that even the defending champions aren’t invincible in today’s ruthless recruiting landscape.
Lincoln Riley Faces His Own Recruiting Nightmare
Ryan Day isn’t the only head coach on high alert. Over in Southern California, Lincoln Riley finds himself in a similarly precarious situation.
USC managed to land four-star defensive end Braeden Jones in a surprise recruiting coup last October, but keeping him locked in is proving to be an uphill battle. The Trojans’ recent recruiting department shake-ups have left question marks hanging over their ability to retain high-profile commits, and Jones is now being aggressively pursued by Notre Dame, Miami, and in-state rival Illinois.
For Riley, this isn’t just a single recruit—it’s a litmus test. USC’s defense has been a weak spot for years, and letting a prized defensive commit slip through the cracks would only deepen concerns about the program’s ability to build an elite defensive unit. Can Riley convince Jones that the Trojans are still the right fit, or will another powerhouse swoop in and steal him away?
Will Howard’s Bold Endorsement of Ohio State’s Future
While Ryan Day wrestles with recruiting chaos, he’s got one significant vote of confidence from a player who lived through the Ohio State experience—Will Howard.
The former Buckeyes QB1, who played a key role in their championship run last season before declaring for the NFL Draft, is adamant that Ohio State is still the best place for elite quarterbacks to develop. And for that, he credits Ryan Day and newly promoted quarterbacks coach Billy Fessler.
Fessler, who previously worked as an analyst, was elevated to quarterbacks coach this offseason—something Howard believes was the absolute right call.
“I’m so happy for him,” Howard said at the NFL Scouting Combine. “If Coach Day didn’t hire him to be the quarterbacks coach, I would have had a problem with it. He taught me so much this year, and he was integral to my development. He is absolutely 100 percent the best man for the job. He’s going to be great for that room.”
With Chip Kelly’s departure, some skeptics wondered if Ohio State’s offensive prowess would take a hit. But if Howard’s endorsement is any indication, the Buckeyes are still the premier destination for quarterbacks looking to take their game to the next level.
The Stakes Have Never Been Higher
The 2024 season may have ended in glory for Ohio State, but the battle never stops. As recruiting wars escalate, every move—every visit, every flip, every coaching hire—could mean the difference between staying on top or watching another program rise.
For Ryan Day, securing Jamier Brown would send a resounding message that Ohio State isn’t just a temporary dynasty—it’s a fortress.
For Lincoln Riley, keeping Braeden Jones in USC’s fold would prove that the Trojans are serious about rebuilding their defense.
And for every other program lurking in the shadows, waiting for the slightest misstep? This is their moment to strike.
The Big Ten’s recruiting battle is a high-stakes game of chess, and with the future of multiple programs hanging in the balance, the drama is just getting started. Buckle up—this ride is far from over.
