If you’re a five-star wide receiver in America, odds are good you’ve got Brian Hartline’s number saved in your phone—and probably a Buckeye-themed dream somewhere in the back of your mind.
And for 2027 five-star sensation Dakota Guerrant, that dream is getting louder by the day.
The 6-foot-2 phenom out of Harper Woods, Michigan—the heart of enemy territory—is already stirring waves in recruiting circles. His electric performances at Ohio State’s recent 7-on-7 tournament showcased a frighteningly complete wideout: blazing speed, silky routes, and an end-zone magnetism that screams NFL future. But it wasn’t just the touchdowns that caught attention. It was his words.
“They’re Receiver U,” Guerrant said, flashing a confident grin. “They put guys in the league. They’re close. They win. They’ve got everything. It’s self-explanatory.”
And just like that, a Wolverine state superstar might be slipping into scarlet and gray.
A Legacy Built in First-Round Picks
Guerrant’s admiration for Ohio State is hardly shocking. After all, no other school in college football has built a wider, smoother highway from Saturday stardom to Sunday superstardom than Ohio State—especially under the tutelage of Brian Hartline, the Buckeyes’ wide receiver whisperer. In just the last five years, six of his pass-catchers have gone in the first round of the NFL Draft. That’s not development. That’s dynasty.
Guerrant got a firsthand taste of Hartline’s magic during a one-on-one workout this past weekend. It was intense. It was surgical. And it was unforgettable.
“His energy is crazy,” Guerrant recalled. “Every detail matters. Every step. Every break. He’s direct and locked in. That’s why those dudes are in the league. That’s why I’m listening.”
The Recruiter Within: Jamier Brown in His Ear
But Hartline’s not the only Buckeye pulling strings behind the scenes. Ohio-native Jamier Brown, a fellow five-star wideout in the 2027 class and current OSU commit, has been on a recruiting mission of his own.
“All the time,” Guerrant laughed. “He’s like, ‘You might as well commit.’ And honestly, we’d be a dangerous duo.”
The two already share chemistry on and off the field—something that could turn lethal inside the Horseshoe. With Brown already locked in, Guerrant’s commitment could make Ohio State’s future receiver room downright unfair.
A Shot at Early Stardom
Guerrant isn’t looking for empty promises. He’s watching closely. And what he sees at Ohio State is proof: if you’ve got the talent and the tenacity, you play early. Just ask Jeremiah Smith, who as a true freshman, torched defenses with 76 catches, 1,315 yards, and 15 touchdowns en route to a national title.
“If I come in, dominate, and handle business—I’ll play,” Guerrant said confidently. “Best man plays. That’s the standard.”
His favorite Buckeye receiver? Surprisingly, not Smith. Guerrant says he sees himself in Carnell Tate, the smooth-moving star poised to become WR1 next season.
“He’s just smooth—in and out of breaks. That’s how I play too.”
The Border Battle: Michigan or Ohio?
Now, here’s where the drama heats up. Guerrant is a Michigan native—less than an hour from Ann Arbor. He’s heard it all from his hometown.
“They’re like, ‘You’re built for Michigan. Don’t go to the other side,’” he said, smirking.
But while maize-and-blue loyalists cling to hometown pride, Guerrant is thinking like a pro. His checklist? NFL development, a winning culture, schematic excellence, and elite coaching stability. And right now, Ohio State checks every box.
He’s still got visits lined up—Tennessee, Oregon, Texas A&M, and yes, even Michigan—but he’s already planning another trip back to Columbus this fall, this time to feel the electricity of a game day.
The Bigger Picture: NIL, Culture, and the NFL Pipeline
Guerrant is part of a new breed of recruits: smart, strategic, and focused on the long game. He isn’t just chasing hype—he’s chasing legacy. He wants a locker room culture that breeds accountability, a coaching staff that schemes for stars, and a program built to make millionaires in the NFL, not just on Instagram.
“I want a coach who puts guys in the league. A good head coach. A strong culture in the receiver room. A place that wins. And a system that schemes guys open,” Guerrant said. “That’s the formula.”
And right now, Ohio State is mixing that formula to perfection.
The Race Is On
With 18 months left until signing day, the chess match for Dakota Guerrant’s signature has only just begun. But if you’re looking for signs of where his heart—and his future—might be leaning, Columbus is starting to feel like home.
Michigan may have geography, but Ohio State has the résumé, the recruits, the rings, and the roadmap.
So don’t blink, college football fans. The battle for Guerrant could define the next chapter of the Ohio State–Michigan rivalry—and possibly, the future of “Receiver U.”
