Michigan Makes Move on Ohio State Recruit During Visit in Columbus

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Aug 30, 2025 2:50 PM ET

The rivalry between the Michigan Wolverines and the Ohio State Buckeyes runs deep. In recent years, Michigan has dominated on the field, currently on a four-game winning streak.

Now, the Wolverines are attacking the Buckeyes off the field, starting with the class of 2027 athlete Myson Johnson-Cook, who recently transferred to East St. Louis High School in Illinois.

On Saturday, Johnson-Cook traveled to Columbus to watch No. 3 Ohio State take on the No. 1 Texas Longhorns, marking his second unofficial visit with the Buckeyes.

Michigan Offers Johnson-Cook a Scholarship

However, Johnson-Cook was dealt a pretty large distraction during the game, because a video posted from Rivals reveals he received a scholarship offer from Michigan.

WATCH: Michigan offered elite ATH Myson Johnson-Cook during his visit to Ohio State today

Johnson-Cook is the No. 2 ATH in the 2027 class.

(via @mysonn2x)

Read: https://t.co/LzkiXSmlDL pic.twitter.com/Uby4ljsl7V
— Rivals (@Rivals) August 30, 2025

These two high-powered teams fighting for his commitment isn't a surprise, though. Rivals Industry Rankings places him as a four-star recruit, the No. 2 athlete, the No. 1 player in Illinois and the No. 27 player in the nation.

Last year, as a sophomore, playing for DeSoto High School, Johnson-Cook saw most of his production at running back, rushing the ball 88 times for 911 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Comparing Ohio State's and Michigan's Recent Recruiting Classes

The Buckeyes' and Wolverines' dominance has been tied to their ability to recruit at a high level. Over the last five years, though, Ohio State has taken the edge.

Ohio State's last five recruiting classes:

2026: 21 commitments - No. 8 in the nation.
2025:26 commitments - No. 5 in the nation.
2024: 23 commitments - No. 4 in the nation.
2023: 20 commitments - No. 4 in the nation.
2022: 21 commitments - No. 4 in the nation.

Michigan's last five recruiting classes:

2026: 23 commitments - No. 10 in the nation.
2025: 24 commitments - No. 6 in the nation.
2024: 27 commitments - No. 16 in the nation.
2023: 26 commitments - No. 18 in the nation.
2022: 22 commitments - No. 9 in the nation.

However, Johnson-Cook may not factor into Michigan's or Ohio State's 2027 class.

Rivals Sam Spiegelman reported that Georgia, Oregon, Miami, Texas, Baylor and LSU are other programs that have "come on strong" in the recruiting process.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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