Ohio State alters routines and targets recruiting ahead
PUBLISHED Nov 26, 2025, 7:44 AM ET
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Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State made routine and staffing changes as it prepares for Michigan in The Game, adjusting travel, practice and game-day rituals while emphasizing recruitment ahead of the expanded College Football Playoff. Coach Ryan Day said normalizing Michigan Week is necessary after four recent rivalry losses; the program will fly to Ann Arbor and implement a Buckeye Breakfast. Ohio State is targeting five offensive linemen in the 2026 signing, crediting offensive line coaching hires with recruiting gains. Michigan arrives with a strong running game but key injuries and uneven pass defense. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.
By Lauren Mitchell | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- Historic rivalry develops over decades, establishing The Game as an annual focal point.
- Urban Meyer structured year-round Michigan-focused preparation, compiling a 7-0 record against Michigan during his Ohio State tenure.
- Ryan Day experienced multiple losses to Michigan in recent seasons, producing a four-game losing streak that raised program concerns.
- Ohio State added offensive-line coaching staff and pursued a larger 2026 O-line class, targeting five signees in the Dec. 3-5 early window.
- Ahead of the next matchup, Ohio State changed Michigan Week routines — flying to Ann Arbor and adding Buckeye Breakfast to normalize preparations.
- Articles Published:
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Ohio State's coaching and recruiting staffs benefited from targeted operational changes and offensive-line recruiting efforts intended to normalize Michigan Week and build roster depth ahead of rivalry and expanded playoff implications.
Coach Ryan Day and Ohio State faced increased scrutiny after a four-game losing stretch to Michigan, prompting procedural changes and heightened emphasis on preparation and results.
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Ohio State alters routines and targets recruiting ahead
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