The recruitment landscape between Ohio State and Michigan has seen notable shifts, with several four-star athletes transitioning their commitments from Ohio State to Michigan. A prominent example is **Kyle Kalis**, an offensive lineman who initially committed to Ohio State in September 2010. However, in July 2011, amidst NCAA investigations at Ohio State, Kalis switched his commitment to Michigan. He was highly regarded, being a five-star prospect and the No. 1 prospect from Ohio at the time.
Another significant case is **Chris Evans**, a versatile athlete from Indianapolis. Despite being a long-time Ohio State fan, Evans committed to Michigan in June 2015 after attending a satellite camp where he impressed Michigan’s coaching staff. Even after Ohio State pursued him later, Evans reaffirmed his commitment to Michigan in January 2016.
More recently, the recruitment of **Zahir Mathis**, a four-star edge rusher from Philadelphia, has garnered attention. Mathis initially committed to Ohio State on January 10, 2024, but decommitted in November 2024. As of late December 2024, he is considering multiple programs, with Michigan emerging as a strong contender due to his connections with head coach Sherrone Moore and defensive line coach Lou Esposito. Mathis is particularly impressed with Michigan’s history of developing edge rushers, aligning with his playing style.
These instances highlight the dynamic nature of college football recruiting, where athletes reassess their commitments based on program developments, coaching relationships, and personal aspirations. The potential addition of Mathis to Michigan’s roster underscores the program’s ongoing efforts to attract top-tier talent, even from rivals like Ohio State.
