COLUMBUS, Ohio — Oregon’s push on the recruiting trail since coach Dan Lanning took over has been easy to see.
The latest push, though, fueled by his team’s No. 1 ranking nearing the end of October, might be the most significant challenge the Ducks have presented to the Buckeyes.
Five-star 2026 quarterback Jared Curtis told On3 that the Ducks are the leaders in his recruitment right now. The No. 6 overall prospect and No. 1 quarterback in the 247Sports composite rankings recently decommitted from Georgia, and has long been an Ohio State target. But now, that appears to be an uphill battle for the Buckeyes to land his services
Then, On3 also reported that Zion Elee is trending toward Oregon as well. The five-star 2026 edge rusher from St. Frances Academy (Baltimore) has Ohio State on the shortlist of schools he’s considering. He is rated as the No. 16 overall prospect and No. 3 edge rusher in the 247Sports composite rankings.
Ohio State has a major competitor on the recruiting side of things in the Big Ten — and it’s going to be a battle for the foreseeable future.
Ohio State announces Saturday theme for fans
If your favorite color is red, Saturday’s game between Ohio State and Nebraska is the one for you.
Of course, it’s not exactly “red” for either school, as both the Buckeyes and Cornhuskers both have scarlet as one of their primary colors. But at noon on Saturday, Ohio Stadium will be loaded with that color as the game will be a “Scarlet The Shoe” day, it was announced Monday.
Nebraska, which historically boasts a proud and loyal fanbase that travels well, will have to have their fans wear white if they want to stick out on Saturday. Otherwise, there will be about 100,000 people wearing the same color in Columbus.
Key dates
- Ohio State vs Nebraska: 4 days, Oct. 26
- Ohio State at Penn State: 11 days, Nov. 2
- First CFP Rankings: 14 days, Nov. 5
- The Game 2024: 39 days, Nov. 30
- Big Ten Championship Game: 46 days, Dec. 7
- Early Signing Period: 59 days, Dec. 20-22
- National Championship Game: 90 days, Jan. 20, 2025