Recruitment is an essential aspect of building a successful college football program, and Miami and Ohio State have been rival competitors in this arena for many years. As they prepare to face off in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic on New Year’s Eve, the implications of their ongoing recruiting battles are more relevant than ever.
The recruitment timeline between these two teams reveals a competitive landscape where elite prospects were sought after relentlessly over recent seasons. This article delves into the recruiting classes from the past few years, highlighting the direct face-offs between Miami and Ohio State for high school talent, and noting which players are poised to impact the upcoming bowl game.
In the 2022 recruiting cycle, Miami was undergoing a transition, which limited their recruitment power. Ohio State secured a significant win with the acquisition of 4-star defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr., who has become a standout performer for the Buckeyes with impressive statistics including 11 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. On the other hand, Miami managed to bring 4-star safety Markeith Williams into their fold, who despite starting his college career strong, was later dismissed from the team.
The 2023 recruiting class saw Miami reclaim some ground, notably with 4-star running back Mark Fletcher Jr. His commitment to Miami after originally being an Ohio State pledge has proven fruitful, as he has emerged as a vital part of the Hurricanes’ offense. Meanwhile, Ohio State poached some local talent, like 4-star wide receiver Brandon Inniss, who currently plays a critical role in their receiving corps.
Highlighting the stakes of the 2024 class, the most notable battle was for 5-star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, regarded as potentially the best high school prospect from South Florida in 25 years. Despite Miami’s intensive efforts, Smith ultimately committed to Ohio State, a decision that could have long-term ramifications for both teams. Conversely, Miami celebrated wins by securing 4-star defensive tackle Justin Scott, who has started for the Hurricanes and showcased his elite talent.
In the latest 2025 class, both teams continued to recruit aggressively, with Ohio State winning out on several prospects while Miami secured a few of their own. Miami’s reach in Ohio and impressive performances from their early enrollees suggest that the competition continues to evolve, with both teams impacting each other’s recruitment strategies significantly.
Historically, these recruiting skirmishes have resulted in a scorecard that leans slightly in favor of Miami with 12 wins compared to Ohio State’s 9. However, key player contributions from both teams reveal that victories in recruiting translate into significant on-field talent for the bowl game and beyond. Ohio State benefits from having its starting quarterback and multiple star receivers, whereas Miami looks to its foundational players who have the potential to elevate their program in the long run.
As both teams gear up for a high-stakes encounter, the fallout from these recruiting battles is evident. With each program offering its unique strengths, including youthful talent for Miami and proven stars for Ohio State, the Cotton Bowl promises to be a thrilling display of athletic prowess and prospective future stars. The ongoing rivalry in recruitment adds an extra layer of excitement to this already critical matchup. As fans await the showdown, one can expect that the efforts in recruitment will have a lasting impact on both teams’ performances as they strive for victory on New Year’s Eve.