On the Road: Observations on three Ohio State targets in Michigan

DETROIT – Ohio State has started to offer more prospects in the state of Michigan in upcoming recruiting classes.

The Buckeyes have offered three prospects from Michigan in both the 2026 and 2027 classes. Lettermen Row made trip up north on Thursday to see a pair of Ohio State targets at practice and another in game at the Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic.

– Starting with the Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic, Lettermen Row watched Davison (Mich.) led by four-star offensive lineman Ben Nichols take on Warren (Mich.) De La Salle Collegiate. The biggest thing that stood out about Nichols is that he is a big dude. He is every bit of the 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds that he is listed at on his On3 profile. Nichols is physically-imposing prospect and he plays like it on the field. When Nichols got two hands on a defender on Thursday night, he moved them off the ball and often put them on the turf. He was also strong in pass protection whenever the Davison offense dropped back. He gets out of his stance well and has a powerful punch that knocks defenders off their path.

– Nichols did have his struggles, however. He struggled a few times when Davison pulled him on a run play or when he was asked to get up second level to block a linebacker. Nichols plays left tackle, like most Division I offensive line prospects do in high school, but projects best as a guard. He has good athleticism but his footwork and mobility need improvement.

– Overall, Nichols looked and played like a Power Four offensive line prospect in his season opener. He easily moved defenders off the ball and held up in pass protection.

– As for Nichols’ recruitment, he told Lettermen Row after the game that he is planning to visit Ohio State this season. He is continuing to build his relationship with offensive line coach Justin Frye after earning an offer from the Buckeyes are camp this summer. Notre Dame and Penn State are two other programs that are high on his list.

– Prior to arriving at Wayne State University, Lettermen Row stopped at two high schools in Michigan to see a pair of Ohio State targets in the 2027 class. The first was four-star Dexter (Mich.) tight end Holden Niemi. Ohio State offered Niemi at camp this summer. He has been building his relationship with tight ends coach Keenan Bailey and plans to visit this season. Michigan is the team to beat in this recruitment but he is listening to the Buckeyes and a few SEC programs. Niemi plans to visit Ohio State for a game this season.

– Another prospect at Dexter worth watching is three-star offensive tackle Cam Clark, a Wisconsin commit. He is 6-foot-7 and 280-pound tackle prospect that is oozing with potential. Ohio State has not reach out but that could change if Clark has a strong start to his senior season.

– The second stop was to Harper Woods (Mich.) which is home to four-star athlete Dakota Guerrant. Ohio State offered Guerrant at camp this summer after he worked out at both wide receiver and defensive back. Guerrant is one of the top 2027 prospects in Michigan and his cousin is a freshman on the Michigan football team but he has a genuine interest in the Buckeyes. He has relationship with both wide receivers coach Brian Hartline and cornerbacks coach Tim Walton. This is shaping up to be the first real Ohio State vs. Michigan recruiting battle for prospect from the Wolverine State in several recruiting cycles. Guerrant plans to be at multiple Ohio State games this season.