'One loss doesn't change anything': OSU football commits, recruits react to Michigan game

Colin Gay, The Columbus Dispatch
·4 min read
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Jason Moore's feelings about Ohio State football have not changed.

The Ohio State 2023 defensive line commit was at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, watching the Buckeyes lose to Michigan for the second-straight season and for the first time at home since 2000.

If anything, Moore said, it adds fuel for what he wants to accomplish once he arrives at OSU.

"It was a great experience," Moore said. "The atmosphere was crazy. I loved it and (I) can't wait to play in front of an environment like that. The game wasn't so good since we lost. But, for me, it makes me even more excited to come in and work harder and prepare to beat TTUN next year at (their) place."

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Ohio State 2023 tight end commit Jelani Thurman said the atmosphere continued to be "wild and exciting," and looks forward to when he will "call Ohio my home."

Ian Moore, Ohio State's latest 2024 offensive line commit, feels his future unit "played great" and "played their butts off." And while he wasn't happy to see how the game ended, "every team has their losses."

"I still love Columbus," he said. "I still love OSU and one loss doesn't change anything."

Ohio State 2023 TE commit Jelani Thurman walks off the field at Ohio Stadium with 2023 WR commit Carnell Tate.
Ohio State 2023 TE commit Jelani Thurman walks off the field at Ohio Stadium with 2023 WR commit Carnell Tate.

Bryson Rodgers, Ohio State's 2023 wide receiver commit, maintained his loyalty to the Buckeyes, tweeting he's "forever locked in," after the loss.

Ryan Montgomery 'surprised' by Ohio State-Michigan outcome

Ryan Montgomery was shocked by what happened at Ohio Stadium Saturday afternoon.

The Findlay 2025 quarterback, who has offers from both Ohio State and Michigan, said he had another great experience at Ohio Stadium visiting with his brother, 2023 Ohio State offensive line commit Luke Montgomery.

"I think we're all surprised of how the outcome was, especially at home, but it will only fuel the fire for them once again," Ryan Montgomery said. "Excited to keep building the relationship with the coaching staff and learning more."

As for what the Wolverines showed against the Buckeyes, Ryan Montgomery said it was a continuation of dominance he's seen from Michigan all season.

2025 QB Ryan Montgomery attended Ohio State's loss to Michigan Saturday.
2025 QB Ryan Montgomery attended Ohio State's loss to Michigan Saturday.

"I knew Michigan was super dominant, but to do that to OSU at home without their RB is crazy," he said. "Will only keep going up from here."

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Emaree Winston, a 2025 tight end out of Calhoun, Georgia, said Ohio State "fought to the end and didn't give up" and was impressed by the fans at Ohio Stadium.

Miles Lockhart, a four-star athlete out of Chandler, Arizona, said he loved Columbus "like always," saying he could "hear the stadium before even reaching it."

"Even though the outcome wasn't great, I still like (Ohio State) a lot," Lockhart said. "This game doesn't change where they stand for me."

After attending the Ohio State Michigan game Saturday, 2024 running back Stacy Gage let people know Ohio State was still in the running.

"It's still GOBUCKS," Gage tweeted Saturday night.

Ohio State offers 2024 ATH Boo Carter

Even after Ohio State's loss to Michigan, the Buckeyes continued their recruiting efforts, giving an offer to four-star running back/defensive back Boo Carter.

The 5-foot-10, 184-pound athlete out of Chattanooga, Tennessee is the No. 267 player in the 2024 class and holds offers from Florida State, Arkansas, LSU, Michigan, Miami and Tennessee, among others.

Recruit Boo Carter visits Ohio Stadium during the Ohio State, Michigan game.
Recruit Boo Carter visits Ohio Stadium during the Ohio State, Michigan game.

Carter said he left Ohio Stadium Saturday impressed by the atmosphere.

"The atmosphere was crazy," Carter said. "The stadium was packed with 49 mins on the clock before kickoff. The fans was loud, coaches and players showed love. I’ll be back for another game for sure."

Carter also said Ohio State "stands heavy" in his recruiting.

Ohio State also extended offers to 2026 wide receiver Malachi Toney and 2024 wide receiver Elijah Moore after the Michigan loss.

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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State football recruiting: Players react to Michigan loss