How IU football's 2026 starters stack up vs Ohio State? What the star rankings say
Did Indiana football close the talent gap with Ohio State? Here's how the recruit rankings for IU football's starters compare to Ohio State:
Indiana and Ohio State football teams squared off in a highly anticipated matchup on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Indiana, ranked No. 4, will face off against Ohio State, ranked No. 5. Indiana has a more robust recruiting profile compared to last year, with an increase in 4-star recruits, top 100 recruits, and a decrease in unranked players. Despite these improvements, there remains a significant contrast between the two teams in terms of star rankings.
In the quarterback position, Indiana's Josh Hoover from 2022 stands at 3-stars (national rank 709), while Ohio State's new recruit Julian Sayin from 2024 is a 5-star (national rank 6). In the skill positions, Indiana boasts wide receivers Charlie Becker and Nick Marsh, both 3-stars (national ranks 977 and 922), alongside receiver Shazz Preston and running back Turbo Richard, both 4-stars (national ranks 56 and 1,421).
Ohio State's wide receiver Devin McCuin from 2023 and safety Devin Sanchez from 2025 both hold 3-star rankings (no. 922 and 8 respectively).
The offensive line sees Indiana's Carter Smith (3-stars, national rank 730) and Luke Montgomery (0-stars) taking on Ohio State's Ian Moore (4-stars, national rank 168) and Luke Montgomery (4-stars, national rank 92). Defensively, Indiana's Mario Landino (3-stars, national rank 2,398) and Kenyatta Jackson Jr. (4-stars, national rank 60) face off against Ohio State's Eddrick Houston (5-stars, national rank 26) and Qua Russaw (5-stars, national rank 35).
Indiana's linebackers Isaiah Jones (3-stars, national rank 997) and Christian Alliegro (3-stars, national rank 1,271) will compete against Ohio State's Payton Pierce (4-stars, national rank 204) and Christian Alliegro (3-stars, national rank 1,271). Lastly, Indiana's cornerbacks Jaylen Bell and Jamari Sharpe (both 3-stars) will face Ohio State's Jermaine Mathews Jr. and Devin Sanchez (both 4-stars).
Finally, Indiana's safeties Byron Baldwin Jr. and Jaylen McClain (both 4-stars) will take on Ohio State's Qua Russaw and Jaylen McClain (both 5-stars).
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
