Four-star cornerback Bryce West committed to Ohio State on Saturday, giving the Buckeyes a boost over Michigan in more ways than one.
The rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan is never just contained to the football field. The Big Ten rivals also battle year-round on the recruiting trail.
On Saturday, the Buckeyes came away victorious in the scuffle for four-star cornerback Bryce West out of Glenville HS in Cleveland.
West announced his commitment to Ohio State over Michigan on Saturday, telling On3 that "the best players in Ohio stay in Ohio."
West completed several official visits this month with Michigan getting first crack at him. But in the end, the draw of staying in Ohio was greater than the pull of the Wolverines.
The 5-foot-11, 177-pound prospect ranks No. 49 overall in the 247Sports composite. He is the fourth-best corner in the class and the top prospect in the state of Ohio.
Ohio State leaps over Michigan in recruiting rankings with Bryce West commitment
The addition of West wasn't just an individual win over Michigan. Ohio State also benefited in the 247Sports composite team rankings. The Buckeyes leaped over the Wolverines to take the No. 2 spot in the class behind only Georgia.
Ohio State's class now includes 15 commitments with West making it four commits in the Top 50. West is the top-rated defender in the class with five-star wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Mylan Graham along with quarterback Air Noland leading the offensive side of the ball.
Michigan's class is still sitting strong at No. 3 nationally but Jim Harbaugh has to play catchup to Ryan Day and the Buckeyes now.
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