In the ever-evolving landscape of college football recruiting, two schools are vying for the attention of elite prospects, and the stakes couldn't be higher. As the 2026 recruiting cycle heats up, notable athletes like running back Javian Osborne and offensive lineman Leo Delaney are making headlines with their recruitment journeys.
Javian Osborne, a standout running back from Texas, has made waves with his recent comments comparing Notre Dame to a legendary NFL franchise. On April 7, 2025, during an interview with On3’s Josh Newberg, the 5-foot-10, 195-pound recruit stated, "Notre Dame is like the Dallas Cowboys of college football." This bold statement underscores the Fighting Irish's storied history and national prominence in the sport.
Osborne is currently ranked as the nation’s No. 83 overall prospect according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings. He has narrowed his choices down to Notre Dame and Michigan, with both schools set to host him for official visits in mid-June. While he has also scheduled visits to Georgia and Miami, those programs are not viewed as serious contenders for his commitment. As he prepares to make his decision, Osborne's comparison of Notre Dame to the Cowboys certainly raises expectations for the Irish, who are looking to bolster their roster with top-tier talent.
Meanwhile, in Ann Arbor, Michigan football is making significant strides in its recruitment efforts. Four-star offensive lineman Leo Delaney, who stands at an impressive 6-foot-6 and weighs 280 pounds, recently visited the Michigan campus over the weekend of April 5-6, 2025. Delaney, ranked No. 132 overall in the 2026 class by 247 Sports, has become a hot commodity in the recruiting world. His visit to Michigan reportedly went exceptionally well, leading to a crystal ball projection favoring Tennessee for his commitment just before his trip.
Delaney's father expressed confidence in Michigan's appeal, stating, "Michigan is more than a contender. It’s an unusual blend of academics and high-level football that I think is pretty much unmatched." This sentiment reflects the Wolverines' strong academic and athletic reputation, which has been a significant factor in their recruiting success. After his visit, Delaney tweeted about the experience, saying, "Had a great time at Michigan this weekend! Go Blue!"
With official visits scheduled to Michigan, Clemson, and Tennessee this summer, Delaney's recruitment is heating up. The Wolverines currently hold an 82-percent chance to secure his commitment according to the On3 recruiting prediction machine. However, the competition remains fierce, especially with Clemson and Tennessee also in the mix, each hoping to sway him in their favor.
In a twist of fate, Michigan football had hoped to add to its commitment list with the announcement of four-star tight end Brock Harris, who was set to reveal his college choice on April 7, 2025. Despite the Wolverines and Oregon being frontrunners in his recruitment, Harris ultimately decided to commit to BYU, leaving Michigan with three commitments in the 2026 cycle. However, the Wolverines remain optimistic about their chances with other prospects, particularly Delaney.
On April 8, 2025, following Delaney's visit, predictions in favor of Michigan began to surface, with analysts from both On3 and 247Sports placing their bets on the Wolverines to land the talented lineman. Delaney's recent campus visit has solidified Michigan's position, as he expressed his enthusiasm about the program and the coaching staff.
Michigan has established a strong recruiting pipeline from Providence Day School, where Delaney played alongside current Wolverines Jadyn Davis and Channing Goodwin. This familiarity has undoubtedly played a role in Delaney's positive impressions of Michigan, as he continues to weigh his options.
The recruiting landscape is constantly changing, and while Michigan is trending upward with Delaney, the Wolverines must navigate the challenges posed by their competitors. With official visits on the horizon, it will be crucial for Michigan to maintain its momentum and continue to showcase its unique blend of academic and athletic excellence.
As the 2026 recruiting class takes shape, the focus remains on how these young athletes will shape the future of their respective programs. With Osborne and Delaney both being highly sought-after recruits, their decisions will have significant implications for Notre Dame and Michigan as they look to build competitive teams for the upcoming seasons.
In conclusion, the race for top recruits like Javian Osborne and Leo Delaney is heating up as both Notre Dame and Michigan position themselves as frontrunners. The excitement surrounding these prospects is palpable, and as they prepare for their official visits, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see where these talented athletes ultimately decide to commit.
