Some of the best players in the history of Michigan football have been from the state of Ohio, so when the Wolverines land a recruit from the Buckeye State, fans take notice.
On Saturday, Michigan football landed an Ohio recruit. Still, it wasn't one anyone expected as running back Jonathan Brown, who recently earned an offer from the Wolverines, announced his commitment around midnight to Michigan.
Thoughts on a surprise commitment for Michigan football
Brown is 6-foot-1, 200 pounds out of Columbus, Ohio. He's ranked as a three-star prospect, according to 247 Sports, but is the 44th-best running back in the 2026 class, as well as the No. 31 recruit in the state of Ohio.
Rutgers offered Brown recently. Outside of that, the offer list isn't overly impressive. Yet, Brown is a rising prospect in the 2026 class. He got on Michigan's radar after standing out at one of the Wolverines' recent camps.
According to Allen Trieu, Brown is an "explosive" athlete who rushed for 1,295 yards and 16 touchdowns on 202 carries last season. Michigan football was impressed during its evaluation, according to EJ Holland of The Wolverine.
"Brown quietly earned an offer from the Wolverines following a stellar camp performance that saw him earn RB MVP. Brown put up impressive testing times, running a 4.55 40-yard dash and posting a 40-inch vertical," Holland wrote.
4.55 is an impressive time for a 200-pound running back. Brown feels like a late riser. Michigan football is still aiming for Savion Hiter, and the Wolverines will take two running backs.
However, before rival fans ridicule the offer, just remember that Rod Moore was a low three-star recruit when he committed. Ohio State didn't offer him either.
Brown might not end up as a blue-chip recruit but his ranking will improve quite a bit between now and Early National Signing Day.