Michigan football’s latest commitment gets it. Not just that he espouses what it means to be a Michigan Man — to be academics-focused, to have a good head on his shoulders — but also what it means to wear a winged helmet beyond embracing the traditions and the ethos in Ann Arbor.
2026 Carrollton (Ga.) four-star cornerback Dorian Barney was thought to be headed elsewhere until his official visit for Victors Weekend. Then, on Saturday, he ended his recruitment, committing to the Wolverines. From there, he spoke to On3’s Chad Simmons (subscription required) where he uttered a simple sentence, sure to draw ire of folks to the immediate south of the Monroe-Toledo line.
“I will not lose to Ohio State while I’m there,” Barney said.
Those are some J.J. McCarthy vibes — albeit at a position not quite as vital as quarterback.
But having a player in the defensive backfield with that type of confidence, as Barney appears to hav,e is crucial against the Buckeyes. It’s two-fold: one, Michigan needs to field high-caliber defensive backs against OSU, especially as Ohio State loads up on wide receivers like they’re offensive linemen; two, for nearly two decades, there was disbelief in Ann Arbor that the Wolverines could beat the Buckeyes. Now the shoe is on the other foot.
Michigan has four straight wins over Ohio State at this juncture. By the time Barney arrives, it could be five or the clock could be reset to zero. But one thing is for sure — if Barney makes good on his promise, fans in Ann Arbor will be looking back to his comments as prescient. However, the Wolverines have to work to negate the flip side, as OSU wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has already vowed he won’t lose to Michigan for the next two years.
Source link : https://wolverineswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/wolverines/recruiting/2025/07/08/michigan-football-2026-dorian-barney-ohio-state-pledge/84504035007/
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Publish date : 2025-07-08 14:31:00
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