5-star OT Felix Ojo's recruitment takes wild turn as Michigan falls out of contention

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Massive 5-star OT Felix Ojo is set to announce his commitment on Friday, and it was originally expected to be between Texas, Ohio State, Michigan, and Florida. The Longhorns and Buckeyes were both the perceived favorites in his recruitment, but the Wolverines weren't giving up. Ojo enjoyed his visit to Michigan, and with how well the Wolverines have developed offensive linemen, it was an intriguing situation for Ojo.
However, on Thursday night, Ojo's recruitment took a spin. Out of seemingly nowhere, Rivals' Sam Spiegelman and Steve Wiltfong placed predictions in favor of Ojo committing to Texas Tech. The Red Raiders weren't in Ojo's final four, but with how Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) works -- any team can find a way.
NEW: Rivals’ @samspiegs and @SWiltfong_ have logged expert predictions for Texas Tech to land 5-star OT Felix Ojo🌵
— Rivals (@Rivals) July 3, 2025
Read: https://t.co/5X3J4NUwFm pic.twitter.com/2GFzuXKlqF
Texas Tech has spent a ton of money on NIL via the transfer portal this past cycle, and now it appears the Red Raiders are taking it to the recruiting trail as well. Getting Ojo out of Texas was going to be a hard task for Michigan, but keeping him away from Austin appeared to be the difficult path.
With Michigan seemingly no longer in contention for Ojo, the Wolverines will continue to search the 2026 class for more offensive linemen. Michigan currently has four-stars Malakai Lee, Marky Walbridge, and Bear McWhorter committed in the '26 cycle.
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Trent began writing and covering Michigan athletics back in 2020. He became a credentialed member of the media in 2021. Trent began writing with Sports Illustrated in 2023 and became the Managing Editor for Michigan Wolverines On SI during the 2025 football season. Trent also serves as the Publisher of Baylor Bears on SI. His other bylines have appeared on Maryland on SI, Wisconsin on SI, and across the USA TODAY Sports network. Trent’s love of sports and being able to tell stories to fans is what made him get into writing.
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