Although the Ohio State Buckeyes are still riding high from their national championship victory over Notre Dame last month, the excitement has been slightly dampened by a recent recruiting setback. This past weekend, the Buckeyes faced a disappointing loss in their 2026 recruiting cycle, much to the delight of rival fans.
Illinois Makes a Big Move
In a stunning turn of events, the Illinois Fighting Illini, under the guidance of Coach Bret Bielema, secured the school’s highest-rated recruit since his arrival in Champaign. Four-star cornerback Victor Singleton made headlines by committing to Illinois on Saturday evening, as reported by On3’s Hayes Fawcett. This is no ordinary recruit; Singleton is not only a four-star prospect but also the top player in Ohio and one of the nation’s top-3 cornerbacks, hailing from Central Catholic High School.
Ohio State’s Crystal Ball Prediction Gone Wrong
Things took a turn for the worse for Ohio State fans when Buckeyes beat reporter Bill Kurelic provided a 100 percent Crystal Ball projection indicating that Singleton would be joining Ryan Day in Columbus. This prediction sent the Ohio State fanbase into a frenzy, as they flooded Kurelic’s mentions with their frustrations after his forecast fell flat.
One particularly disgruntled fan expressed his outrage by threatening to cancel his VIP membership, while another pointed out that Singleton might find more immediate playing time at Illinois under Bielema than he would at Ohio State. “Bill, as an avid OSU fan, I purchased the VIP subscription to see your VIP scoop on Singleton coming to OSU,” user Sanjiv lamented. “I can’t believe I was led astray by your prediction and feel like I was cheated out of my money. What do you have to say for yourself?”
Fans React to the Disappointment
The discontent among fans was palpable. Juice George, another frustrated supporter, backed up Sanjiv’s sentiments, encouraging him to “Get your money back, king.” Such reactions highlight the passion and investment Ohio State fans have in their program and the recruiting process.
Singleton’s Decision and Illinois’ Momentum
Despite the disappointment for Ohio State, Singleton holds no grudges against any school that pursued him. He ultimately chose Illinois due to the program’s rapid ascent to national prominence. Last season, the Illini achieved their best record since 2001, finishing with a commendable 10-3 record. This included a thrilling 21-17 victory over South Carolina in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Eve.
“There’s a lot of momentum going with the program right now,” Singleton shared with Rivals’ Greg Smith shortly after his commitment. “I’m excited to be part of the family.” His enthusiasm for joining Illinois speaks volumes about the direction the program is heading and the opportunities it presents for young athletes.
Looking Ahead: A Potential Showdown
As Singleton prepares for his college career, the excitement builds for his first chance to face off against Ohio State. In the fall of 2026, Singleton’s Illinois team will host the Buckeyes in what promises to be a pivotal game in a soon-to-be competitive Big Ten landscape. This matchup will be particularly intriguing, as Illinois will have played Ohio State in Champaign the previous year, setting the stage for a thrilling rivalry.
Will the Illibuck trophy remain relevant in the coming years? That question will loom large as both teams vie for supremacy in the conference. Fans from both sides will undoubtedly be eager to see how Singleton performs against the Buckeyes, who will be looking to prove they made the right choice in their recruiting efforts.
The Bigger Picture
While Ohio State fans may be disheartened by the loss of Singleton, it’s essential to remember that recruiting is a complex and unpredictable process. The Buckeyes currently sit at 18th in the 2026 recruiting class rankings according to 247 Sports, and there are still plenty of opportunities ahead.
Whether the Buckeye faithful choose to continue following Kurelic’s insights or seek their recruiting updates elsewhere, one thing is clear: Victor Singleton is the big winner in this scenario. He is on the verge of starting a new chapter in his football journey, and the decisions he makes now will shape his future in ways that are yet to be seen.
In the ever-evolving world of college football, the excitement never wanes. Fans will continue to rally behind their teams, and the quest for the next big recruit will always be a thrilling ride. As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on Singleton and the impact he will have on the Illinois program, as well as how Ohio State responds to this setback in their recruiting strategy. The journey is just beginning, and the best is yet to come!
