Michigan media plants seed to get Ohio State’s biggest weapon poached

There are four months until “The Game,” but it’s never too early to stir the pot when discussing Ohio State vs. Michigan.

Eleven days ahead of 2023 Big Ten Media Days in Indianapolis, the tension between Ohio State and Michigan has only become more heightened, thanks to Michigan media members.

The Wolverines and Buckeyes are coming off College Football Playoff semifinal exits in colossal heartbreakers to TCU and Georgia, respectively, and the two bitter rivals are two Big Ten heavyweight favorites that have the potential to meet twice in 2023, depending on how the season plays out.

Of course, before college football can even begin, there has been immense controversy brewing between the two schools, and it isn’t related to anything happening directly on the gridiron.

Brian Hartline has been linked to Northwestern’s coaching vacancy

While Northwestern’s football program is going through controversy of its own with the firing of coach Pat Fitzgerald over hazing allegations, several candidates have emerged to take over the permanent position in 2024, which is currently held by interim coach David Braun, who is the Wildcats’ defensive coordinator.

One of those candidates is Brian Hartline, the Buckeyes’ offensive coordinator, and former NFL veteran, H/T Buckeyes Wire.

According to Michigan beat reporter Steve Lorenz of 247Sports, Hartline seems like a worthy coach for the job, as does national recruiting director Steve Wiltfong who said Hartline is “another name that makes a lot of sense.”

Regardless of whether or not Hartline takes the job, it’s worth noting that the 36-year-old ex-Miami Dolphins wide receiver is taking over an offense that averaged the second-most points per game with 44.2, according to Team Rankings, not to mention the fact that the Buckeyes have a habit of contending for postseason January football almost every year.

With less than 50 days until college football begins, this story is just beginning, as is a new era in Big Ten athletics which will see games air on BTN, NBC, CBS, FOX, and Peacock, to name a few.