Hiring in sports can create a ripple effect; the Detroit Lions might have unintentionally provided their in-state college football rivals in Ann Arbor with a recruiting advantage by hiring a new running backs coach.
Numerous sources from the Texas Longhorns and Detroit Lions indicate that the Lions are poised to hire Texas running backs coach Tashard Choice to be part of Dan Campbell’s team in the same role. This action could influence Michigan’s efforts to secure a prized 2026 running back prospect, Javian Osborne. Choice, a past NFL running back active from 2008 to 2013, has a strong connection with current Lions star Jahmyr Gibbs, whom he mentored at Georgia Tech. His exit from the Longhorns might have major consequences for their recruiting strategies, especially concerning the leading 2026 running back prospects.
Javian Osborne, a primary focus for Michigan’s running back coach Sherrone Moore, had been speculated to favor the Longhorns, with Choice significantly involved in his recruitment process. Many recruiting experts view the loss of Choice as a possible turning point for Michigan in their quest for Osborne. The Wolverines have been putting in significant effort to establish themselves as genuine contenders for the top-ranked running back prospect, and the lack of Choice on the Texas coaching staff might make Michigan a more attractive choice.
Osborne, a player who has received extensive recruitment for the 2026 class, is set to make an official visit to Ann Arbor on June 20th. This trip offers Michigan an excellent chance to influence Osborne’s choice in their direction. The Wolverines are anticipated to take advantage of Choice’s absence from Texas’ recruiting initiatives, which might alter Osborne’s view of the Longhorns.
Coach Sherrone Moore and his team have been dedicated to attracting top-tier talent, and the exit of an important coach like Choice might provide Michigan the advantage necessary to land one of the premier running backs in the 2026 class. Following Choice’s departure, the Wolverines will probably intensify their efforts to highlight their program’s advantages and what they can provide Osborne, both in gameplay and for his career development.
Michigan has demonstrated its talent for producing top-tier running backs lately, which might significantly influence Osborne’s choice. Given the Wolverines’ strong history and the recent coaching changes in Texas, this recruitment is set to become one of the most monitored of the 2026 cycle. It is yet to be determined how the elimination of Choice will affect Texas’ recruitment strategies, but Michigan appears to stand to gain from this alteration, and the Wolverines are in a strong position to aggressively pursue Osborne as his recruitment progresses.