Ohio State Recruiting Director Erin Dunston Joins Michigan

In a significant shift within college football's storied rivalry, a prominent member of the Ohio State University football staff has departed for the University of Michigan. Erin Dunston, who served as the assistant athletic director for football recruiting and events at Ohio State, is set to join Michigan's coaching staff, marking a notable transition in the competitive landscape of Big Ten football.

Dunston's move comes at a critical time for both programs. Since joining Ohio State in 2021, she played a pivotal role in the Buckeyes' recruiting efforts, helping the team secure four consecutive top-five recruiting classes. Under her guidance, Ohio State consistently ranked among the best in the nation, achieving the top spot in the 2025 recruiting cycle according to composite rankings. Her expertise in organizing official visits and managing recruiting events was highly regarded, with Ohio State's head coach praising her as an "event planner" who orchestrated complex recruiting weekends.

The decision for Dunston to switch allegiances is not entirely unexpected, as she has familial ties to Michigan. Her sister is a former player and current assistant coach for the Wolverines' women's basketball team, suggesting a personal connection to the university that may have influenced her career move. This familial bond adds a layer of complexity to the rivalry, which has historically been characterized by fierce competition and deep-seated animosity between the two schools.

Dunston is not the only Ohio State staff member to make this transition recently. Just weeks prior, the Wolverines hired a running backs coach from Ohio State, further intensifying the competitive dynamics between the two programs. This trend of staff movement highlights the ongoing shifts in college football, where recruiting prowess can significantly impact a team's success on the field.

Michigan's football program, which recently celebrated its first national championship since 1997, is undergoing a period of transition following the departure of its head coach for an NFL position. The Wolverines are looking to bolster their coaching staff to maintain their competitive edge, especially after losing several key players to the NFL Draft. Dunston's hiring is seen as a strategic move to enhance Michigan's recruiting capabilities as they aim to build on their recent successes.

As the college football landscape continues to evolve, the implications of such staff changes extend beyond individual programs. The rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan is one of the most storied in sports, with a history that dates back over a century. Each victory and loss carries significant weight, not just for the teams involved but for their respective fan bases and the broader college football community.

In the wake of Dunston's departure, Ohio State faces the challenge of filling a crucial role during a busy recruiting period. With official visits scheduled and a recruiting dead period approaching, the Buckeyes must quickly adapt to ensure they maintain their status as a powerhouse in college football recruiting.

As both programs navigate these changes, the rivalry remains as fierce as ever, with each side looking to gain an advantage in the ever-competitive world of college athletics. The hiring of Dunston by Michigan serves as a reminder of the fluid nature of coaching staff dynamics and the ongoing battle for supremacy in one of college football's most intense rivalries.