OSU is so successful because it gets first choice of its kids AND the very best in the other Big Ten states with losing programs. What kid in Illinois is going to go with UoI if OSU offers him a scholarship? There are no programs which would be more appealing than that at OSU only a handful is its equal.
I looked at the state origin of the starters last night and there were several more out of state kids on UM (including from Ohio) than OSU.
Yeah but it didn't used to be that way.
Cooper was more focused on getting the big out of state recruits at the expense of a few in-state recruits.
That changed completely when Tressel took over.
In fact, had Cooper been the coach in 2002, chances are Troy Smith would NOT be a Buckeye right now.