Eric Boggs
This past weekend, Ohio State football leveraged its top-five matchup against Indiana as a critical opportunity to host a blockbuster group of recruits, showcasing the program’s storied tradition and future ambitions. With a mix of official and unofficial visitors from multiple classes, the Buckeyes aimed to strengthen commitments, flip top talents, and leave lasting impressions on emerging stars. Here’s a comprehensive look at the recruits in attendance and the stakes for Ohio State’s recruiting efforts.
Focused Efforts in the 2025 Class
The Buckeyes are working diligently to solidify their 2025 recruiting class, ranked No. 2 nationally by 247Sports. Key visitors included five-star quarterback commit Tavien St. Clair, four-star wide receiver Phillip Bell, and four-star tight end Brody Lennon.
Cornerback Recruiting on Display
Defensive backs coach Tim Walton hosted two pivotal 2025 targets. Three-star Georgia cornerback Jordyn Woods, a Cincinnati commit, made his second visit to Columbus in a month. The Buckeyes have shown increased interest in Woods, and this weekend may have further solidified their position as a contender for his flip.
Joining Woods was Michigan State commit Aydan West, another three-star cornerback whom Walton has been quietly scouting. There was speculation heading into the weekend that West could leave Columbus with an offer. If so, Ohio State may need to act quickly to flip him before he returns to Michigan State for another visit. The Buckeyes’ interest in both players reflects Walton’s preparation for any potential changes to the current class, including the possible departure of four-star commit Na’eem Offord.
David Sanders Jr. Makes a Surprise Visit
In a late-breaking development, five-star offensive tackle David Sanders Jr., the No. 1 offensive tackle and No. 5 overall prospect in the 2025 class, attended the game. Sanders, who committed to Tennessee in August, rekindled his relationship with the Buckeyes’ coaching staff, including Ryan Day and offensive line coach Justin Frye. With Ohio State still searching for a premier offensive tackle in this class, flipping Sanders would be a monumental win.
Emerging Talent in the 2026 Class
The weekend also brought in a star-studded contingent from the 2026 recruiting cycle.
Tyler Atkinson, the No. 1 linebacker and No. 7 overall prospect, made his first game-day visit to Ohio Stadium. Atkinson, offered by Ohio State while still in eighth grade, has been a priority target for linebackers coach James Laurinaitis. His impressive junior season—99 tackles, 25 for loss, nine sacks, and 32 quarterback hurries—makes him a cornerstone prospect in this class.
Five-star safety Blaine Bradford and five-star cornerback Elbert Hill were also in attendance. Bradford, the No. 1 safety, visited for the first time since attending an OSU camp in June, while Hill, the top-ranked cornerback, has been a regular in Columbus.
Four-star offensive tackle Micah “Champ” Smith, a frequent visitor, continues to view Ohio State favorably, bolstering optimism for his recruitment.
The offensive and defensive sides of the ball were both well-represented. Offensive coordinator Brian Hartline hosted four-star wide receiver Devin Carter, while four-star defensive end Zavion Griffin-Haynes, a North Carolina commit, showed continued interest in Ohio State with another visit. Local four-star cornerback Jakob Weatherspoon made yet another appearance at Ohio Stadium, reinforcing speculation that the Buckeyes are pulling ahead in his recruitment.
Looking Ahead to the Future
Ohio State also welcomed younger prospects from the 2027 class, including quarterback Trae Taylor, who recently named the Buckeyes in his top 12. Taylor praised Ohio State’s balanced offense and the coaching staff’s vision for his development. Four-star linebacker Anthony Cartwright and defensive lineman Jeremiah Nash rounded out the group, giving the Buckeyes an early edge in building relationships with future stars.
Ohio State’s Recruiting Momentum
The weekend served as a major step in maintaining and advancing Ohio State’s recruiting momentum. From flipping top-tier talent like Sanders and Griffin-Haynes to solidifying relationships with elite underclassmen like Atkinson and Hill, the Buckeyes demonstrated their ability to remain a recruiting powerhouse. With a class already near the top of national rankings, this weekend’s efforts could elevate it to historic levels.
Ohio State fans should feel confident that the Buckeyes continue to position themselves for success on and off the field, as they attract the talent necessary to compete for national championships.
