Eric Boggs
Ohio State’s future under center continues to take shape as Brady Edmunds strengthened his standing among the nation’s elite by earning an invitation to the prestigious Elite 11 Finals this summer. The Huntington Beach standout, already committed to the Ohio State Buckeyes since December 2024, secured his spot after a standout showing at the Los Angeles regional and became the first quarterback in the 2027 class to lock in a Finals invitation.
The Elite 11 Finals, now entering its 27th year, annually gathers 20 of the top high school quarterbacks in the country for three days of advanced competition and instruction. Alumni of the event include stars such as Carson Palmer, Andrew Luck, Matthew Stafford, Tim Tebow, Trevor Lawrence, C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young, underscoring the significance of Edmunds’ achievement. His production backs up the hype: 2,724 passing yards, 32 touchdowns and just two interceptions as a junior, plus more than 8,600 yards and 107 total touchdowns across three seasons. Ranked No. 115 overall and the No. 10 quarterback nationally according to the 247 composite, he remains firmly committed to Columbus and has praised head coach Ryan Day for his quarterback-friendly system and development track record.
Edmunds’ rise comes amid an intriguing quarterback landscape for Ohio State’s 2027 cycle. One major storyline involves Champ Monds IV, a Florida prospect who reclassified from 2028 to 2027 and is drawing heavy interest from multiple programs. While the Buckeyes remain involved, programs closer to home may hold an edge. Still, Ohio State’s long-standing commitment from Edmunds provides stability at the position and reduces pressure to chase late additions.
The Buckeyes could still add a second quarterback in the class, and one name drawing attention is RJ Day, the coach’s son. Though considered more developmental, he offers familiarity with the system and long-term depth potential. Another in-state signal caller to monitor is Brady Maxwell, a Perrysburg standout known for toughness, mobility and strong football IQ. With interest from several programs and the possibility of pursuing baseball, his recruitment remains fluid.
Looking further ahead, Ohio State’s 2028 quarterback board is already taking shape. Reign St. Clair, younger brother of current Buckeye quarterback Tavien St. Clair, has impressed evaluators with poise, arm strength and productivity after a 2,000-yard season. Another priority target is Neimann Lawrence, a Florida passer viewed by some analysts as the Buckeyes’ top option in that cycle. Pulling him away from the in-state Miami Hurricanes could be challenging, especially with NIL factors and proximity working in Miami’s favor, but Ohio State’s development reputation keeps it firmly in the race.
The in-state conversation also extends to where certain prospects might land if Columbus doesn’t materialize. Purdue Boilermakers has been projected as a possible destination for RJ Day, a school with a history of producing NFL quarterbacks like Drew Brees. Others have suggested a program such as the Bowling Green Falcons under head coach Eddie George could offer earlier playing opportunities.
For now, however, the spotlight belongs to Edmunds. His Elite 11 Finals invitation not only validates Ohio State’s early evaluation but also signals that the Buckeyes’ quarterback recruiting pipeline remains among the strongest in the nation. With a blue-chip class already featuring standouts such as Jamier Brown and David Jacobs, the foundation is in place. If Edmunds continues his upward trajectory and Ohio State supplements him with the right supporting pieces, the program’s future at quarterback looks as promising as ever.
