Eric Boggs
As Ohio State gears up for its matchup against Purdue, Buckeye fans can look forward to a stellar group of recruits visiting Ohio Stadium. Although the list of visitors is smaller than some past games, it still features top-tier talent, making it an exciting weekend for those following Ohio State’s recruiting efforts.
One of the headliners for the weekend is running back Anthony Rogers from the class of 2025. Rogers is currently committed to Alabama, but Ohio State is working hard to flip him. The Buckeyes face competition from Georgia as well, but Rogers’ official visit will give Ohio State’s coaching staff an excellent opportunity to make a strong case. As the only running back from the 2025 class making the trip to Columbus, Rogers will be a focal point for the Buckeyes’ staff this weekend.
Joining Rogers are two highly ranked running backs from the class of 2026: Savion Hiter and Derrek Cooper. Hiter, who is the No. 1 running back in the 2026 class, will be visiting Ohio State along with Cooper, a top-30 prospect and former high school teammate of Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Both of these running backs are major targets for the Buckeyes as they look to add depth to their backfield in the 2026 recruiting cycle.
Another big name visiting Ohio State is Zion Elee, a five-star defensive end from the 2026 class. Elee, standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 220 pounds, is visiting for the second time after a positive experience at a summer camp with Ohio State defensive line coach Larry Johnson. Elee praised the coaching staff and his time working with Johnson, particularly highlighting his improved technique. Ohio State is in Elee’s top five, along with Oregon, Penn State, Alabama, and Georgia, so this visit could play a key role in the Buckeyes’ pursuit of the standout defensive end.
Ohio State’s tight end coach Keenan Bailey will also have an opportunity to recruit Corbyn Fordham, a four-star tight end from Florida in the 2026 class. Fordham had initially planned to visit for the Nebraska game in October but had to reschedule. With this visit now in place, Bailey will be looking to make a strong impression on one of his top targets in the 2026 class.
The 2026 recruiting class will also be well-represented with other top prospects visiting this weekend. Madden Williams, a four-star wide receiver, will be on campus, as will Da’Ron Parks, a four-star offensive lineman, Jordan Thomas, a four-star cornerback, and Jermaine Kinsler, a four-star defensive lineman. All of these players have offers from Ohio State and could play crucial roles in the future of the Buckeyes’ program.
Looking further ahead, the Buckeyes will have a chance to make a lasting impression on some top prospects in the 2027 class. Kaden Henderson, a four-star linebacker and the No. 1 linebacker in the class, will be in attendance, giving Ohio State linebackers coach James Laurinaitis a prime opportunity to recruit the highly ranked prospect. Additionally, Monshun Sales, a four-star wide receiver, and Raylaun Henry, a four-star cornerback, will also be visiting. Although Sales and Henry have yet to receive offers from Ohio State, their visits will certainly put them on the radar for future recruiting efforts.
As Ohio State continues to recruit some of the nation’s top talent, this weekend’s game against Purdue presents a crucial opportunity to make a lasting impact on several key recruits. With such a strong list of visitors across multiple recruiting classes, the future of Ohio State football looks incredibly promising.
Class of 2025
Among the 2025 recruits, the spotlight will be on five-star quarterback Tavien St. Clair, who is one of the top quarterbacks in the class. Anthony Rogers, the four-star running back, will also be on campus, along with three-star offensive lineman Jake Cook, three-star linebacker Charlie Christopher, and kicker Sean Leonard.
Class of 2026
The 2026 recruiting class will be well-represented with several high-profile recruits visiting Ohio State. These include five-star running back Savion Hiter, five-star defensive end Zion Elee, and four-star running back Derrek Cooper. Additionally, four-star wide receiver Madden Williams, four-star offensive lineman Da’Ron Parks, four-star cornerback Jordan Thomas, four-star defensive lineman Jermaine Kinsler, and four-star tight end Corbyn Fordham will all be making the trip to Columbus. Three-star linebacker Brayden Rouse, cornerback Laron Dues, and quarterback Taylor Hasselbeck will also be visiting.
Class of 2027
Looking ahead to the class of 2027, the Buckeyes will host four-star linebacker Kaden Henderson, four-star wide receiver Monshun Sales, and four-star cornerback Raylaun Henry. Additionally, Bryce Backus, a quarterback, and Elijah Kimble, a running back, will also be in attendance. Although some of these prospects have not yet received offers, their visits will certainly put them in the spotlight for future recruitment.
With such a strong group of visitors from multiple recruiting classes, the Buckeyes’ 2027 and 2026 classes look promising, while 2025 remains a key focus for the future of Ohio State football. The upcoming Purdue game will be an important opportunity for Coach Ryan Day and the Ohio State coaching staff to make a strong impression on these recruits and build momentum for future seasons.
