Eric Boggs
Ohio State’s 21-17 win against Nebraska coincided with a major recruiting weekend, hosting elite 2025-2028 prospects at Ohio Stadium, including key targets Damola Ajidahun and Jahkeem Stewart.
Ohio State successfully balanced its mission on the field with an important recruiting push last Saturday, securing a gritty 21-17 win over Nebraska while hosting a stellar group of top prospects across multiple recruiting classes. With the Buckeyes showcasing the Ohio Stadium experience, it was a powerful moment to make an impression on future talent, and several key players were in attendance.
Standout Prospects for 2025
Among the 2025 prospects, four-star offensive tackle Damola Ajidahun and five-star defensive tackle Jahkeem Stewart led the pack of priority recruits. Ajidahun, currently committed to Georgia Tech, was offered by Ohio State’s offensive line coach Justin Frye and marked his first trip to Columbus since that offer. Given Ohio State’s urgent need to secure top offensive tackles for this class, making a compelling case to Ajidahun to flip from Georgia Tech was critical, with South Carolina and Georgia also vying for his commitment.
Stewart, who recently reclassified from 2026, also made his debut visit to Ohio State, his first of two scheduled visits this fall. The Louisiana star defensive tackle will return for the high-stakes Michigan game in November. The Buckeyes are in fierce competition with Oregon, LSU, and USC to land Stewart, making Larry Johnson’s job of impressing the defensive powerhouse essential.
Commitments and Returning Recruits
Four-star defensive end Zahir Mathis returned for his official visit, giving Johnson valuable time to strengthen ties with the Philadelphia product. Despite Ohio State’s best efforts, Penn State continues to challenge Ohio State’s hold on Mathis, but his presence in Columbus signaled positive interest. Alongside him, four-star linebacker Storm Miller from Ohio, an important prospect for linebackers coach James Laurinaitis, made his first gameday visit of the season. Offensive lineman J.B. Shabazz from North Carolina, another priority for Frye, joined the crowd as well.
Keenan Bailey hosted tight end recruits Corbyn Fordham and Lincoln Keyes, both of whom received offers over the past year, giving Bailey a chance to further strengthen relationships. Ja’Michael Jones, a top-300 running back, also made his debut visit to Columbus. Originally from Alabama, Jones connected well with Buckeyes running back coach Carlos Locklyn due to their shared roots, making the weekend an exciting opportunity to deepen their connection.
Emerging Talents in 2027 and Beyond
Ohio State also showcased its program to rising stars in the 2027 class, hosting top recruits like five-star offensive tackle Maxwell Hiller and five-star wide receiver/defensive back Dakota Guerrant, who returned for his second gameday visit this fall. Hiller, ranked as the No. 29 prospect and No. 4 offensive tackle in 2027 by 247Sports, was offered by Frye in September, marking the beginning of what could be a strong relationship with the Buckeyes.
A trio of talented 2027 linebackers—Max Brown, Quinton Cypher, and Antwoine Higgins—also visited. Additionally, five-star quarterback Brady Edmunds, a top target for Ohio State’s future quarterback roster, remains the priority, though the Buckeyes hosted quarterbacks Trae Taylor and Caden Jones to keep options open.
Ohio State offered Asher Ghioto, a defensive end and tight end in the 2028 class, marking him as the fourth Buckeye target from that class. Ghioto made his first gameday visit and had heard positive feedback about the program from his teammate Corbyn Fordham.
Future Visits and Notable Talent
Four-star wide receiver Myles McAfee from Maryland, one of the top 2027 receivers, aims to return to Columbus on Nov. 30 for the Buckeyes’ showdown with Michigan. McAfee, who visited for the Marshall game and earned an offer from head coach Ryan Day, is now No. 51 overall and the eighth-ranked receiver for 2027 per 247Sports. Reflecting on his early offer, McAfee remarked on the program’s track record of developing NFL-ready receivers, calling the offer “humbling” and expressing excitement about the possibility of returning.
Through eight games this season, McAfee has recorded 36 catches, 427 yards, and six touchdowns. Known as a versatile, press-breaking wideout, McAfee’s talents have already attracted nine Division I offers, including notable programs like Penn State and Virginia Tech.
With a successful weekend both on and off the field, Ohio State proved its value to some of the nation’s top prospects. If the Buckeyes can continue impressing on visits and on the scoreboard, future recruiting classes look bright for Columbus.
