Eric Boggs
National Signing Day brought a mix of triumphs and challenges for Ohio State football, but the Buckeyes ultimately bolstered their 2025 recruiting class with impactful additions while navigating a high-profile decommitment. From flipping talented prospects to locking down a star running back, Ohio State showcased its recruiting prowess and commitment to excellence.
Buckeyes Land Four-Star Running Back Anthony Rogers
Ohio State scored a significant win by securing the commitment of four-star running back Anthony Rogers, a highly coveted playmaker in the 2025 class. Rogers, ranked as the No. 8 running back and No. 141 overall prospect by 247Sports, had previously been committed to Alabama before reopening his recruitment last month. Despite late pushes from Georgia and Alabama, OSU running backs coach Carlos Locklyn built a strong relationship with Rogers, leveraging their shared Alabama roots to seal the deal.
Rogers initially visited Columbus in May and returned for the Buckeyes’ matchup against Purdue in November. That visit solidified his belief that Ohio State was the ideal place to develop his skills and reach his potential. At 5-foot-8, 190 pounds, Rogers is a versatile athlete who excelled as a runner, receiver, and returner during his high school career.
His dynamic skill set could make him a key contributor as early as his freshman season, especially with TreVeyon Henderson’s departure after 2024 and pending decisions from other top running backs. Rogers joins a stellar 2025 backfield that includes Bo Jackson and Isaiah West, further solidifying Ohio State’s offensive depth.
Na’eem Offord Flips to Orego
In a surprising twist, five-star cornerback Na’eem Offord flipped his commitment from Ohio State to Oregon on National Signing Day. Offord, ranked as the No. 2 cornerback and No. 11 overall prospect, had pledged to the Buckeyes in February but ultimately chose the Ducks after an intense recruitment battle that included Auburn.
Offord’s decommitment is a tough loss for Ohio State, given his elite talent and the program’s efforts to secure his commitment. Despite this setback, the Buckeyes signed the nation’s No. 1 cornerback, Devin Sanchez, and added three-star cornerback Jordyn Woods, who flipped from Cincinnati. These additions maintain Ohio State’s reputation for developing elite defensive backs under cornerbacks coach Tim Walton.
Ohio State Flips Four-Star Edge Rusher Epi Sitanilei
In a critical late-cycle move, Ohio State flipped four-star defensive end Epi Sitanilei from UCLA. Sitanilei, a 6-foot-5, 220-pound standout from powerhouse St. John Bosco in California, brings a combination of speed, power, and physicality to the Buckeyes’ defensive line. Ranked as the No. 348 prospect and No. 27 edge rusher in the 2025 class, Sitanilei’s commitment addresses a pressing need following the decommitments of Zahir Mathis and London Merritt.
Sitanilei recorded 59 tackles, six tackles for loss, a sack, and four pass deflections during his senior season. He has the potential to develop into a three-down player under the tutelage of defensive line coach Larry Johnson. While he may need a season to acclimate to the college level, his blend of size and athleticism suggests a bright future in Columbus.
A Promising Future for the Buckeyes
With 26 commitments in the 2025 class, Ohio State continues to build toward another top-five recruiting finish nationally. The additions of Anthony Rogers and Epi Sitanilei highlight the program’s ability to compete against the nation’s best for elite talent, while the signing of Devin Sanchez underscores its continued dominance in the defensive backfield.
Despite the loss of Na’eem Offord, the Buckeyes remain poised for success, fueled by a mix of experienced coaching and high-caliber recruits ready to contribute to the program’s storied legacy. National Signing Day proved once again that Ohio State is a force to be reckoned with on and off the field.
