Eric Boggs
This past weekend was huge for Ohio State football. It was their biggest recruiting weekend of the year, and they had 13 top players visiting. It was the last official visit weekend of the summer, making it very important for the Buckeyes.
The star of the weekend was David Sanders Jr., a five-star offensive tackle from North Carolina. This was his third trip to Ohio State in the last three months. Ohio State’s coaches, led by Justin Frye and Ryan Day, were all working hard to get him to commit. Sanders is the top offensive tackle in the country, and his commitment is crucial, especially since other top tackles are looking at different schools.
Sanders wasn’t the only big name on campus. Five-star quarterback commit Tavien St. Clair, who did great at the Elite 11 competition, was there to help recruit Sanders. Tight end commit Nate Roberts and offensive tackle commit Carter Lowe were also there. They all wanted to show Sanders why Ohio State is the best choice.
Ohio State cornerback’s coach Tim Walton had a big job. He was trying to get five-star cornerback Dorian Brew to commit. Brew’s commitment would make Ohio State’s cornerback group one of the best ever. Walton had help from current commits like Devin Sanchez, Na’eem Offord, and Faheem Delane, who visited for the second weekend in a row.
Carlos Locklyn, another coach, worked hard to secure a commitment from four-star running back Jordon Davison. If Davison joins, he will be part of a great running back group with Bo Jackson and Isaiah West. However, rumors were quickly circulating Sunday evening that at the conclusion of Davison’s visit, Michigan was on the phone with Davison, offering him double in NIL (Name – Image – Likeness) money when compared to Ohio State.
Other top recruits visiting included four-star defensive end Zion Grady and defensive tackle Malik Autry. Both players are from Alabama and are friends with Na’eem Offord. Grady announced his commitment to the Buckeyes on Monday, while Autry, who is currently committed to Auburn, weighs his options.
Three-star wide receiver Bodpegn Miller, who just committed on Friday, was on campus. In-state prospects, offensive lineman Jake Cook and tight end Brody Lennon, also visited after getting offers from Ohio State. Cook had committed to the Buckeyes before his visit, but made it official, announcing on Sunday evening that the central Ohio recruit is going to stay home and be a Buckeye,
The list of recruits visiting was impressive. The official visitors who were or are now committed to Ohio State was Five-star quarterback Tavien St. Clair, Five-star cornerback Devin Sanchez, Five-star cornerback Na’eem Offord, Four-star tight end Nate Roberts, Four-star defensive end Zion Grady, Three-star wide receiver Bodpegn Miller, and Three-star offensive lineman Jake Cook.
The list of recruits were in Cbus but haven’t yet committed to the Buckeyes was Five-star offensive tackle David Sanders Jr., Five-star cornerback Dorian Brew, Four-star running back Jordon Davison, Four-star defensive tackle Malik Autry, Four-star linebacker Jaedon Harmon, and Three-star tight end Brody Lennon.
Also, five-star linebacker Tyler Atkinson, a top 2026 recruit, was on campus for an unofficial visit. Ohio State was the first school to offer him, and this visit was important to strengthen his relationship with coach James Laurinaitis. Even though Georgia is a strong competitor for Atkinson, Ohio State has a good chance to get him.
This weekend was crucial for Ohio State’s future. The coaches and current commits worked hard to show these recruits why they should choose Ohio State. Now, we wait to see how many of these top players will become Buckeyes.
