Eric Boggs
For Buckeye fans, The Game against Michigan is the pinnacle of the season. This year, it also serves as the biggest recruiting weekend of the year. With Ohio State set to host an impressive group of around 60 elite prospects from the 2025 through 2028 recruiting classes, the stakes are high both on the field and off.
In the 2025 recruiting class, the Buckeyes are focusing on solidifying commitments and flipping key targets. Four-star defensive end Epi Sitanilei headlines the group as he makes his official visit to Columbus. Despite playing for St. John Bosco in California on Friday night, Sitanilei is expected to arrive in time for the game. Following recent decommitments in the class, defensive line coach Larry Johnson is eager to secure Sitanilei as a flip from UCLA.
Meanwhile, Ohio State is working hard to keep five-star cornerback Na’eem Offord in the fold as Auburn and Oregon try to sway him. Offord, who has visited other programs frequently this fall, will return to campus this weekend alongside fellow five-star cornerback commit Devin Sanchez. Defensive backs coach Tim Walton aims to make a strong final push to ensure Offord remains part of the Buckeyes’ future. Another five-star defensive tackle, Jahkeem Stewart, is scheduled for his second visit to Columbus this fall, though there is speculation he may opt to visit elsewhere, potentially signaling a shift in his recruitment.
The 2026 class is also well-represented, with numerous standout safeties, including five-star Bralan Womack and four-stars Simeon Caldwell, Zech Fort, and Jireh Edwards, making the trip. They’ll be joined by talented players across every position, highlighting Ohio State’s extensive recruiting reach and appeal.
In the 2027 cycle, the Buckeyes will welcome their first commit, five-star wide receiver Jamier Brown, back to campus after he pledged to Ohio State during the win over Indiana last week. Brown will be joined by five-star quarterback Brady Edmunds, who is making his second trip to Columbus this year and is a prime candidate to be the next commitment in the class. The possibility of opening the cycle with a five-star receiver and quarterback underscores the strong momentum in Ohio State’s recruiting strategy. Additionally, five-star wide receiver Dakota Guerrant will be making his third visit this season, a positive sign for his early recruitment.
Even the 2028 class will be represented, with quarterback prospects Christopher Vargas and Neimann Lawrence expected to be in attendance. It’s clear that Ohio State is casting a wide net to secure top-tier talent for years to come, using the electric atmosphere of The Game to make a lasting impression.
With recruits spanning four graduating classes and representing nearly every position, the weekend encapsulates the Buckeyes’ commitment to building championship-caliber rosters. As Buckeye Nation cheers for victory against Michigan, the coaching staff will work to secure wins on the recruiting trail that could define the program’s future.
