Eric Boggs
The Woody Hayes Athletic Center (WHAC) was buzzing with anticipation today as a slew of highly touted recruits descended upon the Ohio State football team’s practice, marking a significant moment in the Buckeyes’ 2025 recruiting efforts.
According to Jeremy Birmingham of the Rivals Network, the Ohio State coaching staff welcomed a star-studded lineup of prospects, headlined by none other than Tavien St. Clair, the 5-star quarterback from Ohio’s own Bellefontaine. St. Clair, who recently surged in national rankings, now sits at an impressive sixth overall, firmly establishing himself as one of the top prospects in the class of 2025. His reaffirmed commitment to Ohio State, especially after the hiring of Chip Kelly as offensive coordinator, underscores the program’s allure and promise for top-tier talent.
Joining St. Clair from within the state is Justin Hill, a versatile athlete from Cincinnati coveted by Ohio State’s defensive coaching staff. Hill, ranked 119th nationally, brings a dynamic skill set as either an edge rusher or linebacker, making him a pivotal target for the Buckeyes’ defensive strategy.
But the visitor list doesn’t end there. Ohio State also played host to out-of-state sensations, including Dakorien Moore, a 5-star wide receiver from Duncanville, Texas. Despite his previous commitment to LSU, Moore’s sudden interest in the Buckeyes signals a potential shift in his recruitment, adding an exciting twist to Ohio State’s wide receiver prospects. Complementing Moore is Vernell Brown III, a 4-star wideout highly coveted by multiple powerhouse programs, yet considered a potential Ohio State lean by recruiting pundits.
Defensively, the Buckeyes didn’t miss a beat, welcoming Landon Rink, a 3-star defensive tackle hailing from Cypress, Texas. Rink’s visit underscores Ohio State’s nationwide appeal and the allure of joining a program with a rich tradition of defensive excellence.
Not to be overshadowed, Ohio State also rolled out the scarlet carpet for a cadre of rising stars from the class of 2026, including quarterback Will Griffin, linebacker Tyler Atkinson, and cornerback Elbert Hill. This commitment to future talent highlights the Buckeyes’ long-term vision and sustained success on the recruiting trail.
For Head Coach Ryan Day and his staff, the impressive turnout of recruits during a midweek spring practice speaks volumes about Ohio State’s standing as a perennial powerhouse in college football. With the lifeblood of the program being recruiting, the Buckeyes’ ability to attract such a high-caliber group of prospects demonstrates their continued dominance in the competitive landscape of college football.
As the spring season progresses, Ohio State remains poised to solidify its status as a destination for top-tier talent, setting the stage for future triumphs on the gridiron.
