Eric Boggs
The No. 2 safety in the 2025 recruiting class is coming to Ohio State. Ohio State’s secondary coach Tim Walton continues his hot streak in recruiting by landing four-star prospect Faheem Delane on Sunday. This gives OSU a top-notch safety for its 2025 class. Ohio State offered Delane on May 16, 2022. He first built a strong connection with former OSU safeties coach Perry Eliano. Walton and new safeties coach Matt Guerrieri continued to build that relationship, leading to Delane’s commitment to the Buckeyes.
“I was really excited because Ohio State is definitely one of the best schools for defensive backs. Jeff Okudah, Marshon Lattimore, and Malik Hooker all came from there. So many others have gone to the NFL from Ohio State. Getting that offer was an honor. Buckeyeland brings the juice. The coaches said they need me and that I would be coming in to play.”
Faheem Delane per Eleven Warriors
The Maryland prospect visited Columbus many times during his recruitment, including during the Buckeyes’ win against Michigan State in November. His final visit to Columbus as an uncommitted prospect came on Friday, where Guerrieri and Walton presented a detailed plan for Delane’s development at Ohio State.
Oregon was Ohio State’s main competition for Delane, but the Buckeyes eventually won out. With Delane’s commitment, Ohio State now has 14 commits in the 2025 class, with Delane being the third safety, joining DeShawn Stewart and Cody Haddad. Walton and Guerrieri are now focusing on their final target: Five-star safety Trey McNutt, the No. 1 safety prospect in the 2025 class.
Delane joins top 2025’s top cornerbacks Devin Sanchez and Na’eem Offord as top 50 ranked defensive backs in this class. Ohio State might lose most of its starting secondary after the 2024 season, except for Caleb Downs. So, it’s a perfect time for Walton and Guerrieri to reload the position. With Delane, Offord, Sanchez, Haddad, and Stewart already committed, the Buckeyes are ready. According to 247Sports’ composite rankings, Delane is the 34th overall prospect and the No. 2 safety in the 2025 class.
Delane plays strong safety for Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in Olney, Maryland, and will bring a versatile, strong presence to the defensive backs at Ohio State.
Delane excels in many areas of the game, including pass coverage, stopping the run, and blitzing. He could be an excellent box safety or nickelback at OSU, as he is known for his physical play. In his junior season, Delane recorded 69 tackles and 18 pass breakups. He had 41 tackles and two forced fumbles as a sophomore.
Delane is expected to make an immediate impact and could contribute significantly in his first or second year at OSU. He has been the Buckeyes’ top safety target in the 2025 class. Now that he is committed, defensive coordinator Jim Knowles can start planning how to use this versatile new player at the safety position.
