Eric Boggs
Ohio State kicked off a pivotal stretch of official visits this weekend, welcoming a group of elite high school prospects to campus as head coach Ryan Day and his staff push to lock in another top-five recruiting class. With official visits scheduled over the next four weekends, this marks a crucial period for the Buckeyes in the 2025 recruiting cycle.
The marquee visitor this weekend is Felix Ojo, the five-star offensive tackle from Lake Ridge High School in Mansfield, Texas. At 6-foot-6 and 275 pounds, Ojo is ranked among the top 10 players nationally and is considered the No. 1 offensive tackle in the 2025 class by 247Sports. Ohio State has targeted Ojo for more than a year, and after earning an offer at a Buckeyes camp, he’s vaulted into the spotlight as one of the most coveted linemen in the country.
While Texas is considered a strong contender due to its aggressive NIL strategy—reportedly allocating as much as $40 million this cycle—Ohio State is believed to be closing the gap. The Buckeyes historically approach NIL conservatively, especially at developmental positions like offensive line. However, sources suggest that Ohio State is now prepared to make a competitive NIL offer to Ojo, signaling how vital his commitment is to this class.
The Buckeyes also hosted two other offensive linemen: Aaron Thomas and Breck Kolojay. Thomas, a 6-foot-7, 300-pound tackle from Mountain Point High School in Phoenix, Arizona, is rated 595th nationally but is seen as a high-upside developmental project. Despite having visits lined up with Florida State, Texas, Arkansas, and Texas A&M, there is growing optimism that Thomas could shut down his recruitment early if this weekend goes well.
Kolojay, a 6-foot-5, 320-pound interior lineman from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, is a four-star prospect ranked 276th nationally. Though considered a Georgia lean, Ohio State has remained involved, and this weekend’s visit could be a turning point. While the Buckeyes are not currently seen as frontrunners, a strong impression could change the landscape of Kolojay’s recruitment.
On the offensive skill side, five-star running back Savion Hiter made his first official visit to Columbus. The 5-foot-11½, 200-pound back from Louisa County High School in Mineral, Virginia, is ranked 17th nationally and is the No. 1 running back in the 2025 cycle. Though many analysts see this as a Tennessee-Michigan battle, Ohio State remains firmly in the race. Running backs coach Carlos Locklyn is expected to play a major role in the Buckeyes’ pitch, with the program’s development track and championship aspirations as key selling points.
Defensively, five-star linebacker Xavier Griffin of Gainesville, Georgia, highlighted the visit list. At 6-foot-3, 200 pounds, Griffin is ranked 27th nationally in the composite and is viewed as the top linebacker in the nation by 247Sports. Ohio State faces an uphill climb here, as Alabama is widely seen as the leader. However, with upcoming visits to Texas, Florida State, and USC, the Buckeyes are hoping to make up ground.
On the defensive line, Ohio State made a strong push with several key targets. Four-star edge rusher Luke Wafle from Princeton, New Jersey, could be a major addition. At 6-foot-5½ and ranked 54th nationally, Wafle has already visited Florida and will head to USC, Penn State, and Texas. Still, the Buckeyes are believed to be strong contenders here, with many close to the program optimistic about their chances.
Joining Wafle on campus was Jake Kreul, a high-end four-star from IMG Academy, ranked 31st nationally. Though Kreul is currently considered an Oklahoma lean, the Buckeyes are hopeful that this weekend’s visit can shift the momentum. Also in town was Khary Wilder, a rising prospect from Junipero Serra High School in Gardena, California. Wilder, who stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 260 pounds, was a late offer for Ohio State but quickly scheduled an official visit—an encouraging sign that mutual interest is growing. Notre Dame, UCLA, and Washington are also in the mix.
The staff’s efforts this weekend come on the heels of several key coaching changes, but early returns suggest the transition has not significantly hindered recruiting. Offensive line coach Tyler Bowman, in particular, has hit the ground running and is playing a major role in shaping this cycle’s offensive line haul.
With three five-stars and numerous four-stars on campus, this weekend could become a defining moment in Ohio State’s 2025 class. The program’s ability to blend development, tradition, and competitive NIL offerings may determine whether several elite prospects choose to call Columbus home.
