Ohio State recruiting takeaways: Na'eem Offord flip stings, but Ryan Day's class a success
Buckeyes Strengthen Top-Five Recruiting Class Amidst Setbacks #
Ohio State experienced both triumphs and challenges during the early signing period, solidifying a top-five recruiting class despite some unexpected hurdles. Leading the class are five-star prospects Tavien St. Clair, ranked as the No. 7 overall and third quarterback, and Devin Sanchez, the No. 6 overall and top cornerback. However, a significant setback occurred when five-star cornerback Na’eem Offord shifted his commitment to Oregon after being committed to Ohio State since February.
This year’s signing day lacked the drama of the previous year when Ohio State narrowly beat Miami to secure top recruit Jeremiah Smith but remained notable with the Buckeyes concluding the day ranked fifth. Texas, Alabama, Georgia, and Oregon led the rankings, with Oregon overtaking Ohio State for the top spot in the Big Ten. Offord, a high-profile recruit from Birmingham, Alabama, contributed to Oregon’s impressive defensive back class alongside targets like cornerback Dorian Brew and safety Trey McNutt.
Despite losing Offord, Ohio State emphasized the continued excellence of cornerbacks coach Tim Walton. Sanchez, highly rated and expected to make an immediate impact, shines in a group strengthened by the addition of Jordyn Woods. Woods, though a three-star recruit, boasts a promising 6-foot-3 frame, bolstering future prospects alongside talents like Jermaine Mathews Jr., Aaron Scott, and Bryce West.
Tavien St. Clair’s journey is notable, having transformed from a lesser-known three-star recruit into a top-ten, five-star quarterback. Embracing his Ohio roots, he becomes Ohio State’s first in-state quarterback signee since Joe Burrow and the first five-star quarterback since Quinn Ewers. “All Glory to God! Dreams to reality. It Just means more to be a Buckeye. Buckeye Nation…I’M HOME! 100% Committed…GO BUCKS!” St. Clair possesses significant potential, characterized by his 6-foot-4, 225-pound build and athletic prowess, and has actively engaged with the Buckeyes program through proximity to Columbus.
Coaching changes have also played a pivotal role in Ohio State’s recruiting successes. James Laurinaitis, promoted to linebackers coach, secured significant signings, including in-state three-star Eli Lee, Florida’s four-star Tarvos Alford, and Texas’s four-star Riley Pettijohn, the No. 2 linebacker in the class. This move underscores Laurinaitis’s recruiting strengths, complementing his ongoing development of players like Arvell Reese and Payton Pierce.
Carlos Locklyn bolstered the running back room with three significant signees: three-star Isaiah West, four-star in-state Bo Jackson, and four-star Anthony Rogers, an Alabama decommitment. This strategic recruitment, which includes two top-10 backs, addresses depth concerns in the unit affected by previous transfer losses.
On the defensive front, Ohio State secured four-star safety Faheem Delane, the No. 4 safety nationally, enhancing their defense under Jim Knowles. Delane is a versatile addition, joining other recruits like four-star DeShawn Stewart and three-star Cody Haddad.
A highlight of the signing period was the addition of four-star offensive tackle Carter Lowe, a crucial recruit for a team facing impending departures of four starting offensive linemen. Lowe, a top-10 tackle, hailed from Toledo and addressed immediate depth needs within an otherwise struggling offensive line class. The Buckeyes remain active, pursuing five-star tackle David Sanders Jr. of Tennessee, who surprisingly visited for a game against Indiana and has yet to finalize his college decision.
Ohio State’s recruiting class faced challenges and successes, marked by strategic coaching hires and promising new talent anchoring the latest group of Buckeye recruits.