October 14

The Ohio State Buckeyes won in two ways on Saturday. Amid a 41-7 blowout win over the Purdue Boilermakers, the Buckeyes also landed a commitment from 2025 St. Francis Academy (Baltimore, MD) cornerback Blake Woodby.

Woodby chose the Buckeyes over teams like Oregon, Tennessee, Alabama and Clemson. His decision came down to Oregon and Ohio State.

“It was a tough decision because of my relationships with both of those coaching staffs,” Woodby told On3. “I have great connections with my position coaches at Ohio State and Oregon, so I thought a lot about both schools. In the end, I chose Ohio State because of the feeling I had on campus. When I visited for the first time in the spring, it just felt like me.”

September 30

The Ohio State Buckeyes’ 2024 recruiting class now only has three offensive linemen in it.

Three-star interior offensive lineman Marc Nave Jr. announced on X Saturday he was decommitting from Ohio State.

“I just wanted to inform everyone that I have decommitted from OSU. I want to thank everyone involved,” Nave said in a post on X. “I feel as if I rushed this process and I’ve prayed on it and it is Gods plan not mine. I want to thank you all and I wish nothing but the best for your program going forward. Thanks be to God.”

The Buckeyes still have commitments from three-star offensive tackles Deontae and Devontae Armstrong and four-star interior offensive lineman Ian Moore.

September 24

The Ohio State Buckeyes lost out on a huge commitment from the top offensive tackle in the class of 2024.

Five-star Brandon Baker announced his commitment to Texas Sunday, choosing the Longhorns over Ohio State and Nebraska.

“The trajectory they’re headed on for sure,” Baker told On3’s Hayes Fawcett. “The development by one of the best OL Coaches in the nation, and an offensive mind at head coach. Can’t really beat that, they’re headed in the SEC, and you cannot beat blocking for my guy Arch Manning! Life after football is incredible, and the opportunity is endless.”

September 22

Five-star Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver commit Jeremiah Smith is set to take an official visit to Florida this weekend.

Smith took an official visit to Gainsville in June.

September 19

The Ohio State Buckeyes have already lost once to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish this week.

Four-star offensive tackle Geurby Lambert announced his commitment to Notre Dame Tuesday, according to On3’s Hayes Fawcett. The No. 28 player in the class of 2024, according to On3, chose the Fighting Irish over Ohio State, Harvard and Boston College.

Ohio State is still in line to land On3 five-star offensive tackle Jordan Seaton, while also holding a commitment from Deontae Armstrong.

September 15

Class of 2024 three-star edge rusher Eric Mensah was committed to play at in-state Virginia Tech, but then had a change of heart.

Mensah posted on X Friday that he was decommitting from the Hokies and flipping his pledge to Ohio State’s class of 2024, making him the 23rd commit in the cycle and the third on the defensive line.

“I would first like to start off with a huge thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout my journey in football [and] in finding the perfect school for me to continue my athletic career,” Mensah said in a post on X. “Secondly, after careful consideration I have decided to respectfully decommit from Virginia Tech. After much reflection and discussion with my family, mentors, and coaches I believe it is in my best interest.

“This decision was not taken lightly, and it was arrived at after a long period of consideration. I would last like to announce my commitment to play football at The Ohio State University!”

September 14

The Ohio State Buckeyes were in the running for a top-10 player in the class of 2025, but could not close the deal.

Five-star defensive lineman Armondo Blount announced his commitment to Miami Thursday, according to On3’s Hayes Fawcett. The top player in Florida chose the Hurricanes over the Buckeyes, Florida State, Oklahoma and USC.

The only commitment the Buckeyes have in the class of 2025 is from No. 3 quarterback Tavien St. Clair. They have a crystal ball to land a commitment from four-star tight end Emaree Winston.

September 8

The Ohio State Buckeyes’ top offensive tackle option in the class of 2024 announced his commitment decision.

Brandon Baker, the No. 1 offensive tackle in the 2024 cycle, will announce his commitment live on Sept. 24 at 9 p.m. ET on 247Sports’ YouTube page. Why, of all dates, did Baker choose Sept. 24?

“Sept. 24 is my birthday, so I felt like it was a good time to announce,” Baker told 247Sports. “It has been a really fun process, but I have a good idea what I want to do and I’m ready to get this done.”

Ohio State hosted Baker on an official visit June 9. He will choose between the Buckeyes, Texas Longhorns, Oregon Ducks and Nebraska Cornhuskers.

September 6

Ohio State Buckeyes 2024 wide receiver commit Jeremiah Smith announced on X Tuesday that he will be in attendance for the Youngstown State game.

This weekend will be Smith’s fifth unofficial visit to Columbus after taking his official visit June 9. Smith was on an unofficial visit with Florida State and attended the Seminoles’ season-opening game against LSU in which they won 45-24.

Ohio State kicks off against Youngstown State at noon on Big Ten Network.

September 1

The Ohio State Buckeyes were one of four programs to host five-star defensive lineman Dominick McKinley on an official visit, but their pitch wasn’t good enough.

The Buckeyes were unable to pluck McKinley out of Louisiana, as he announced his commitment to the Texas A&M Aggies Friday. Ohio State still holds commitments from five-star defensive linemen Justin Scott and Eddrick Houston.

August 28

The Ohio State Buckeyes have gathered some momentum in the back half of the 2024 recruiting cycle on the defensive line, and they are now getting started in the 2025 cycle.

Three-star defensive lineman Brandon Caesar announced on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, that he received an offer from Ohio State Monday. 247Sports’ Bill Kurelic has already placed a crystal ball on the Buckeyes to land Caesar.

Caesar’s a three-sport athlete who plays volleyball and wrestles for Cleveland Heights High School.

August 26

The Ohio State Buckeyes watched in excitement as quarterback Air Noland threw a game-winning touchdown pass to help Langston Hughes High School win its season opener last week.

Now, they’ll get a chance to see how two of their offensive line commits take center stage on ESPN at 1 p.m. Sunday, as three-star twins Deontae and Devontae Armstrong and No. 14 St. Edward High School takes on Maryland powerhouse No. 21 Our Lady of Good Counsel.

Good Counsel boasts some good defensive commits in Florida linebacker Aaron Chiles and Clemson defensive lineman Darien Mayo.

August 24

Five-star Eddrick Houston had to say one word for Ohio State Buckeyes defensive line coach to know he was heading to Columbus.

“When you said ‘THE’ I was done, I was ready for it,” Johnson said to Houston after his commitment.

Houston became Ohio State’s fifth five-star commitment in the class of 2024 Tuesday, which is the most of any program in the cycle. He joins five-stars wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Mylan Graham, defensive lineman Justin Scott and quarterback Air Noland, according to On3’s Industry Comparison.

According to 247Sports’ Composite Team Rankings, the Buckeyes have the highest average recruit rating, barely edging out Georgia, which hold four more commitments than Ohio State

August 22

The Ohio State Buckeyes have become a quarterback factory recently, landing some of the top recruits at the position in the Ryan Day era.

However, that luck has not extended to the class of 2026 just yet.

No. 1 overall 2026 recruit, quarterback Julian Lewis, announced his commitment to USC Tuesday, despite having the Buckeyes in his top-eight options.

Lewis completed 65.5 percent of his passes his freshman year for 4,118 yards and 48 touchdowns. Lewis’ first game was against 2024 Ohio State quarterback commit Air Noland, who threw a game-winning touchdown pass to lift Langston Hughes over Carrollton.

August 18

Ohio State Buckeyes 2024 commit Air Noland hasn’t had to throw the football much in his opener against top 2026 player quarterback Julian Lewis and Carrollton High School Friday, but when he has, he’s been efficient.

Noland showed great poise on third-and-12, standing in the pocket and bombing a 43-yard pitch-and-catch to wide receiver Jabari Jones to extend the drive that led to Langston Hughes’ first touchdown of the night.

The Fairburn, Georgia, native showed great football IQ a couple drives later, dumping off a six-yard completion on third-and-11 to set up a fourth-and-5 in which it picked up. A couple plays later, Noland linked up with Jones again, who shedded a tackle for a 20-yard touchdown.

He went 6-for-10 in the first half for 65 yards and a touchdown, as Langston Hughes led Carrollton 26-22 going into halftime.

August 17

Ohio State Buckeyes commit Chris Henry Jr. was named the top wide receiver in the class of 2026, according to 247Sports.

Henry is currently ranked as the top player in the Buckeye State and the No. 8 player in the 2026 cycle, which includes budding star quarterback Julian Lewis who included Ohio State in his top-eight options.

The son of late former NFL wide receiver Chris Henry is one of three players in 247Sports’ top 100 for the class of 2026 that has committed, doing so at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center July 28.

In his freshman season, the 6-5, 185-pound Henry caught 29 passes for 292 yards and five touchdowns, while also intercepting three passes and forcing two fumbles as a defensive back.

August 14

The Buckeyes earned a commitment from the No. 2 long snapper in the country, according to Rubio Long Snapping, Saturday.

Class of 2024 long snapper Morrow Evans chose the Buckeyes over Texas A&M and Ole Miss. Evans thanked God, his coaches and his family for helping him in his journey to get to play collegiate football.

“This game means so much to me and to do what I love at the next level is a blessing,” Evans said in a statement. “With that said I am 100% Committed to THE Ohio State University!”

August 11

The Ohio State Buckeyes already have two top-20 receivers in the class of 2024, but could add another this weekend.

Four-star 2024 wide receiver Jeremiah McClellan is announcing his commitment at noon Sunday, and he has a trio of crystal balls on Ohio State and has approximately a 93 percent chance to land the St. Louis native, according to On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine.

He will choose between the Buckeyes, Missouri and Oregon among others.

August 9

Five-star cornerback Kobe Black included the Ohio State Buckeyes in his final five Wednesday, according to On3’s Hayes Fawcett.

The Buckeyes have an uphill battle against Texas, which is the current favorite to land Black, according to On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine. The Waco, TX. native also included Texas A&M, LSU and Oregon in his final five.

“They have a great program and great WRs,” Black told Fawcett of the Buckeyes.

Black played both sides of the ball at Connally High School, but at his natural cornerback position he totaled 21 tackles, two interceptions and two tackles for a loss despite not getting targeted by opposing offenses.

August 7

Over the weekend, the Ohio State Buckeyes missed on safety KJ Bolden, who announced his commitment to Florida State, but still has a key defender it needs to land.

The Buckeyes are still in the running for five-star defensive lineman Eddrick Houston, and they can’t let him slip through their grasps after missing on edge rushers Dylan Stewart and Marquise Lightfoot. Houston has a crystal ball on Ohio State by 247Sports’ Steve Wiltfong and has an 88.1 percent chance to commit to the Buckeyes, according to On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine.

“Ohio State is the one to beat for Eddrick Houston,” Wiltfong said on “The College Football Recruiting Show” in July. “He’s got an announcement in August. We like Ohio State there to land him.”

It was also announced recently that 2024 edge rusher Booker Pickett Jr. has the Buckeyes in his top five.

August 4

The Ohio State Buckeyes have lost recruiting battles to South Carolina and Miami for edge rushers Dylan Stewart and Marquise Lightfoot, respectively, but defensive line coach Larry Johnson still has a chance to redeem himself in 2024.

Four-star edge rusher Booker Pickett Jr. announced his top five Friday and the Buckeyes were among it, along with Miami, Georgia, Florida State and South Carolina, according to On3’s Hayes Fawcett. Pickett, who took an unofficial visit to Ohio State in April, recorded 56 tackles, 30 sacks and 16 tackles for loss during his junior season.

“Ohio State has always been high on my list,” Pickett told Fawcett of Ohio State. “Their plan for me is what makes them stand out and they develop players well up there.”

July 12

The Ohio State Buckeyes are in the midst of building what could be the No. 1 recruiting class for 2024, but when it comes to elite quarterback Julian Lewis, it is never too early to start thinking about 2026.

Despite only playing his freshman season at Carrollton High School in Georgia thus far, Lewis has already narrowed down his final eight options and the Buckeyes are one of them. They are in contention for the best player in the next three recruiting classes, according to ESPN, alongside Alabama, Georgia, Oregon, USC, LSU, Florida State and Texas A&M.

“Their offense is built for a passing QB,” Lewis told On3’s Hayes Fawcett. “You can’t deny the success their guys have.”

The 6-1, 175-pound gunslinger completed 65.5 percent of his 432 passing attempts for 4,118 yards, 48 touchdowns against 12 interceptions in his freshman season, earning MaxPreps Freshman National Player of the Year honors.

June 24

On Monday evening, four-star Ohio native and pass rusher recruit Elias Rudolph announced a commitment date of July 3. He also said he would not be returning to Columbus for an official visit this weekend, effectively going public with a program not named Ohio State.

Could this mean OSU is in stronger position for other top pass rushers on their board?

Ryan Day’s program has hosted several top defensive linemen and pass rushers of late, including five-stars Eddrick Houston and Dylan Stewart as well as four-star Marquise Lightfoot, each having been predicted to land at Ohio State by experts in the industry.

The Buckeyes have a top five recruiting class, but no defensive line pledges are currently on board. Perhaps momentum is on the way.

June 16

The last No. 1 offensive tackle to commit to the Ohio State Buckeyes is now about to begin his rookie season with the Arizona Cardinals after getting drafted No. 6 overall: Paris Johnson Jr.

The Buckeyes are in the mix for the best offensive tackle in the class of 2024 in five-star Brandon Baker who announced his top 10 schools Thursday. Ohio State will compete with Georgia, Washington, Michigan, Oregon, Nebraska, Tennessee, Texas, Florida State, and Miami in the Baker sweepstakes.

“The BrotherHood is real. A1 place to be developed, & they have a solid OL Class for ‘24,” Baker told On3’s Hayes Fawcett.

June 3

The Ohio State Buckeyes have been one of the hottest teams in the country on the recruiting trail in 2023. However, you can’t win every battle.

And on Friday, they lost a key one, with Clearwater Academy International (Clearwater, FL) defensive line target Sean Sevillano Jr. committing to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Sevillano picked the Irish over the Buckeyes, Auburn Tigers, and USF Bulls.

May 31

The Ohio State Buckeyes have recruited well along the defensive line in recent years, landing six five-star defensive linemen in Larry Johnson’s tenure.

The next could in the form of a dominant combination of speed and power in class of 2024 defensive lineman Dominick McKinley who announced the Buckeyes were in his top six Wednesday, along with Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&M, Georgia and LSU.

In 2022, the 6-5, 290-pound McKinley racked up 86 tackles, 18 for loss and 10 sacks, while also intercepting two passes and returning one for a touchdown.

The Lafayette, LA. native was offered by the Buckeyes Feb. 12 and will take an official visit to Columbus Friday.

May 26

Class of 2024 four-star interior offensive lineman Liam Andrews is down to eight schools and the Ohio State Buckeyes are one of them, he announced Friday.

Other schools in the sweepstakes for Andrews, the No. 1 interior offensive lineman according to the On3 Industry Recruiting rankings, are Penn State, Wisconsin, LSU, Miami, Florida, South Carolina and Oklahoma.

Ohio State currently has three commitments from interior offensive linemen in the class of 2024: Ian Moore, Devontae Armstrong and Marc Nave.

May 23

The Ohio State Buckeyes have found themselves in the top-5 for IMG Academy safety Jordon Johnson-Rubell, who announced his finalists on Tuesday.

Johnson-Rubell also included USC, TCU, Michigan and Ohio State among his finalists.

Johnson-Rubell is set to officially visit Colombus in June, along with trips to Texas, Michigan and USC.

May 19

Another day, another official visit set to Columbus, Ohio.

Jordon Johnson-Rubell, one of many OSU targets at IMG Academy, has locked in a handful of official visits per multiple reports. The weekend of June 16, however, will be his time at Ohio State.

The Texas native and versatile secondary prospect, a unanimous blue-chipper at that, was at Ohio State for the first time as a prospect back in late March for a spring practice visit. He was initially targeted with a scholarship offer back in January.

Johnson-Rubell, considering plenty of programs still at this time, will also take June trips to Michigan, Texas and USC.

May 18

Nashville, Tennessee four-star linebacker Edwin Spillman has announced an official visit to Columbus on June 9.

It’s one of four visits scheduled by Spillman in the month of June, with visits to Florida State, Tennessee, and Georgia also on the calendar.

May 17

The Ohio State Buckeyes were set to get a visit from five-star Riverview (Sarasota, FL) defensive back Charles Lester. However, according to Lester in an interview with 247Sports, that visit has now been scrapped.

Instead, Lester will take a visit to Florida State from June 16-18. Lester is also taking trips to Colorado, Alabama and Georgia in June.

May 13

Another top wide receiver recruit is high on Ohio State and has placed the program his on his next list of programs.

Keylen Adams, a.k.a. Brodie, announced his finalists on Saturday and the Buckeyes made the cut along with Alabama, Pitt, Virginia Tech and South Carolina.

Adams, who is tabbed four stars across the board, will make his final decision on July 13. The 6-foot-1 Virginia Beach (Va.) Green Run standout was offered by OSU just last month while on campus for a spring visit.

May 10

Another elite wide receiver will take a closer look at Columbus this summer.

St. Louis (Mo.) Christian Brothers wideout Jeremiah McClellan, a blue-chip talent across the recruiting industry, has set a slew of official visits including one for Ohio State. The program will host the rising senior the weekend of June 9, per On3, with other trips confirmed for Oregon, LSU and Tennessee in the month as well.

McClellan is working with a big top group, including all four programs, but those gaining the official visits could have an edge.

“That right there is Wide Receiver U,” McClellan said.

May 9

One of Ohio’s top football recruits, and naturally a prime target of Ryan Day and Ohio State, is officially an All-American.

Aaron Scott is a name most college football recruiting fans have already become familiar with, and now he has committed to cap his prep career on the national stage of the All-American Bowl.

The top-ranked football recruit in the state of Ohio for the class of 2024 per 247Sports and On3, Scott has recently visited Michigan, Oregon and Tennessee in addition to Ohio State. Naturally, the Springfield (Ohio) High School star is considered a Buckeye lean, though his recruitment appears far from over at this time.

Scott is listed at 6-foot, 175 pounds and is tabbed a four-star talent across the recruiting industry.

May 5

Another day, another five-star planning to see Ohio State again in the month of June.

For Sammy Brown, it will be for an official visit.

The Jefferson (Ga.) High School star, who was offered by OSU back in 2021, has been to campus multiple times but the official visit will take place the weekend of June 23 per 247Sports.

Brown, who will also see programs like Georgia and Clemson on an official basis in the coming months, is one of the most unique prospects in the class of 2024. Projected at linebacker at 6-foot-2, 230 pounds, he is also among the most productive running backs in Georgia and competes at a high level in wrestling (back-to-back gold medalist) and in track and field (10.8-second 100 meter dash mark this spring).

More than two dozen programs are after the five-star’s verbal commitment. Brown is considered the No. 1 linebacker recruit on three of the four major recruiting outlets (all but On3).

May 4

Ohio State has a trending No. 1 recruiting class in 2024, but more defensive targets are needed before all is said and done.

Few rising-senior recruits have five stars next to their name like Peyton Woodyard, and now an official visit to Ohio State has been locked in despite his pledge to Georgia and Kirby Smart.

The Bellflower (Calif.) St. John Bosco star safety will be back in Columbus the weekend of June 16, he announced on Thursday. Many OSU commitments will also be in town for what appears to be the program’s marquee official visit weekend of the summer.

Woodyard, tabbed as a top 10 overall recruit and the No. 1 safety by Rivals, was last in Columbus this spring after taking two trips in 2022, including for the Notre Dame game back in September. Alabama is also among the programs trying to change Woodyard’s verbal commitment status to UGA. The Georgia official visit will kick off the month of June, Woodyard also announced recently.

May 2

To the surprise of few, Ohio State is spending some time recruiting the state of Florida this week.

More specifically, Broward County, the same area that produced the Bosa brothers and countless other Buckeyes. Both Brian Hartline and Tony Alford made a stop Tuesday morning at Ft. Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas’ early practice for a fresh look at a new commitment in Jordan Lyles and multiple targets including newly-offered linebacker Nicholas Rodriguez.

Lyle picked OSU just last week after releasing a loaded top group of OSU, Georgia, Alabama, Florida State and Miami.

“The connection,” he told Fan Nation’s Brian Smith. When asked to expand, Lyle was blunt. “Everything. The coaches, Alford, the school.” Lyle was all smiles and happy to be a Buckeye.

Rodriguez just added his OSU offer in March and has the program high on his list, per a source.

One or both OSU assistants are likely to make multiple stops in the fertile recruiting area this week, where commitment Jeremiah Smith and targets like Jojo Trader, Zaquan Patterson and more are kicking off their spring practice workouts.

April 26

One of the top available pass-rusher recruits in the country, No. 11 overall per Rivals, has updated his official visit itinerary.

Ohio State is set to host Jaylen Harvey at the end of June.

The Potomac (Md.) Quince Orchard standout, who worked all over the front-seven as a junior in 2022, will also see USC and Penn State in June.

Each program was in Harvey’s top 11, released back in December. Ohio State offered the rising-senior recruit during his junior season in October.

April 25

It’s abundantly clear that running back is a priority for Ohio State football recruiting in the class of 2024, as another top talent at the position is considering the Buckeyes down the stretch of their recruitment.

Despite a pair of commitments already in, and No. 1 Texas back Taylor Tatum placing OSU in his top group on Monday, Jordan Lyle has now done the same this week.

The Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas four-star (via On3) is ranked a top five player at his position nationally after his 1,015 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2022 en route to another STA state championship in Florida.

Ohio State is joined by local Miami, Florida State, Georgia and Alabama in a loaded top group for Lyle, who was last in Columbus in late March. Tony Alford extended the offer the 6-foot, 190-pound prospect’s way back in January.

“(OSU) Has everything to evolve me into a man from the coaches being like family to fan base and alumni support,” Lyle told On3. “It would be an honor to represent the Buckeye community!”

April 24

Ohio State has a pair of running backs committed but it hosted the top-ranked back in Texas over the weekend in Taylor Tatum.

It must have went well considering the Longview (Texas) High School star tabbed the Buckeyes among his top schools Monday via social media.

“Coach (Tony) Alford is one of the best coaches out there, in my opinion, and after my visit it really felt like I could see myself there,” Tatum told On3.

Ranked as high as the nation’s No. 2 running back (247 Sports) and a unanimous top 100 overall recruit, Tatum totaled over 2,000 scrimmage yards to pair with 36 offensive touchdowns as a junior in 2022. The 5-foot-10, 205-pound back helped LHS to the state semifinals in the process.

April 24

When Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna defensive back Zaquan Patterson announced his top programs on Sunday, it was no surprise to see Ohio State on the list.

The Buckeyes not only have been steady in courting the safety projection out of the national power program, but it has multiple former teammates on the current roster and one current teammate in Jeremiah Smith committed in the 2024 class.

Shortly after Patterson made the post, Smith and more recent commitment Payton Pierce, among others, nudged the rising-senior OSU’s way. Miami, Michigan, Florida State and Auburn round out the top schools for the blue-chip recruit.

Patterson was offered by Ryan Day’s staff last May and he was in Columbus in March.

“Ohio State is just a great school in my opinion,” Paterson told On3. “Mostly because I have seen the players’ development first hand. Also coach (Perry) Eliano is a great guy that makes me feel like I can be developed by him, comparing me to guys like Sauce.”

April 21

Ohio State may not be done at the running back position in the class of 2024.

Despite having commitments from a pair of top backs in James Peoples and Sam Williams-Dixon, Under Armour All-American running back and blue-chip recruit Taylor Tatum is scheduled to be in Columbus this weekend. The report first came via Adam Gorney at Rivals.

Tatum has nearly 40 scholarship offers to his name out of Longview (Texas) High School, including one from Ohio State’s Tony Alford back in mid January. The trip is expected to be a first to campus.

Michigan garnered early buzz for Tatum, who recently visited USC and Georgia. The Trojans and Oklahoma are among the programs expected to host the rising-senior for an official visit in the month of June. The four-star recruit also competes in baseball and track and field at a high level.

April 19

The very best in the class of 2024, at one position, just penciled in his official visit to Ohio State.

Brandon Baker, the Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei standout offensive tackle recruit, will be in town beginning June 9. He announced the news via social media on Wednesday.

OSU already has four verbal commitments from offensive line projections, but none rated as high as the 247Sports five-star and No. 1 offensive tackle in the class. A top 100 talent across the board, the 6-foot-5, 285-pound talent is also well traveled, having seen Oregon, Nebraska, Miami and USC in addition to Ohio State on an unofficial basis of late.

Georgia is the only other program with an official visit in the plans with Baker, who was initially targeted by Justin Frye with an offer last fall.

April 17

Four-star defensive end Darien Mayo has set four official visits for the coming months, including one with the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Mayo will visit Columbus June 9-11, following a visit from Clemson the week before.

Mayo will also visit USC from June 16-18 and Michigan from June 23-25.

April 12

One of the newest recruiting visitors for Ohio State’s spring game on Saturday happens to have just released his top schools, of course with the Buckeyes in the thick of it.

Jayden Jackson, big interior defensive lineman at Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy, announced his plans to visit Columbus on Saturday via social media. It’s his first reported trip in to see Ryan Day’s program.

Jackson, who helped IMG remain stout on defense against the run in particular as a junior in 2022, released the top 12 programs on April 10, with OSU in the mix along with Notre Dame, Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma and many others.

OSU is red hot on the recruiting trail over the last month or so and already has 10 prospects verbally committed in the class of 2024, with top 100 linebacker Payton Pierce as the latest pledge.

April 11

One of Ohio State’s top overall targets is set to come off the board Tuesday evening.

Payton Pierce, the top 100 Texas native who was recently in Columbus for a spring unofficial visit, will come off the board at 7:00 p.m. ET according to his social media.

Ohio State is listed as a finalist along with Notre Dame, Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma and Tennessee, though momentum appears to be in the Buckeyes favor from a timing perspective.

As Buckeyes Now detailed Monday, Pierce is among the top OSU targets to keep an eye on towards a verbal commitment considering his priority status on the board, relationship with James Laurinaitis and the recent trip.

OSU has been red hot on the trail, adding four commitments in the first week-and-change in the month of April thus far.

April 10

Current Ohio State Buckeyes commit Jeremiah Smith revealed on Twitter that he will not go back to the University of Miami for another visit. Smith’s tweet was a response to Hurricane fans getting upset about a now-deleted tweet of Smith’s calling them “full of it.”

When a presumed Hurricanes fan replied to the tweet telling him not to waste the program’s time with another visit, Smith announced he wouldn’t be going back.

This news from Smith has seemingly ruled the Hurricanes out of trying to flip the highly touted 2024 wide receiver prospect.

April 8

Four-star 2024 QB Air Noland will announce his college commitment live on YouTube at 8:45 p.m. this evening.

April 7

One of the nation’s top rising-senior recruits is expected in Columbus Friday, per multiple reports.

Eddrick Houston, the Buford (Ga.) High School five-star pass rusher, is to take in Ohio State for an unofficial visit this time around. Ranked as high as the No. 4 overall recruit in the class of 2024 (Rivals), he could be considered the highest-ranked uncommitted visitor of the spring thus far.

The 6-foot-3, 255-pound talent has been to Columbus multiple times, but this trip is set to be the first of the year for Houston. Georgia, Clemson and Alabama hosted him this past week.

Ohio State made Houston’s top 10 from the fall, and official visits are still to be determined, though a new commitment date has been considered according to multiple reports.

Houston will come off the board August 22, after a final round of visits, he confirmed this week. The original decision plan for the five-star was potentially after his senior season at Buford.

April 6

Ohio State is among four finalists for one of its top targets, Max LeBlanc announced Wednesday evening.

The Chattanooga (Tenn.) Baylor School tight end prospect, rated four-stars on three of the four major media recruiting outlets, announced OSU, Michigan, North Carolina and the in-state Tennessee Vols among those still in the mix for his verbal commitment.

Ohio State, which offered LeBlanc back in January, made the cur for the 6-foot-5, 225-pound prospect despite more than 30 scholarship offers to his name.

As a junior in 2022, LeBlanc was credited with 39 catches for 395 yards and three touchdowns.

April 5

The best, quite literally in this case, is all set to see Ohio State for a third time. This time, for Dylan Stewart, for an official visit.

The five-star and top-ranked prospect regardless of position via On3 told the network of three official visits locked in for the summer, including a trip back to Columbus the weekend of June 16.

The Washington (D.C.) Friendship Collegiate star pass rusher, who was just at Ohio State in March, said his most recent trip to Columbus was ‘eye-opening’ after seeing the Buckeyes at work and spending more time with Larry Johnson and other coaches.

Now OSU will continue to battle with Georgia, Alabama, Colorado, Oregon, South Carolina and a bevy of others for the rising-senior recruit, who registered 16 sacks as a junior in 2022. UGA and South Carolina are among the programs also expecting Stewart in for a June official visit.

April 3

An emerging Buckeye target, who has seen his stock rise since Ohio State offered earlier this year, is on campus for his first look at the program.

Sean Sevillano Jr. (video above) added the OSU offer about a month ago and has seen other powers jump in the race since, mainly Notre Dame, is in Columbus for the first time. He arrived on Sunday and will stay for multiple days, he tells Buckeyes Now.

Larry Johnson is on the case for OSU, and he has built a relationship with Sevillano’s family in the process of tendering the offer for what the rising-senior recruit called “DLU.”

“I’m weighing my options as spring ball is around the corner, but OSU is as good as it gets as a defensive lineman,” Sevillano said last month.

The Clearwater (Fla.) Academy International interior defensive lineman, originally from Canada, is looking at a potential preseason verbal commitment timeline.

April 1

Prentiss ‘Air’ Noland likely won’t soon forget his first trek to Ohio State.

The weekend visit, highly-anticipated as he had already set a verbal commitment date of April 8, was likely to make or break the Buckeyes chances of landing the Peach State star next weekend while in competition with Clemson, Alabama, Texas A&M, Arkansas, Miami and several others.

Late Saturday, though, Noland announced his good news in receiving the Buckeye tender — with a nod to fellow Georgia native Justin Fields in his social media post.

It has been quite the ascent for Noland, who put up staggering numbers during the 2022 season, helping Langston Hughes High School to a state championship thanks to 55 touchdowns passes as a junior.

Speculation around favorites for Noland will be plentiful in the coming days, but as it currently stands — OSU has the last visit and newest offer in before the blue-chipper comes off the board.

March 31

One of the biggest quarterback recruiting dominoes dropped on Friday, with Jadyn Davis coming off the board.

The Charlotte-area standout had a final five of national blue bloods, including Ohio State, but opted for Michigan during his live television announcement on ESPN’s SportsCenter.

Ohio State optically losing another battle to Michigan, who has already swiped the top Ohio running back recruit in Jordan Marshall, may not play well especially after losing No. 1 QB recruit Dylan Raiola earlier in the cycle.

However, the Bucks are moving forward and have a key, top 10 QB recruit on campus in timely fashion Friday in Air Noland. The Georgia native put up staggering numbers during the 2022 season, helping Langston Hughes High School to a state championship thanks to 55 touchdowns passes as a junior.

Noland has a public commitment date set for April 8.

March 30

A recent visitor to Columbus and one of the top available secondary recruits in the class of 2024, Jason Mitchell knows when he wants to end his recruitment.

September 16 is when it should come to a close, the Bellflower (Calif.) St. John Bosco standout posted via social media this week.

The 6-foot-2, 180-pound prospect is ranked as high as the No. 17 safety projection in the class of 2024 (247Sports, Rivals) and of course comes from the storied southern California prep program.

More than 20 programs have courted Mitchell enough to have offered a scholarship his way, and he has hit the road this spring. In addition to Ohio State, a trip he characterized as “real different,” the rising-senior has visited Penn State and will be at Tennessee this weekend. USC, Texas, Texas A&M and others are also in the mix.

March 29

Ohio State is still in the mix for the best in the land.

As far as athletes are ranked, per Rivals and ESPN, Mike Matthews is atop the rankings nationally. Most expect the five-star out of Lilburn (Ga.) Parkview to end up playing wide receiver at the next level.

More than 30 programs have offered Matthews, but the Buckeyes are still in the mix.

Matthews, who amassed more than 1,000 yards and put in double-digit touchdowns in 2022, has a list of heavy hitters still under consideration beyond OSU including Georgia, Alabama, Michigan, Clemson, Tennessee, LSU, USC, Texas A&M, Colorado, Arkansas and Auburn according to the post.

The five-star athlete has become a well-traveled prospect in the Southern footprint, with Georgia, Alabama, Clemson and Tennessee having hosted him the most.

Oho State offered Matthews last May, though he has yet to take a recruiting trip to Columbus.

March 27

The best of the best, literally in this case, is sky high on the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Dylan Stewart, five-star recruit and the nation’s top-ranked recruit per On3, took an unofficial visit to Ohio State over the weekend and the program impressed during the return trip to Columbus.

“It was eye-opening for me,” Stewart told On3. “Ohio State is a great place. Seeing practice, spending more time with the coaches, seeing how I could fit in there… this visit helped Ohio State for sure. I liked it a lot, my parents liked it a lot and Ohio State is definitely getting and official visit for me.

“It was a different feeling up there for me.”

Stewart, who preps at Washington (D.C.) Friendship Collegiate Academy, is well-traveled with plenty of contenders fighting for his college commitment. Ohio State locking in an official visit this offseason could go a long way towards a potential decision.

The elite edge, who is likely to visit in the summer months, doesn’t have an official list of top programs at this time. He holds offers from Georgia, Alabama, Michigan and a host of others.

March 26

Could Monday be a big day for Ohio State football?

Don’t look now, but in-state star offensive line recruit Deontae Armstrong posted his top schools via social media with the date and time for Monday afternoon tagged as a potential next step in the process.

“12pm. March 27th. Where’s home???” Armstrong posted.

If the lunchtime setting is for a verbal commitment from the Lakewood (Ohio) St. Edward product, one would think the Buckeyes are in rock solid shape from a geographical and timing perspective. Armstrong was in Columbus over the weekend.

Of course Devontae Armstrong, Deontae’s twin brother and fellow offensive line recruit of the Buckeyes and many others, was also on campus in Columbus. While he didn’t take to social media like his brother, the two have talked about playing college football together.

Armstrong, who was offered by the in-state power back in January, has of course frequented the program. Georgia, Michigan, Michigan State, Wisconsin, Penn State, Kentucky and Pitt rounded out the 6-foot-7, 280-pound rising-senior’s top schools.

March 25

The Ohio State Buckeyes have made the final list for one. of the top QBs in the 2024 class, Langston Hughes (Fairburn, GA) four-star quarterback, Air Noland.

Noland released his top seven finalists on Saturday, including the Buckeyes alongside Texas A&M, Alabama, Clemson, Oregon, Miami, and Arkansas.

A dual-threat with plenty of size (6-foot-3, 195 pounds) coming off of a banner, undefeated state championship season with gaudy production (4,000-plus passing yards, 55 touchdowns), Noland’s stock has never been higher.

March 25

One of the top overall recruits in the class of 2024 is now on campus in Columbus.

In somewhat of a surprise visit, Williams Nwaneri is on campus at Ohio State for his first look at the program. The Lee’s Summit (Mo.) North defensive line recruit, ranked No. 1 at his position via On3 and 247Sports, could be the most coveted non-quarterback in the class.

Nwaneri, whom the Buckeyes offered back in January, is a well-traveled recruit but this marks the first recorded trip to OSU as a prospect. Larry Johnson was on the case on the Buckcyes’ behalf, issuing the offer, so now each party will get the first in-person impression of the other.

The rising-senior recruit, listed at 6-foot-5, 250 pounds, recently spent time at Georgia, Oklahoma, Oregon and others.

March 24

Jeremiah Smith has been honest about plenty in his recruitment since committing to Ohio State in December.

The No. 1-ranked wide receiver recruit has reported solidity to Ryan Day and Brian Hartline, but also that he will continue to take visits elsewhere for due diligence purposes.

The latest trip was to the in-state Florida Gators, which hosted the Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade Madonna star recruit for an unofficial visit. UF’s class headliner and blue-chip quarterback recruit DJ Lagway shared photos of the two in Gainesville via social media.

Smith has also recently visited Florida State while contemplating official visit opportunities with programs like Georgia, USC and Tennessee in the months to come.

“They’re top schools still because you never know what could happen at Ohio State,” Smith said earlier this month. “Coach Hartline gets fired, coaching changes, coach Hartline might get a job offer in the NFL, he might take it, so I got to keep that relationship open with all the coaches.

“So I ain’t really going to cut nobody off.”

March 23

One of the top available defensive back recruits is set to spend time in Columbus this weekend.

Ify Obidegwu, the Baltimore (Md.) St. Frances Academy standout who has OSU in his top seven along with Alabama, Tennessee, USC, Oregon, Maryland and Michigan, announced his visit plans via social media this week.

A lengthy cornerback projection at 6-foot-1, 185 pounds, Obidegwu is a top 100 overall recruit based on the On3 Industry Ranking and sits just outside the top 10 among cornerbacks at this time.

Ohio State offered the rising-senior recruit back in December after the St. Frances Academy season came to a close.

Per reports, Obidegwu is looking to make a preseason decision, so spring and summer visits will be essential to cut his list further ahead of making a final decision in the next four months.

This is the first known trip to OSU for the elite prospect.

March 22

Tuesday wasn’t the best day, at least optically, for Ohio State recruiting.

Longtime Buckeye football target and in-state star at Cincinnati (Ohio ) Moeller High School Jordan Marshall, made a visit to Michigan over the weekend and saw enough to end his college football recruitment.

The blue-chip back committed to Jim Harbaugh’s program over OSU, Tennessee and plenty of Big Ten programs with a post via social media.

The rising-senior back had begun scheduling official visits in the month of June, including one to Columbus for late in the summer, so it will be interesting to see how he approaches the recruiting process moving forward.

OSU has yet to earn the pledge of a running back in the class of 2024.

March 20

Another top talent will be making his way to Columbus.

According to reports, five-star St. Ignatius (Chicago, IL) defensive lineman Justin Scott has set an official visit with the Buckeyes for June 23-25.

He will also visit Georgia from June 2-4.

Scott is currently considered a Notre Dame lean, but the Buckeyes have plenty of time to improve their standing in the race for his signature – starting with the official visit this summer.

March 20

The nation’s best will be in Columbus on Monday.

Brandon Baker, Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei offensive tackle and arguably the most coveted at the position nationally, announced his plans to take an unofficial visit to Ohio State via social media.

Baker is one of several Californians expected in town at the beginning of the week, but likely the highest-ranked of the bunch.  247Sports tabs Baker as the nation’s top-ranked offensive tackle recruit overall, as does the On3 industry measure.

Armed with more than 30 scholarship offers, Baker has had a busy spring on the trail and most recently took in an unofficial visit to Miami. Colorado and USC hosted him earlier this year. OSU initially offered the rising-senior recruit at the beginning of his junior season in September.

Listed at just under 6-foot-5, 285 pounds, Baker also has offers from Georgia, Michigan, Penn State, Texas and many others.

March 17

One of California’s best, whom doesn’t currently hold an Ohio State offer, is set to make his first trip to Columbus.

Former Peach State star turned Californian, Los Alamitos (Calif.) High School defensive lineman T.A. Cunningham, announced plans to be in Columbus for the first time via social media.

The 6-foot-6, 270-pound prospect holds, somewhat famously, 60-plus scholarship offers to his name. Most of the Power Five is included, but not the Buckeyes just yet.

Could Cunningham get good news while at OSU this weekend? The class of 2024 is heating up during the spring visit season, so it wouldn’t come as much of a surprise. Miami, Oklahoma, LSU and many others are involved with the rising-senior recruit, who will also see Penn State on the current visit swing.

Cunningham is rated four stars across the industry, tabbing as high as the nation’s No. 33 overall prospect via the ESPN 300.

March 16

One of the nation’s best at the cornerback position happens to reside in Ohio and plenty of visits lie ahead for Aaron Scott.

Naturally, one of them will be a return trip to Columbus, On3 reports. Amid a slew of trips in March and April, the Springfield (Ohio) High School blue-chip recruit will be back at Ohio State on April 3.

Other programs expecting to host the 6-foot, 170-pounder include Michigan, Notre Dame, Tennessee, Oregon and others.

OSU has of course been pursuing the in-state junior for some time, jumping in with an offer back in June 2022. He has visited the program several times already, with the expected familiarity one would assume from an in-state star.

However, Scott has some 30 scholarship offers to his name, so the Buckeyes will face stout competition until the lengthy prospect is ready to come off the board.

March 13

One of the nation’s top prospects, from arguably the top prep program in the country, has trimmed his list with the Buckeyes in the final grouping.

Zabien Brown, the Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei secondary prospect, announced a top four of OSU, Alabama, USC and Oregon on Sunday evening.

The Buckeyes have new ground to stand on in this recruitment considering it is one of Brown’s most recent scholarship offers. He posted the news after a conversation with Ohio State assistant Tim Walton in mid January.

Brown told On3 he plans on taking multiple trips to Columbus, including a summer official visit, before a preseason verbal commitment is to be made.

March 7

One of Ohio State’s longtime secondary targets has set up a trip to Columbus.

Jordon Johnson-Rubell, the IMG Academy safety who transferred there from the state of Texas, will make an unofficial visit to Ohio State on March 25th.

The news was initially reported by Rivals’ Ryan Wright on Monday.

Johnson-Rubell, a MaxPreps All-American selection, picked up the Buckeye offer back in January. Since then, he has worked to get to campus to get a closer look at the program.

“Ohio State came to my practice and we started talking,” Johnson-Rubell told Buckeyes Now in January. “He was telling me some things I was doing right, some things I was doing wrong — I like that about a coach.

“He’s coaching me at this age and I’m not at Ohio State yet.”

The trip to Columbus is to be the first impression for Johnson-Rubell, who is among the most coveted secondary prospects in the class of 2024.

Alabama, Michigan, Texas, TCU and Colorado will also get a trip out of Johnson-Rubell in the spring season.

March 5

Former Ohio State quarterback commitment Dylan Raiola recently took a visit to USC.

Now, the Trojans have emerged as a favorite for his services, according to On3.

Raiola is also seriously considering Nebraska and Georgia.

As for the Buckeyes, it appears that a clean break has been made between Raiola and the program, and the Arizona native.

Railoa is currently the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2024 class, and a Five-Star Plus+ prospect according to On3.

March 4

Ohio State has plenty of top targets up front in the class of 2024, and one of the nation’s best plans on being in Columbus for an official visit.

OSU hasn’t been linked to the IMG Academy star of late, and it didn’t make his top 10 released in December, but clearly the communication between each party has picked up.

Late in the week he told Fan Nation’s Brian Smith he would take an official visit to Columbus before the conclusion of his recruitment.

“As for officials, I know I have…one for Michigan State…and Ohio State,” Stone said.

The five-star recruit, ranked as high as the No. 4 overall recruit on 247Sports, is on an unofficial visit to Texas A&M this weekend. Stone has an ambitious visit slate for the spring months, leading to official visits in the summer.

The June window is most likely where OSU, which offered back in January, will get its in-person shot with the 6-foot-4.5, 283-pound interior defensive line recruit.

March 2

The nation’s very best will soon be in Columbus.

Amid a busy March and April on the visit trail, freshly-minted No. 1 class of 2024 football recruit (via On3) Dylan Stewart will make an unofficial visit to Ohio State on March 24. Programs like Georgia, Alabama and Michigan, among others, will also get the pass-rusher on campus.

Stewart, who took a trip to Columbus last summer for another unofficial visit, earned his Buckeye offer from Larry Johnson more than a year ago — in January of 2022.

The Washington (D.C.) Friendship Collegiate rising-senior recruit, listed at 6-foot-5, 235 pounds, holds some three dozen scholarship offers to his name. As a junior in 2022, he amassed 16 sacks and a state championship for FCA.

February 24

One of Ohio State’s top quarterback targets will wrap up next month in Columbus, per On3.

Prentiss ‘Air’ Noland, the Fairburn (Ga.) Langston Hughes state champion quarterback in the class of 2024, has been busy on the visit trail and has more trips in the works moving forward, including to Ohio State on March 31.

OSU is searching for its quarterback recruit in the class after Dylan Raiola de-committed from Ryan Day’s program in December. As the Arizona native focuses on Georgia, USC and Nebraska, among others, the Buckeyes have increased efforts towards Noland even more than others despite not having offered the Peach State prospect just yet.

A dual-threat with plenty of size (6-foot-3, 195 pounds) coming off of a banner, undefeated state championship season with gaudy production (4,000-plus passing yards, 55 touchdowns), Noland’s stock has never been higher.

Not only has the Buckeyes’ coaching staff been pushing for Noland as the year turned, but it just signed one of his top passing targets from the state title team in blue-chip tight end Jelani Thurman. The elder LHHS standout is already enrolled for good in Columbus.

Outside of Ohio State, it’s Clemson, Texas A&M, Arkansas and Miami among the programs most consistently communicating with the rising-senior recruit. He is expected to visit each within the next five weeks or so, meaning a verbal commitment could be in order thereafter.

February 22

Kamarion Franklin is a national recruit, a five-star on Rivals and the consensus top class of 2024 recruit in Mississippi.

The defensive end has a growing offer list and an ambitious visit schedule to pair with it, and Ohio State is among the programs already locked into an upcoming trip. The Lake Cormorant (Miss.) High School star received his Buckeye offer from Larry Johnson in early February, and tells SBLive’s Andrew Nemec he will be in town for the spring game the weekend of April 15.

“They have a history of guys that play my position – defensive end,” Franklin said. “I’m just excited to see what they have to offer and what the players are like. Like coach Johnson, when I come they are going to show me the plan they have for me. I’m excited to see what they have to offer.”

Franklin has several additional visits planned for the spring months as his recruitment hits its full stride. The 6-foot-5, 260-pound prospect is already Lake Cormorant’s all-time leader in sacks.

February 21

A Buckeye target from the state of Georgia has trimmed his list, yet OSU remains in the hunt.

Demello Jones, who plays in both the secondary and at wide receiver for 2022 state runner-up Swainsboro (Ga.) High School, took the next step in his recruitment on Monday evening.

Heavy hitters are included in the top group along with OSU, such as Georgia, Alabama, Notre Dame and others through more than two dozen scholarship offers collected.

OSU is among the more recent schools to jump in on the 6-foot-1, 180-pound Jones, offering a scholarship his way in mid January. When he posted the offer, secondary coach Tim Walton was tagged — so perhaps OSU sees him as a defender at this time.

February 20

One of Ohio State’s top targets has his return date to Columbus set.

James Peoples, a top 10 running back recruit with OSU sky high on his list of options to this point, will be back in town next month for a fresh look at Ryan Day’s program. According to Sam Spiegelman, it will be a multi-day trip.

Naturally, Tony Alford has led the charge for the blue-chip back out of San Antonio (Texas) Veterans Memorial High School.

“Coach Alford is a smart running back coach and personable, and when I need to talk he’s always there,” Peoples told Spiegelman. “He’s making me a better person, nurturing me as a student-athlete, and building my character.”

Peoples ranks as a top 100 overall recruit per the On3 Consensus.

February 18

One of the top tight end recruits in the class of 2024 trimmed his list this week, with Ohio State still alive in an expanding recruitment.

Max LeBlanc, the Chattanooga (Tenn.) Baylor School tight end trimmed a list of nearly 30 scholarship offers down to eight, with Michigan, Penn State, Miami, Tennessee, Kentucky, Duke and Stanford also making the cut.

“Love Coach Bailey and how they use the tight end. Also I’ve been a big fan of Ohio State since I started playing football,” LeBlanc told 247Sports.

The 6-foot-4, 225-pound prospect learned of his scholarship offer from assistant coach Keenan Bailey less than a month ago, on January 24. LeBlanc, who helped Baylor to a state championship as a junior, is also looking at taking his first recruiting visit to Columbus in the near future.

February 17

Another elite Texas prospect headed to Columbus for college?

According to Rivals, the possibility is strong with Temple (Texas) Lake Belton wide receiver Micah Hudson. The outlet is framing the early stages of the recruitment as an Ohio State versus Texas battle for the blue-chip pass catcher.

“Ohio State is a school to watch for Hudson because of its success developing receivers but Texas is absolutely a real player along with Texas Tech because he has great relationships with the coaches in Lubbock. There are many others in the mix, too,” Rivals National Recruiting Director Adam Gorney wrote this week.

More than 30 programs have offered Hudson a scholarship to date, with Florida being the latest to jump in this week.

Rivals tabs Hudson as the No. 6 overall recruit in the class of 2024, second among wide receivers — only trailing OSU pledge Jeremiah Smith at the position.

February 15

Add another top target to Ohio State’s growing list of official visitors for the weekend of June 16.

Clearly efforted by Ryan Day’s staff, the weekend will feature considerable talent on the defensive side of the football with the latest being Charles Lester III. The Sarasota (Fla.) Riverview star has no other official visits scheduled.

The 247Sports report confirms Lester’s plans to make the initial trip within his top five, at least in an official capacity. Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Florida State and Clemson are also in the mix for the talented two-way player most project at cornerback.

The trip is important for all targets, but Lester appears to be considered a tough pull away from the SEC and ACC footprint, where each of his other top schools are located. It places added emphasis on the official visit he will take to Columbus, especially with no clear timeline for a verbal commitment as of this morning.

February 13

The Buckeyes are expected to receive an official visit from 4-star cornerback Miles Lockhart, who told On3 that he plans to make all five of his officials this spring.

Lockhart had recently narrowed his choices to Ohio State, Washington, Oregon, Utah and Northwestern.

“I have visited each school on my list at least twice outside of Washington,” Lockhart told On3. “I plan to take official visits to all five and I would love to get as many as I can in April. Being committing before my senior year, probably by June, if what I want to do. I know I will be committed before my senior year.”

February 13

The Buckeyes have made the top-7 for four-star cornerback, Ify Obidegwu.

Alabama, Michigan, Tennessee, USC, Oregon, and Maryland were also listed as finalists for the St. Frances Academy (Baltimore, MD) product.

February 13

Another Buckeye target from the state of Georgia has trimmed his list, with OSU in good shape thereafter.

Kylan Fox, the blue-chip tight end and defensive end prospect from Loganville (Ga.) Grayson High School, announced his top programs on Sunday via Instagram. Ohio State made the cut along with blue bloods like Georgia, Alabama and many others.

OSU was the only Big Ten program to get the nod for Fox, who has taken multiple trips to Columbus to date. He was most recently at Colorado, Florida and Florida State over the last month or so.

Fox, who is down to a top 15 despite nearly 60 scholarship offers, is ranked as an athlete and top 100 overall recruit in the class of 2024 by 247Sports.

February 12

One of the nation’s best has set his next trip to Ohio State.

Do-it-all athlete KJ Bolden, the Buford (Ga.) High School five-star safety projection, will make an official visit to Columbus the weekend of June 16. It’s the first trip he has set in an official capacity, per On3.

Bolden, who was in town for the Michigan game in November, has a who’s who offer list and will profile as one of the most sought after players in the entire class of the 2024, has long been a Buckeye target.

The Buckeyes made Bolden’s top 15, released on New Year’s Day. Georgia, Alabama, Clemson, USC, Michigan and others are among the many still after the rising-senior recruit. He was also at OSU’s opener against Notre Dame last September, where he posted his meeting with LeBron James.

February 9

When thinking of Ohio State recruiting success in Texas, household names of Buckeye greats come to mind.

The current coaching staff has plenty of resources in the Lone Star State, and one of its best just trimmed his offer list with OSU in the thick of it.

James Peoples, out of San Antonio (Texas) Veterans Memorial, trimmed more than 20 scholarship offers down to a half-dozen on Thursday. Along with the Bucks, Alabama, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas and TCU made the cut.

Peoples earned his offer from OSU back in October, but also spent time in Columbus last offseason camping for Tony Alford and company. As a junior, he ran for nearly 2,000 yards and scored 28 touchdowns on the ground.

February 7

One of the nation’s hottest offensive line recruits will return to Columbus in one month’s time.

Andrew Dennis, the Mount Pleasant (Mich.) High School offensive line recruit, has been busy on the visit trail and he will be back in Columbus next month. He announced the plans to return to OSU over the weekend via social media.

Dennis plans on graduating from MPHS in December, setting the track to enroll at his college of choice in January. Ahead of that, he will navigate a recruiting process including more than one dozen FBS scholarship options to date.

Ohio State has hosted the 6-foot-5 prospect on multiple occasions to date, yet a verbal scholarship offer has yet to be extended.

February 4

One of Ohio State’s top quarterback targets will soon be in Columbus.

Prentice ‘Air’ Noland, the Fairburn (Ga.) Langston Hughes state champion quarterback in the class of 2024, has been busy on the visit trail and has more trips in the works moving forward. Per 247Sports, one of the next visits should be to Columbus for a closer look at the Buckeyes.

OSU is searching for its quarterback recruit in the class after Dylan Raiola de-committed from Ryan Day’s program in December. As the Arizona native focuses on Georgia, USC and Nebraska, among others, the Buckeyes have increased efforts towards Noland.

A dual-threat with plenty of size (6-foot-3, 195 pounds) coming off of a banner, undefeated state championship season with gaudy production (4,000-plus passing yards, 55 touchdowns), Noland’s stock has never been higher.

Not only has the Buckeyes’ coaching staff been pushing for Noland as the year turned, but it just signed one of his top passing targets from the state title team in blue-chip tight end Jelani Thurman. The elder LHHS standout is already enrolled for good in Columbus.

Outside of Ohio State, Alabama, Texas A&M and Miami are among the programs most consistently communicating with the rising-senior recruit.

February 2

Ohio State did not sign a running back recruit in the class of 2023 so it’s not hard to see why the position is a priority as the 2024 cycle ramps up.

One of the nation’s best, Jordan Marshall, has trimmed his list and the Buckeyes made his final four. The in-state star from Cincinnati Moeller has Michigan, Wisconsin and Tennessee still in the mix along with the Buckeyes, he confirmed via social media Thursday.

Marshall, who also plays baseball, averaged nearly 11 yards per carry as a junior in 2022 according to MaxPreps. He earned his Buckeye scholarship offer from Ryan Day and Tony Alford after a strong camp performance last summer.

February 1

Jeremiah Smith is the talk of the class of 2024 after his run over the last two months, helping Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna to another state championship and kicking off the offseason circuit with wow plays each time out.

The junior’s role as a Buckeye ambassador will also continue to be a storyline to follow and he doesn’t have to look hard for a primary target in high school and 7-on-7 club teammate Joshisa Trader. “Jojo” worked on both sides of the ball to help win the state crown and he could project on offense or defense at the next level, with OSU of course heavy on his trail.

Smith is helping the cause.

“We talked about going to college together, and he went with Ohio State early,” Trader told Fan Nation’s Brian Smith over the weekend. “I didn’t want to commit early.”

Trader is currently ranked as the No. 1 wide receiver projection in the 2024 class, over Smith, in the ESPN 300.