2028 QB Champ Monds Impresses at Ohio State 7-on-7 Tournament, Akih and Henderson Set for Buckeyes Camp Tuesday Visit

The recruiting landscape is always evolving, and for top-tier programs like Ohio State, the process often begins long before players reach their junior or senior years of high school. That was evident over the weekend at the Buckeyes’ second 7-on-7 tournament of the summer, where some of the nation’s most intriguing young talent put their skills on display.

Among the standout performers was 2028 quarterback Champ Monds, a name rapidly gaining steam in national recruiting circles. Although just beginning his high school career, Monds already looks like a polished passer well beyond his years. His poise, arm strength, and leadership stood out throughout the event, earning him praise from spectators and Ohio State staff alike.

The event, held on campus in Columbus, showcased dozens of teams from across the region, giving OSU coaches and analysts a close-up look at some of the nation’s next wave of elite talent. For Monds, the weekend was not only a chance to perform, but to make a statement — and he delivered.

Playing for a Georgia-based team that traveled north to compete, Monds turned heads with his crisp decision-making, efficient delivery, and the quiet confidence of someone who knows he belongs. It’s easy to see why some analysts have already begun floating his name as a future national recruit. Though 2028 is still a distant class in the eyes of many programs, the Buckeyes are always seeking to get ahead of the curve, and Monds gave them every reason to circle his name in red ink.

Recruiting services have only just started to recognize Monds on a national level, but his rise feels inevitable. His frame, mechanics, and ability to command an offense — even against older competition — all suggest a high ceiling. More importantly, he appears to possess the intangibles college coaches covet: leadership, composure, and the will to compete.

While Monds was the headliner from a future class, the Buckeyes have a busy week ahead with multiple key camp visitors scheduled to arrive in Columbus. Among them are 2026 defensive lineman Favour Akih and 2027 athlete Kaden Henderson, both of whom will participate in Tuesday’s OSU prospect camp.

Akih, a rising junior from Baltimore, is already gaining traction as one of the top defensive line prospects in the Mid-Atlantic. His length, explosiveness, and ability to shed blockers have made him a disruptive force in the trenches, and he’s quickly becoming a target for Power Five programs.

His visit to Columbus comes at a crucial time in his recruitment. While schools like Maryland, Penn State, and Michigan have been involved, a strong showing at Ohio State’s camp could elevate the Buckeyes into serious contention. Akih brings a motor that doesn’t quit and plays with a chip on his shoulder — something OSU’s defensive staff, led by Larry Johnson, is known to love in prospects.

Ohio State’s long-standing reputation for developing defensive linemen into NFL-ready stars has made it a popular destination for players at Akih’s position. With names like Chase Young, Nick Bosa, and Tyquan Lewis as proof points, the Buckeyes have a clear track record of turning elite traits into elite production. A good performance on Tuesday could prompt OSU to take the next step with Akih, either through a more in-depth evaluation or even a potential offer.

Meanwhile, Kaden Henderson, a versatile athlete from Indiana, will also be on campus Tuesday, looking to solidify his place among the region’s rising stars. Henderson, a member of the 2027 class, plays both wide receiver and defensive back, showcasing speed, agility, and strong football instincts on both sides of the ball.

He’s already drawing comparisons to recent Big Ten standouts because of his fluidity and quick-twitch athleticism. Whether he projects as a wideout or corner at the next level remains to be seen, but Tuesday’s camp will give Ohio State’s coaches the opportunity to see him work in person — and perhaps determine where he fits best.

For Henderson, the camp is about more than just showcasing athletic ability — it’s about building relationships with OSU staff and proving that he belongs in the upper tier of his class. A solid performance could open doors and accelerate his recruitment, especially if the Buckeyes decide he’s worth further evaluation in the fall.

This week’s activity is part of a broader summer recruiting push for Ohio State. With official visits ongoing and summer camps in full swing, the Buckeyes are working around the clock to identify future stars while locking in current targets. While much of the national attention is focused on the 2025 and 2026 classes, OSU continues to do its homework on younger talent as well.

Events like the 7-on-7 tournament give the program a unique chance to scout multiple positions in a competitive setting. Quarterbacks like Monds get to show how they handle pressure, read defenses, and lead their teams. Defensive backs and wide receivers are put on islands and forced to win matchups play after play. It’s a proving ground for young talent, and it’s where early recruiting impressions are often formed.

The Buckeyes’ presence at these events isn’t just about evaluation — it’s also about creating a culture and maintaining Ohio State’s brand as a top destination for elite talent. Players leave Columbus not only having competed at a high level, but also having seen what OSU is all about: elite facilities, a staff with deep NFL experience, and a fanbase that lives and breathes football.

As for Champ Monds, his name is one fans should get used to hearing. He may only be entering high school, but his ability is already drawing legitimate interest, and his performance in Columbus could be the beginning of a very long recruiting saga. While it’s far too early to predict where he’ll end up, one thing is clear — Ohio State saw something in him this weekend, and the feeling may very well be mutual.

In a sport where quarterbacks often drive the narrative, Monds is the type of player who could one day command that spotlight. And if the Buckeyes remain involved early and often, they’ll give themselves a strong chance to be in the picture when it counts most.

Meanwhile, Tuesday’s camp will serve as a valuable touchpoint for prospects like Akih and Henderson. As OSU continues to evaluate and offer based on in-person performances, these types of summer camps remain critical for both players and coaches. Akih’s physical tools are impossible to ignore, and Henderson’s versatility will undoubtedly appeal to a staff that values athletes who can contribute in multiple ways.

The next few days in Columbus may not result in immediate commitments or headlines, but for those in the building — and the players grinding through reps in the June heat — it’s all part of the bigger picture. The foundations of future rosters are being laid right now, brick by brick, rep by rep.

Whether it’s a rising star quarterback from Georgia, a disruptive edge from Maryland, or a do-it-all athlete from Indiana, Ohio State is doing what it always does — identifying the best, evaluating in person, and setting the tone early in the recruiting process.

This is the Hurry-Up — and the Buckeyes aren’t slowing down any time soon.