Can Ohio State Football Land Another Top Safety from SEC Country?

As the college football landscape continues to evolve with the ever-growing influence of the transfer portal and national recruiting reach, Ohio State finds itself in a familiar position: targeting elite defensive backs from SEC territory. The Buckeyes, long known for producing NFL-caliber safeties, are once again attempting to lure talent from the heart of SEC country—a recruiting move that has become increasingly necessary in a modern era where defensive versatility and back-end strength define championship-caliber teams.

Ohio State’s defensive success in recent years has been built around dynamic safety play, from the days of Malik Hooker to more recent contributors like Jordan Fuller, Josh Proctor, and Lathan Ransom. Their ability to recruit, develop, and deploy hybrid safeties who can play both downhill in run support and deep in coverage has become a hallmark of their defensive identity. But the Buckeyes also know that, to compete consistently with the likes of Georgia, Alabama, and LSU—not only in bowl games but also in the recruiting race—they have to dip into SEC territory and bring top-tier talent back north to Columbus.

That’s where this current pursuit comes into focus. With multiple names surfacing on Ohio State’s radar, including highly-touted high school recruits and portal prospects alike, the question isn’t just “Can Ohio State land another safety from SEC country?” It’s whether they must do so in order to sustain their aspirations of returning to the College Football Playoff and winning a national title. The Buckeyes’ staff knows the stakes—and the importance of targeting players already hardened by SEC competition or cultivated in regions where SEC dominance is the standard.

The appeal of the SEC is real and tangible for any young defensive player. It’s the league with the most NFL Draft picks annually, the most national championships of the past decade, and the most competitive atmospheres week in and week out. For Ohio State to crack that code again and again, especially in a transfer-portal era where relationships and playing time matter as much as logos and brands, they must offer not only a winning program but also a clear vision. Fortunately for the Buckeyes, they now have both.

Under defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, Ohio State has made strides in implementing a more complex, NFL-style scheme. The defense’s marked improvement in 2023 and continued success into 2024 has caught the attention of top defenders nationwide. Knowles’ use of the “adjuster” and “bandit” positions—two hybrid safety roles that allow players to showcase range, instincts, and physicality—has made Ohio State an attractive destination for safeties who want to play multiple roles, show off their versatility, and boost their draft stock.

The Buckeyes also benefit from their proven track record in development and exposure. Players like Ronnie Hickman and Tanner McCalister parlayed strong careers at Ohio State into NFL interest, and the emergence of true freshman Caleb Downs—ironically, an Alabama transfer—only underscores how attractive Ohio State has become to elite safeties from the SEC region. Downs’ decision to leave Tuscaloosa for Columbus was a seismic statement in the college football world, showcasing Ohio State’s ability to not only recruit in SEC country but actually pull players away from SEC blue bloods.

That precedent matters.

It opens doors for more conversations with elite recruits and transfer prospects who might once have viewed the Big Ten as a step down in competition. With USC and UCLA entering the fold and a new-look Big Ten on the horizon, the conference’s profile is growing—and Ohio State is still its flagship brand. For a safety prospect from Georgia, Alabama, or Florida, the idea of heading north doesn’t seem so foreign anymore when you consider the chance to play under bright lights in The Shoe, in front of 100,000 fans, and on national television nearly every week.

One of the names being closely watched in this cycle is four-star safety Jaedon Harmon out of Georgia. Harmon has received offers from multiple SEC powers, including Auburn and South Carolina, but Ohio State has quietly built a strong relationship through area recruiters and defensive staff. Harmon, known for his hard-hitting style and elite closing speed, would be an ideal fit in Knowles’ scheme as a bandit or adjuster. His high football IQ and aggressive instincts make him one of the most coveted safeties in the South, and the Buckeyes’ push for him will say a lot about how serious they are about breaking into the SEC’s recruiting stronghold.

Another prospect drawing interest is Louisiana native Kentrell Riggins, a three-star safety whose upside far exceeds his ranking. Riggins has been lighting up camps in the South, and while LSU and Ole Miss have been mainstays in his recruitment, Ohio State has made inroads thanks to an early offer and a clear path to early playing time. Riggins has spoken highly of Ohio State’s staff and seems intrigued by the idea of forging his own path in Columbus rather than following the traditional SEC route.

Of course, recruiting in SEC country isn’t without challenges. Distance, family ties, and regional pride play big roles. The Buckeyes must often battle the perception that northern schools don’t offer the same intensity or exposure as the SEC—a narrative that continues to shift with Ohio State’s sustained success and national footprint. NIL deals also play a critical role now, and while Ohio State has a competitive collective structure, some SEC programs are known for being aggressive in that department.

Still, the Buckeyes have built a strong enough brand to be in the fight for almost any player in the country, including elite safeties from SEC country. Their message is clear: come to Columbus, get developed, compete for titles, and head to the NFL prepared. It’s a formula that has worked for players across all positions and backgrounds, and it’s one that resonates with competitors who want to be challenged.

Additionally, there’s a cultural shift happening with Ohio State’s roster that could help with southern recruiting. With more players from the South joining the team, the Buckeyes can now lean on peer recruitment more than ever. Southern prospects can talk directly to players who made the move and see how they’re thriving in Columbus. Caleb Downs’ presence alone may open the door to further connections in Georgia and Alabama, and that peer-to-peer trust often carries more weight than any coach’s pitch.

It’s also worth noting that Ohio State’s safety room is poised for change after the 2025 season. With Downs likely to be a top NFL Draft pick if he declares, and others nearing the end of their eligibility, there’s a clear opportunity for new blood to come in and make an immediate impact. For any safety in the South looking to contribute early on a national stage, that’s as attractive as it gets.

In the end, the answer to the question—Can Ohio State land another safety from SEC country?—comes down to a convergence of ambition, opportunity, and relationships. The Buckeyes have shown that they’re willing to recruit aggressively in SEC territory, and they now have a track record that proves they can succeed when they do. While geography and loyalty to SEC programs will always be factors, Ohio State’s national brand, elite development pipeline, and defensive identity give them a legitimate shot to pull off another big-time safety commitment from the South.

They don’t just want to land another safety from SEC country—they need to. And if recent trends are any indication, they just might do it again.