The Ohio State Buckeyes are making significant strides in their 2025 football recruiting class, with momentum building around several high-profile prospects. Under the leadership of head coach Ryan Day, Ohio State has positioned itself as a national powerhouse in college football recruiting, consistently attracting top-tier talent.
A Strong Start to the 2025 Recruiting Cycle
As of April 2025, Ohio State’s 2025 recruiting class is ranked No. 2 nationally in the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings. This early success is attributed to strategic recruiting efforts and the program’s national appeal. The Buckeyes have secured commitments from several top prospects, including five-star cornerback Devin Sanchez, who is considered one of the top defensive backs in the nation. Additionally, quarterback Tavien St. Clair, a top-20 national prospect, has committed to Ohio State, further solidifying the class’s strength.
Trending for Na’eem Offord: A Five-Star Cornerback
One of the most significant developments in Ohio State’s 2025 recruiting efforts is their strong position to land five-star cornerback Na’eem Offord from Birmingham, Alabama. Offord is ranked as the No. 5 overall prospect and the No. 1 cornerback in the 2025 cycle by the On3 Industry Ranking. The On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM) currently gives Ohio State an 81.6% chance of securing his commitment. Offord has previously visited Ohio State and is expected to return to Columbus soon, indicating a strong relationship between the player and the program. His potential commitment would bolster an already impressive defensive backfield that includes Devin Sanchez and Blake Woodby.
Other Key Targets on the Horizon
In addition to Offord, Ohio State is trending favorably for several other top 2025 prospects:
- Dorian Brew (CB, Conroe, Texas): Brew is a four-star cornerback ranked No. 21 nationally. The On3 RPM gives Ohio State a 98.3% chance of landing Brew, who is scheduled to announce his commitment soon. His addition would further strengthen the Buckeyes’ secondary.
- Byron Louis (RB, Fort Lauderdale, Florida): Louis is a four-star running back ranked No. 197 nationally. Ohio State leads his recruitment with a 90.7% chance according to the On3 RPM. His commitment would add depth to the Buckeyes’ running back corps.
- Justin Hill (EDGE, Cincinnati, Ohio): Hill is a four-star edge rusher ranked No. 165 nationally. Ohio State leads his recruitment with a 92.9% chance according to the On3 RPM. His commitment would enhance the Buckeyes’ pass-rushing capabilities.
- Nate Roberts (TE, Washington, Oklahoma): Roberts is a four-star tight end ranked No. 116 nationally. Ohio State leads his recruitment with a 67.1% chance according to the On3 RPM. His commitment would add a dynamic playmaker to the Buckeyes’ offense.
The Impact of Coaching and Development
A significant factor in Ohio State’s recruiting success is the program’s emphasis on player development, particularly in the secondary. Cornerbacks coach Tim Walton, with over a decade of NFL coaching experience, has been instrumental in attracting top defensive back talent. Prospects like Devin Sanchez and Blake Woodby have cited Walton’s expertise and the program’s track record of developing players for the NFL as key reasons for their interest in Ohio State.
Looking Ahead
With several key targets leaning toward committing, Ohio State is poised to secure one of the top recruiting classes in the 2025 cycle. The potential addition of Na’eem Offord would be a significant milestone, further solidifying the Buckeyes’ status as a national recruiting powerhouse. As the recruiting process continues, Ohio State’s coaching staff will look to maintain momentum and secure commitments from other top prospects to complete a well-rounded and highly competitive class.
